INDUSTRY ENTITLED TO KNOW THE REASON FOR ‘Q’ COST BLOW-OUT

TO all of those who are asking us to explain the tens of millions of dollars cost blowout on establishing the new Q greyhound complex, the answer is simple.

Call Steve Wilson or Jason Scott the Chairman and CEO of Racing Queensland – surely the should have explained it to stakeholders of all three codes of the industry.

No-one is questioning the need for this world class greyhound facility in south-east Queensland but when the cost blows out to reported $90mn and leaves the control body with a $30mn black hole, an explanation is needed.

When you consider the tens of millions wasted on getting new tracks at Eagle Farm and the Gold Coast right for racing after the balls-up with their original construction, it would be unfair to suggest more tens of millions shouldn’t ‘go to the dogs’.

Greyhound racing has been the success story of the three codes in recent years with turnover increasing while harness has dropped alarmingly due to a lack of policing of bread and butter races that the punters have declared ‘red hot’ and aren’t prepared to bet on.

The gallops are under siege with sportsbetting now attracting an estimated 60 per cent of the turnover compared to its 40 per cent. Thoroughbred racing in Queensland is being left behind while NSW rises to unprecedented prizemoney levels and Victoria is hot on their heels.

 

PERHAPS TTC SHOULD EMPLOY EX-CHAIR ‘KOK’ AS A CONSULTANT

THE Townsville Turf Club is copping the brunt of some membership anger after posting close to a $1 million loss for the last financial year.

Directors promised this week’s AGM of the club that they had taken steps to right the ship with many members believing the problems have been caused by the club’s controversial decision (about 18 months ago) to make most of its track and facility maintenance team redundant and to replace them with contractors.

This decision apparently resulted in employment costs ballooning from $500,000 a year to $2mn in the space of less than 24 months, putting huge pressure on an already cash-strapped budget and casting the club into a diabolically deep red hole.

A long-time and highly respected stakeholder sent this email to LGHR:

‘ONE of the main problems at the TTC is the amount of ‘staff’ in the office.

In the (Chairman Kevin) O’Keefe era there were three people in the office and the club ran like clockwork. Nowadays I’d have a guess and say 10-plus people are in the office, all are a ‘manager of something’ and still no one can answer a phone ringing.

Cut that back to three people who are good at their job and the financial problem is fixed.’

 

VETERAN TRAINER PAT DUFF BATTLING SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES

LGHR has learnt that one of Queensland’s veteran trainers Pat Duff is fighting a serious health battle.

Our mail is that Pat was transferred from hospital to a nursing home where he contracted COVID and is now in a serious condition back in hospital.

Duff, one of Queensland’s leading trainers in his heyday, has been involved in racing for close to 60 years. Now in his 80’s, Duff was in recent times inducted into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame.

 

WALLER DOESN’T SEEM TO WANT TO RACE HIS BEST IN HONG KONG

IT would have to be the blockbuster clash of the decade between Cox Plate winners Via Sistina and Romantic Warrior.

Those who thought it might happen in Hong Kong were quickly disappointed when connections decided not to press forward to a Melbourne Cup or International Day start with the brilliant Via Sistina.

Even James Macdonald won’t be drawn into declaring one better than the other – for obvious reasons, he doesn’t want to upset either camp he is riding for.

We suspect Via Sistina would prove too strong for Romantic Warrior after her unbelievable effort in record time in the Cox Plate.

Just the same it’s a pity that Chris Waller doesn’t seem to want to campaign his stars in Hong Kong despite some of their owners being based there.

Perhaps he’s adopting the attitude that the prizemoney is so good in Australia if the best of the world want to take his horses on they can do it on home turf Down Under.

 

MARK LATHAM IN PARLIAMENT ‘PROTECTING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO WORSHIP THE ALTAR OF RACING NSW CEO PETER V’LANDYS’ 

BELOW are excerpts from a recent speech made (under privilege) by MARK LATHAM during the Thoroughbred Racing Amendment Bill in the NSW Parliament.

LGHR is not suggesting what Mr Latham had to say is right or wrong but we publish the following on the basis of interest to those involved in or who follow the racing industry in NSW, largely because major sections of the mainstream media have ignored it:

LATHAM: ‘Before question time I was pointing out that the key whistleblower at the Rosehill Select Committee hearings has provided sworn evidence of NSW and Commonwealth laws being broken.

‘The whistleblower has released me from any confidentiality provisions and the restriction of being a participating member on the select committee. He has bravely taken the risk of retribution from Racing NSW. He wants the truth to be known. He wants the lawbreakers to be brought to justice. He wants to break the media and political protection racket and use the policing and integrity agencies of Government to clean up Racing NSW. He wants me to report to the House four serious breaches of the law, each of them justifying the provisions in the Bill.

‘First, during the COVID period Racing NSW fraudulently claimed JobKeeper payments it knew it was not entitled to. Graeme Hinton, the Chief Operating Officer, told the accountants Peter V’landys wanted to claim JobKeeper and they should work out a way of doing it. Racing NSW was ineligible because thoroughbred racing continued during COVID. People were locked in their homes, on-line gambling increased and Racing NSW’s revenue rose.

‘Racing NSW received $500,000 a month in JobKeeper over six months, a total of $3mn in Commonwealth emergency payments, to which it was not entitled. The money was hidden in its accounts, apparently recovered in the salary expenditure account as a credit. Even more brazenly, the CEO used the money to pay each of his managers a COVID bonus of $5,000.

‘Second, Racing NSW withheld financial payments to a number of race clubs so that they too could falsely claim JobKeeper. The accounts were rorted to make it look like their revenue was down. This is an even worse crime, conspiring with others to defraud the Commonwealth. I urge the authorities to investigate and prosecute those involved.

‘Third in this list of illegalities, Racing NSW cheats on its Fringe Benefits Tx. It provides a huge amount of free hospitality to its staff on race days, especially the big ones at Randwick, but never declares this FBT. These events are worth up to $1,000 per head. Not only should the ATO audit the Racing NSW finances, we clearly need the NSW Auditor-General on the job, as proposed in the Bill.

‘Finally, Racing NSW has consistently broken another NSW law, the Workplace Surveillance Act. Under oath on 9 August at the Rosehill committee the CEO was asked if his organization surveilled the staff through CCTV cameras and the monitoring of web traffic. He said this was ‘absolute rubbish’. Racing NSW has a formal policy – of which it never informs it staff – that the surveillance will be ‘continuous and on-going’. The policy concludes: ‘Accordingly, employees should have the expectation of electronic media privacy.’ The Workplace Surveillance Act, short of a magistrate’s order, deemed surveillance of staff to be illegal unless there is a prior notification and a clear outline of what the surveillance involves. This never happens at Racing NSW.

‘How long can these illegalities go on? How long can the Minns Government and this Parliament allow Racing NSW to operate as a rogue regulator with some kind of weird dictatorship where in V’landys-land they see themselves as answerable to absolutely no-one. The Racing NSW Board has been wilfully blind to the illegal behavior and mismanagement of its senior officials. The Chair, Saranne Cooke, is a racing novice famously asking breeders in the Hunter Valley when their stallions are going back to race. She told the Select Committee the proposal was for the Minns Government to buy Rosehill racecourse. We might say she is clueless, but she is worse than that. She is a V’landys acolyte who signs any letter, any excuse, any falsehood they put in front of her in Druitt Street.

‘Under the current Act, Racing NSW has an Integrity Assurance Committee, but it rarely meets and obviously has done nothing about the integrity breaches well known to Racing NSW staff. The committee is headed by another V’landys man, Troy Grant, known in racing circles for his attempt to destroy a racing code. Troy Grant, who – surprise, surprise – is also the well-travelled Chair of what they call the International Rugby League. There is no limit to the protection and patronage network around the CEO at Racing NSW. If the Parliament does not act, the abuses will simply continue and more and more racing participants will suffer.

‘I used to enjoy the races as a carefree escape from politics. Now politics has followed me to the track listening to the crushing stories of how so many people have had the job of racing drained from them because they stood up for themselves, expressed a differing opinion and refused to worship at the altar of Peter V’landys, like the Warwick Farm trainer who was told by Racing NSW they would no longer take acceptances for his horses – that is, running him out of business – simply because he had a disagreement with the stewards over the time of COVID protocols, like the Rosehill trainer done in because he was a critical voice on the Trainers’ Association Board, like the country race club threatened with deregistration because some of its officials disagreed on social media about the abandonment of one of its meetings, like the racing website refused media access in Sydney because they have an opinion that Rosehill Racecourse should not be sold.

‘There are other improprieties at Racing NSW, such as the CEO interfering in race-day nominations, integrity matters and stewards’ inquiries. In integrity matters, selected trainers have a direct line to the CEO to call off inspections and waer down penalties, while others ae left to hang.

‘Recently Vin Cox has shown he has a Midas touch in racing, with famous winners like Via Sistina and TreasuretheMoment in the Yulong colors. When he was a Godolphin, Vin Cox had to fight off attempt by Peter V’landys to pressure him into running his champion horse Anamoe in the 2022 Golden Eagle at Rosehill instead of the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. That was an extraordinary interference in the determination of race day fields. It is not or the regulator to manipulate race fields and outcomes. Vin Cox has said that he wants me to bring this matter to the House. He also mentioned a similar matter with his other great horse Bivouac.

‘The number of people in the media who have been bought off is phenomenal, and the CEO has openly admitted that is his strategy. You would think, in terms of journalistic ethics, that if someone says they are buying influence from you – but not Ben English and Bevan Shields, the Editors of The Daily Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald. They were once again in the Directors’ Rom at Roya,. Randwick for The Everest, completely undeclared and apparently unbothered by the malevolent intent of their host.

‘The passage of this Bill can help end the corruption, cronyism and abuse of regulatory power at Racing NSW. We should not allow the corruption at Druitt Street to spread to Macquarie Street by caving in to the media protection racked around Peter V’landys. The sworn evidence is in. The documents speak for themselves. The whistleblowers have courageously come forward. They do not want this Parliament to let them down.’

 

 

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY SIDE OF RACING IN QUEENSLAND

AS a new year approaches we felt it was an appropriate time for an update on the good, the bad and the ugly side of racing in Queensland.

Listen to or read the ‘spin doctors’ in the mainstream media, who will soon go into over-drive promoting the Magic Millions, and everything is ‘hunky-dory’ in the industry when in actual fact it is far from it.

Racing Queensland has to confront a $30 million ‘red hole’ which those close to the coalface say has been created by a blow-out in costs to $90 million for the new Q Greyhound Complex.

If the new LNP Government isn’t prepared to provide additional millions to what the industry already receives from the Point Of Consumption Tax, there are going to be cuts and the mail is strong that could mean the planned closure of several country clubs.

That was how Labor planned to deal with the problem but the LNP is arguably a far greater supporter of country and bush racing meaning it might not happen. So where are the extra funds going to come from?

And if this isn’t a big enough headache for the new Government and Racing Minister Tim Mander dramas involving perceived Racing Queensland favoritism of the Brisbane Racing Club, the Gold Coast Turf Club and the Albion Park Harness Racing Club are reaching boiling point among stakeholders and clubs battling to survive outside the south-east corner.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: LGHR makes no accusations of impropriety in the paragraphs that follow but publishes this information in the interests of the racing public and because the mainstream racing media refuses to do their job and provide information on a topic that is being widely discussed by the industry.)

For starters the buck-passing has to stop. Those battling for transparency and answers to questions asked at the annual meeting of the BRC are angry that one RQ Board Member told them to take their complaints to the Crime And Misconduct Commission while another suggested the two parties at the centre of the controversy become ‘whistleblowers’.

The campaign for answers, led by Member Wally Gleeson, whose son Simon was a former director of the BRC, isn’t about to go away despite his belief that the RQ Board should be addressing the issue and if it feels there is sufficient evidence then perhaps order a forensic audit.

Here’s an example of the road blocks being placed in his path to get some answers:

Wally sought a copy of the draft minutes of the AGM and received this reply from the Company Secretary:

Re: minutes to Members

Minutes of the 2024 AGM will not become available to Members until they are confirmed as correct at the 2025 AGM.

Notices of meetings require a minimum of 21 days’ notice; and we publish the Draft AGM minutes from the previous year when providing that notice of meeting.

Hope that clarifies things around minutes and notices.

I am happy to discuss this matter with you if the process requires further clarification.

Those at the forefront of this ugly dispute (the numbers are growing daily) with the BRC, or more specifically Directors headed by Chairman Neville Bell, who own luxury apartments in the complex built by the club, feared that complaints to Grace Grace (had she remained the Racing Minister) would have fallen on deaf ears.

RQ CEO Jason Scott has unfortunately been caught in the crossfire with critics questioning his ‘closeness’ to the BRC, not only on the AGM issue (he was in attendance at the meeting and invited those with legitimate gripes to come forward) but also his handling of other issues, like the planned de-registration of Amateur Clubs throughout the State and the revival of The Archer in Rockhampton which officials say he was in favor of, then against, then in favor of again.

Perhaps a meeting some months ago between Scott and Racing Minister Grace might explain his attitude of going from the front-foot to reverse gear on contentious issues. RQ insiders tell us that Grace instructed Scott not to get involved in or comment on any controversy leading up to the election. Heaven forbid Amazing Grace, he’s the CEO not a ‘political stooge’.  

Regardless of what Wilson (who is destined to be booted from the Board by the new Government), Scott (who is sadly said to be looking for work opportunities in Asia) or Quirk (the only one worth feeding on the Board and likely new Chairman) want done about the BRC AGM issue, it is not going away.

A report by Des Houghton in Saturday’s The Courier-Mail did, however, do nothing to boost the confidence of those seeking action or answers through the Crime And Misconduct Commission.

Houghton posed the questions:

WHAT dirty secrets are buried in the Queensland Public Service and our Government-owned corporations? What crimes?

After a decade of ALP Governments, the list of allegations is a long one. Professional misconduct. Inappropriate sexual relationships. Falsifying evidence to be used in court cases. Bullying. Cronyism. Favouritism. Discrimination. Assault with a weapon. Assault without a weapon. Dishonesty in claiming employee entitlements. Theft of public property or funds. The unauthorised use of public property or funds including government resources such as work time, equipment or facilities.

It is known that a number of workers who blew the whistle on alleged corrupt conduct remain suspended on full pay, with their cases still in limbo more than a year later.

Some of this information is contained in the annual report of the Crime and Corruption Commission. It shows there was a massive jump in corruption allegations inside the public service and some unidentified government-owned corporations.

Many allegations are buried in the fine print and obscure tables. Regrettably they remain unexplained.

That is unacceptable in my view.

There were 5139 complaints of “serious and systematic” corruption.

I was shocked to see the CCC fully investigated only 43 of them.

I was even more shocked to see only one person had been charged.

That’s right. Of 5139 complaints, only one scalp.

As one of those originally keen to involve the CMC told LGHR: ‘What The Courier-Mail reported is hardly a ring of confidence for anyone hopeful of getting some justice.’

That is why they are now relying on new Racing Minister Mander and the LNP Government who have a widespread Independent Review planned for the three codes of racing in Queensland. Such is the volume of complaints being received that this needs to either become another Commission of Inquiry into Racing or the Terms of Reference need to be broadened to allow ‘Whistleblowers’ to provide evidence with a guarantee of indemnification.

Let’s take a closer look at the three codes and what the future holds:

GREYHOUND RACING

IN June 2023, The Q was officially revealed as the world class new home for greyhound racing in south-east Queensland at Purga, just outside Ipswich.

It had been a long-time coming with the Beenleigh track closed in 2003 then the Gold Coast Parklands in 2008 (to make way for a new Hospital) which prompted the Queensland Government to offer up $10 million as compensation toward a new greyhound track.

Border Park which was officially a New South Wales track located on the Queensland border at Tweed Heads but highly-utilised by Sunshine State trainers closed in 2016.

In a world-first, The Q will see three tracks situated on the one complex, named Q1 Lakeside, Q2 Parklands and Q Straight. It was originally earmarked for opening in August 2024 with funding, as LGHR understands it, coming from the Racing Infrastructure Fund (over $44mn and the $10mn compensation for Parklands.

LGHR understands the cost of constructing The Q (its opening is now due for early in the New Year) has now blown out to $90mn which means RQ has to find the difference. That has seen the Control Body’s finances plummet to at least $30mn into the red. Just where that will come from – if the new Government doesn’t kick in – remains a mystery.

 

HARNESS RACING

WITHOUT the help of Kevin and Kay Seymour this code would have hit rock bottom long ago. The good news, we are told from insiders, involves a joint project involving RQ and the Seymour’s.

In a joint private enterprise project, Albion Park would be redeveloped as a major harness venue in association with a multi-million dollar business and residential complex.

Kevin Seymour has always harboured the dream of this project becoming a reality. Whilst it would have benefits investment-wise for his company, the return to harness racing each year from the complex is estimated at between $1mn and $3mn.

Whilst this appears a win-win situation for the code, something has to be done to better police what is happening on the track. Punters, those who are left, claim the bread and butter races are ‘red hot’ and that the current Chief Steward needs to be told to do something about it or get punted. Albion Park racing is known to be under the microscope of the new team at QRIC.

The other urgent issue that needs to be dealt with is Scott Steele as CEO after the completion of his court hearings. There is a general consensus of opinion that, regardless of the outcome of charges laid against him, it isn’t a ‘good look’ for him to resume the role. Another legal minefield awaits RQ on this issue.

 

THE GALLOPS

WHILST greyhound racing is more than holding its own where betting turnover is concerned the ‘red hots’ are a major worry and there are alarming signs for the gallops.

Sports betting has emerged as a major rival – as have the pokies. Latest percentages suggest that racing attracts 40 per cent of punters’ interest while sports-betting has risen to 60 per cent. Pokies aren’t included in the equation but for some reason these have enjoyed a resurgence.

The major questions being asked in gallops circles is what can be done to make the industry more financially viable and ensure prizemoney doesn’t drop.

Those outside the south-east corner believe clubs like the BRC and Gold Coast are looked after too much by Racing Queensland at the expense of big and small clubs in the country and bush.

Critics are quick to highlight the millions spent on the Eagle Farm and Gold Coast tracks because of problems involved in redevelopment projects. Eagle Farm is back on track. The upcoming Magic Millions Carnival will determine how successful almost a year of work has been on the new track at the Gold Coast since it resembled the Birdsville dust bowl on a good day.

It’s an age-old problem but there are too many race clubs in Queensland. Has the cull started – under Labor – with the Amateurs being threatened with deregistration and where does the popular Tattersall’s Club stand where that is concerned?

One can’t imagine the LNP carving up race clubs in the bush. RQ recently advised the Nanango Race Club that it will not be hosting three race meetings in February, April and May. They blamed this on administrative failures and disciplinary reasons (there must be a good story behind that).

Perhaps a solution to the problem could rest with minor clubs racing under their banner at nearby major provincial tracks. For example: Charters Towers (where we understand questions need to be asked about recent RQ spending), Ingham and Home Hill could race at Townsville and the same apply to other venues near Cairns, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. What happens to those training their horses at these bush venues? Why not ask the local Councils to keep those tracks maintained – it would need to be to a safe standard but not the same that applies to race venues under Workplace Health and Safety rules?

Another solution suggested by a veteran official of a major club in the country makes good sense to us:

‘The BRC has submitted an application for a major redevelopment of the ageing John Power Stand at Eagle Farm, replacing it with a four-storey facility dubbed ‘The Terraces. This would cost tens of millions – and apparently the former Racing Minister was looking at funding it – but while clubs outside the south-east corner struggle to survive, the LNP couldn’t possibly ask the industry or taxpayers to pay for this. Why shouldn’t the BRC finance it out of profits from their luxury apartment complex?

The Magic Millions Carnival will soon be upon us and all the propaganda about how much it brings to Queensland in tourist dollars will be stuffed down our throat again. The truth is the biggest beneficiary is one of Australia’s richest men. Considering how much industry money, not to mention sustaining payments, is ploughed into this popular carnival, it would be interesting to know the cost to Magic Millions. Perhaps as a show of goodwill Mr Harvey might like to make a one-off multi-million dollar contribution to the racing industry in Queensland (in its time of need) where he is allowed to run the richest race day in the state – a private enterprise venture for graduates of his sales which has to border on a restriction of trade.’  

 

DIRECTORS FACE GRILLING OVER FINANCIAL SITUATION OF TTC

THE stories emanating from North Queensland about the financial plight of the Townsville Turf Club paint a grim picture with directors certain to face a grilling when the annual general meeting is held today (Tuesday).

Long-time members have accused the club of providing smokes and mirrors in the Chairman’s & Treasurer’s Report and are determined to get some answers when question time arrives.

Here are the two sides of the story:

We start with excerpts from the annual report of Chairman Geoff Weeks:

2024 marks 150 years of racing history in Townsville.

Thoroughbred racing contributes more than $55mn per annum to the local economy as well as Townsville trainers who spend $4.7mn in the community each year.

The club supports more than 570 full-time jobs. More than 35,000 pass through the club’s gates annually.

Once again the club struggles to meet operational expenses required for continued success. This year we will show an operational profit of $138,000. However, I draw the Members’ attention to the balance sheet where our concerns lie with a negative result.

The industry is witnessing decreases in wagering revenue, coupled with idling subsidies, are having an impact on the club’s funding. To this end the Committee has taken on a review of all contracts and work by suppliers, as one avenue of reducing annual expenditure by $600,000 to help satisfy our ‘current ratio’.

We also need to take the lead in driving change and addressing challenges we face by securing additional forms of revenue. We welcome the construction of the 92 on-course stables project to be operational in February 2025.

Here is what the critics are claiming:

The real figure sees the Townsville Turf Club post a million dollar loss for the year which is an extraordinary amount for any club to lose.

They say it’s particularly bad when the TTC has received $10mn for infrastructure upgrade in under a decade and, if reports are correct, is about to receive $10mn more to build on-course stabling.

Archie Butterfly reported recently on his subscriber-only website peterprofit.com:

• That a large part of the $1mn loss was due to the club’s controversial decision about 18 months ago to make most of its track and facility maintenance team redundant, and to replace them with contractors.
• This move has apparently seen employment costs balloon from $500,000 a year to $2mn in the space of less than 24 months, putting huge pressure on an already cash-strapped budget and casting the club into a diabolically deep red hole.
• Peterprofit has been told that the way the club has been managing the inflicted spike in operational costs is by filing the bills in the bottom draw without troubling the book-keeper to pay them first.
• This is said to have resulted in the club being put on the forfeit list for $400,000 owing to the Australian Tax Office, with a confronting pro-rate interest penalty rate of 11.36 per cent for money outstanding on the due date of the bill.
• Being deep in the hole to the taxman is never a good look, especially for a Government funded race club. There is also a story emanating from insiders at Tabcorp suggests cash collected from the on-course tote either, regardless of the miniscule amount it might be then that problem reflects on Racing Queensland.

LGHR doesn’t know what the correct situation is but looking at the Annual Report things need to change dramatically from a financial viewpoint for the TTC to be viable. What we do know is that this wouldn’t have happened in the days when arguably the best chairman the club has seen in Kevin O’Keege was running the show.

 

SUMMER OF DISCONTENT AHEAD AS RQ RIDES SHOTGUN WITH CONTROVERSY OVER HANDLING OF CONTENTIOUS ISSUES

A SUMMER of discontent lies ahead for racing in Queensland with the new LNP Government quickly realizing they have inherited a basket case.

High profile officials can no longer ‘phone a political friend’ ensuring their do-as-they please dictatorial administrative behavior is swept under the carpet.

The New Year Wish List of their long-suffering critics now includes:

• A no-nonsense new Racing Minister who doesn’t play favorites and has been inundated with legitimate gripes from an incredible number of stakeholders.
• Many of those will be hand-passed to the widespread Review of the Three Codes of Racing with the terms of reference set to be expanded to allow ‘whistleblowers’ to voice concerns about Racing Queensland, the Brisbane Racing Club and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.
• More serious matters – some involving a major gallops and harness club – will be referred to the Crime and Misconduct Commission, if they haven’t already been.

Racing Minister Tim Mander has already been made aware of the distrust that many stakeholders – from the city to the bush – have in some of those running Racing Queensland whose lack of support on important contentious issues they believe is proving a road-block to complaints to the CMC.

There are some ‘Nervous Nelly’s’ – and with due cause – at a major gallops club and a leading minor code club with those close to the coalface insisting it’s ‘shit city’ for some high profile officials with Grace Grace no longer there to receive their SOS.

Caught in the crossfire of what is happening is the Racing Queensland Board where the mail is strong that the days are numbered for Chairman Steve Wilson, a Labor appointee and close friend of the former Racing Minister. He looks certain to be replaced by former Liberal Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, which would be a popular appointment in the eyes of the industry. Some say the only one who gets things done at RQ these days is Quirk but insiders claim he is being frustrated in his efforts by Wilson and even CEO Jason Scott.  

Scott, who could do no wrong in his fledgling days in the job (that wasn’t difficult after Brendan Parnell made a mess of things), has been caught in the crossfire. Another Labor appointee, his future in the role is said to be at the crossroads under the new Government after falling out of favor because of his handling of a couple of contention issues – one involving the fallout from the Brisbane Racing Club AGM and the off-again, on again Archer slot race, the richest in regional Queensland – with the decision to close down Amateur Clubs certain to be taken out of the hands of RQ by the new Government.

Questions are being asked – especially by some high profile officials in the country – whether Racing Queensland or the Brisbane Racing Club hierarchy is running the gallops industry in the Sunshine State. Neither Wilson nor Scott has shown sufficient courage to take on the BRC over questions raised at the annual general meeting. In fact the Member who has proved a major thorn in their side, Wally Gleeson, not only feels frustrated in his quest for answers from the BRC but is starting to think that RQ isn’t being as helpful as they should be either. MEMO GUYS: Wally isn't going away.

LGHR understands that the Crime and Misconduct Commission is now aware of certain serious allegations and Racing Minister Mander has received damning information that has placed the new Government under pressure to extend the terms of reference of a widespread Review of the Three Codes (especially the attempted white-washing of a gallops club controversy and the situation involving the CEO role at Albion Park Harness Racing Club) which RQ has been procrastinating over for some unknown reasons.

How much political influence was needed to save The Archer remains uncertain (even though it no longer contains the promised ballot-free entry to The Stradbroke) but prominent Central Queensland officials are secretly expressing their despair at how Jason Scott handled the situation.

One highly-respected stakeholder from a major country club told LGHR: 'In all our dealings with Mr Scott we felt he was more interested in representing what the Brisbane Racing Club wanted than protecting the future of country racing."   

The future of Amateur Clubs seems to remain in limbo with the question being asked behind the scenes whether this is a move really designed to have the powerful Tattersall’s Club deregistered with their main attraction, the Tatt’s Tiara, providing another Group 1 for the BRC.

At a time when the focus should be on the Queensland Summer Carnival and the Magic Millions, there is a danger that controversies and dramas off the track involving some heavy-hitters and major players will steal the spotlight.

And this time, even the weak-kneed mainstream racing media who still seem to be remote controlled by ‘Manuel’, the trusty servant of the BRC, will have little choice but to cover what is happening because it will be major breaking news.

Complaints concerning the failure of certain scribes from the Murdoch Media and a 4TAB Radio presenter have already been forwarded to the Australian Press Council. These focus on whether they are doing their jobs presenting the racing news, protecting the interests of stakeholders and punters or simply ‘sucking up’ to officials at certain clubs.

Interesting times ahead! Standby for PART TWO of THE SUMMER OF DISCONTENT tomorrow.

 

JMAC STICKS NECK OUT OVER TURTLE-NECK LOGO BAN

NOT only is James McDonald the best jockey in the country, he is a man of his word.

DANNY RUSSELL reports for FAIRFAX MEDIA that the super hoop insisted he would make it through to the last meeting of the Melbourne spring carnival with a “Lexus – Sydney City” logo emblazoned on the neck of his race-day skivvy, and sure enough, he did.

But McDonald’s Victorian-based compatriots might not be so lucky in coming weeks when it comes to displaying personal sponsorship on their race-day outfits.

Racing Victoria stewards have written to the Victorian Jockeys’ Association to say they will be clamping down on the practice, which is banned under Rule LR 66.

The Victorian rule stipulates “that, unless otherwise approved by RV directors, a jockey must not display or wear any clothing item showing advertising while riding in a race or during any race meeting”.

The letter went on to say: “Recently stewards have noticed more advertising on rider’s stocks and skivvies has started to creep into circulation.

“We recognise that car companies amongst others sometimes ask your team to promote their product, the issue we face is that the rule regarding advertising, LR66, is clear.”

McDonald, who flew to Hong Kong to ride Romantic Warrior at Sha Tin on Sunday, says he has hit no such roadblocks in New South Wales.

“I am allowed to do it in Sydney, as long as it is not on my silks,” McDonald said.

“They would be pretty rich to stop people doing that when every other sport around the world is allowed sponsorship.

“It is like a restriction of trade. It’s ridiculous. It is generating another sponsorship for our industry in a sport in which sponsorship is declining.”

Racing Victoria said stewards would be taking a pragmatic approach to policing advertising on skivvies.

THOUSAND GUINEAS GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE

MELBOURNE Racing Club is going back to the future. Club chairman John Kanga says the two-year experiment of staging the Thousand Guineas and Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield a week after the Melbourne Cup carnival needs to come to an end.

Kanga says the club needs to return the Group 1 events back to their original timeslots on the racing calendar.

“The previous MRC committee got it wrong and ignored the experts,” Kanga said in a statement.

“All the major breeders and owners agree that the Thousand Guineas is now four weeks too late and needs to go back to Caulfield Cup day so that it attracts the best fillies from the Flight Stakes, leads into the VRC Oaks or Empire Rose Stakes and allows those fillies enough time to spell for the autumn.

“Similarly, the Rupert Clarke Stakes needs to go back to its stand-alone feature day, which includes the Guineas preludes and leads into the Toorak Handicap.”

But Kanga says the MRC still wants to capitalise on its feature race meeting at the back-end of the spring carnival by adopting a joint proposal put forward by the Thoroughbred Racehorses Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria and the Australian Trainers Association.

It would involve staging a $1 million 1200m race for three-year-old fillies, which would upgrade the existing Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes to a Group 1 race, as well as holding a $1 million Group 1 1400m weight-for-age race – by relocating the Orr Stakes from the Autumn.

The proposal would also bolster the mid-November meeting’s support card by moving the Group 2 Sandown Guineas and Group 3 Summoned Stakes back to that day, together with a new $400,000 two-year-old Magic Millions qualifying race.

“It will actually give us a real feature race day with proper destination races and the earlier part of the spring racing carnival at Caulfield will be bolstered and returned to what it was,” Kanga says.

“In my view it is a much better outcome and should be adopted in 2025. The recent positive changes at Racing Victoria will hopefully result in support for that proposal.”

THREE VICTORIAN RACING CODES TAKE GAMBLING HIT

AN alarming drop in wagering turnover has created a flood of disturbing red ink in the annual reports of Victoria’s three racing codes.

Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria lost a combined $58 million in the past financial year.

Racing Victoria announced a $12 million loss last week, with wagering dropping 10.2 per cent to $7.9 billion in the past year. Gambling peaked at $9.1 billion during COVID-19 lockdowns.

 

‘PEOPLE POWER’ SAVES QLD’S RICHEST REGIONAL RACE, THE ARCHER

AFTER five weeks of uncertainty which resulted in speculation and more recently unendorsed supposition, it can finally be revealed that Rockhampton’s signature race, the $1 million The Archer, has been saved.

TONY McMAHON reports for the MORNING BULLETIN that this was announced on November 14 jointly by Rocky Amateurs’ chairman Bill Reid and committee member Tony Fenlon, confirming that Racing Queensland had finally “signed off” on authorising its continuance.

Furthermore, RQ - the governing body of the racing industry in this state - has relicensed the Rocky Amateurs for another three years through to 2027.

Reid and Fenlon said it was a “mighty relief” and a win for what could only be described as People Power.

“Our club, which only races once annually at Callaghan Park under tenancy arrangements and with the Rockhampton Jockey Club, has had overwhelming support from not only the CQ community and racing stakeholders but the industry Australia-wide,” they said.

“Finally, we can call it that The Archer is a certainty, no maybes but a certainty. The Archer will continue.”

It was first reported exclusively by the Rockhampton Bulletin on October 10 that RQ would not relicense from 2026 tenant race clubs such as the Rocky Amateurs, which would bring about the demise of the 2025 The Archer.

At the time, Reid said he was “gutted” and the story brought about an unprecedented storm of protest given the 103-year heritage of the club and the spectacular success of The Archer since its inception in 2022.

Reid and Fenlon were staggered when RQ CEO Jason Scott met with them in Rockhampton on October 4 to advise that “tenant” race clubs would not be relicensed beyond 2025.

That decision, deemed by RQ at the time as a “change in policy’’, meant that The Archer, a slot race where investing slotholders are locked in for some years, was not viable for 2025.

The story played a pivotal role in initiating a storm of protest which included an intense social media campaign by RA committeeperson Warwick Anderson, as well as a petition supporting The Archer which had grown from a $440,000 prize money birth in 2022 to reach $1 million in 2025.

In just three years, it had lured the likes of GROUP 1 winning trainers, Sydney’s Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, to Rockhampton, as well as the Hayes Racing Team from Melbourne to be part of Queensland richest regional race.

As well, the 2024 edition of The Archer ($775k) proved the massive prize money could stay in CQ when locally owned Namazu (Ashley Butler) won for Callaghan Park trainer Ricky Vale.

A bevy of Australia’s most high-profile jockeys have also ridden in The Archer and that is now guaranteed to continue following its RQ endorsement to race on.

Reid said news of the certainty of The Archer is so good he could “shout it from rooftops”.

Now, The Archer, Rockhampton first $1 million, race will be run amid unremitting fanfare at Rockhampton’s Callaghan Park racecourse on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

 

WHY ARE TWO BIG CLUBS KEEN TO SEE DISMANTLING OF QRIC?

INDUSTRY stakeholders are entitled to know the motivation behind two major clubs – one from the gallops and the other from a minor code – wanting to see a dismantling of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.

Why are some officials from those clubs attacking the new Commissioner Catherine Clark and questioning her credentials to do this thankless job she has inherited and is doing very well?

Perhaps the problem started when Murdoch Media racing scribe Ben Dorries asked on the Press Room program on Racing Radio 4TAB if she had the experience in the industry required to do the job.

Had Ben done his homework, he would have learnt that Ms Clark has probably been around racing longer and knows more about it that he does. She was basically born into the sport through the involvement of her family.

In conjunction with Deputy Commissioner Chantal Raine and Assistant Deputy Commissioner Kim Kelly, Ms Clark has already won new industry respect for QRIC.

The major problem they have to overcome is a cost blow-out that reportedly occurred during the era of the last Commissioner Shane Gillard when some claim he ‘head-hunted’ the wrong people and bonuses were paid to others who were seemingly ‘failures’ at their jobs.

 

WHAT PRICE INTEGRITY WHEN MILLIONS SPENT ON TWO TRACKS?

LGHR understands the problem the new LNP Government has with QRIC involves what it is now costing to run. That figure reportedly exploded alarmingly whilst Shane Gillard was Commissioner.

Some might say: What price integrity?

From an industry and punters’ perspective how does what QRIC is costing compare to the millions wasted getting the troubled tracks at Eagle Farm and Gold Coast right?

We have learnt that the new ‘team’ running QRIC are forensically examining the cost structure of the organization from top to bottom.

Considering what it would cost to close QRIC down (millions one would imagine in redundancies), the LNP deserves to give those now running the Integrity body a chance of righting the ship.

There is also the ‘elephant in the room’ and LGHR doesn’t need to remind the new Government of that. There needs to be a separation of powers – the industry cannot afford to venture back to the bad old days when the Board employed the stewards. That led to a lack of independence for those policing the sport which needs to be beyond reproach.

Add to that suggestions the LNP could revert to three individual codes, if they are looking at ‘cost cutting’ that seems a ridiculous idea when so many key jobs are now done under the one umbrella.

 

ISSUES RAISED AT AGM HAVEN’T BEEN SWEPT UNDER CARPET

THOSE who are contacting us wondering what has happened in the wake of that controversial annual general meeting of the Brisbane Racing Club should be aware that contentious issues have by no means been swept under the carpet.

Racing Queensland is under the spotlight at present and pressure is mounting on the control body to take some action to clear the air. Those caught in the crossfire and others firing the bullets are entitled to this.

LGHR understands that the LNP Government is considering adding several contentious issues to the terms of reference for an Independent Inquiry it has planned for the three codes of racing.

These involve:

Getting to the bottom of questions asked at the AGM by Member Wally Gleeson and why some key identities resigned, including his son Simon as a director.

Why the mainstream media, especially the Courier-Mail and Racenet, failed to cover the BRC AGM when it was of public interest to many in the racing industry.

Extending the Independent Inquiry to look at whether the racing media in Queensland is being control by ‘outside interests with a political motivation’ is becoming a reality and there are several people with some damning evidence lining up to provide it.

In the greyhound world questions need to be answered about why there is a major battle behind the scenes involving the merged Brisbane-Ipswich Greyhound Racing Clubs which could have a serious effect on the new Q complex. There are also calls for the future of Capalaba and its financial situation to be investigated.

And in harness racing, apart from a multitude of integrity issues and lack of confidence in the current Stewards’ Panel, questions are being raised about whether Scott Steele should have been re-employed as CEO of Albion Park in view of his recent court appearances.

 

INTEGRITY NIGHTMARE NEEDS SORTING FOR RACING INDUSTRY

PETER MAIR of SYDNEY writes:

‘THE racing industry nationally, and internationally, faces a dilemma after acceptors were declared 'not safe to run' in the Melbourne Cup.

An initial, disturbing, reaction suggested these horses might just race 'somewhere-else'. Perhaps - but hopefully not until cleared to run by the same panel of international experts.  Industry insurers may have a word to say -- 'NO'.

Golden Eagle decisions in Sydney -- 'large' fines and month-long suspensions -- show that the industry is unable to properly deal with careless riding offences.  There was no lingering nonsense this time about where the funds to pay the fines would come from -- the funds will come from 'connections' unduly enriched.  

The (not) large fines were 2% and 1.5% of the $5 million and $2 million rewarding careless tactics. 

An industry policy that invites careless riding might consider substituting exemplary disqualifications to restore respect for safety. 'Winning' connections need to be on the same page as the stewards.

 

‘BROKEN DREAMS ON HOLLOW PROMISES THAT’S RACING QLD’

GREG BLANCHARD from the GOLD COAST makes his regular contribution highlight another case of Queensland missing out on a young rider:

‘IN regional Queensland there is a track rider from overseas who has been told for about  a year he can join our Apprentice School.

He has ridden heaps of jumpouts, rides well and completed his Certificate 3  in trackwork late last year.

The reason he has not been admitted to The Queensland Apprentice School is a shade complicated but needs officialdom to overcome.

What he needs is a subclass Visa 500 and to get that he requires a COE confirmation of enrolment in a course which has  CRICOS (Commonwealth Register Institutions Courses for Overseas Students).

Sadly, Racing Queensland does not have that. The person who has told him this should know that the bottom line is he will be yet another young rider lost to Queensland.

I am trying to get him in to New Zealand.’

 

'HOW MANY OTHER TOP JOCKEYS WOULD HAVE ENJOYED SIMILAR CUP CARNIVAL SUCCESS AS JMAC GIVEN THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES?'

LYLE PIGEON of MELBOURNE, who says he’s old enough to have seen some of the great jockeys in action, poses an interesting question about racing’s latest superstar James McDonald.

‘Let me say at the outset that Jmac is one of the greatest jockeys of all time - no question about that.

For the sake of discussion though, how many other top riders would have been as successful given the opportunities McDonald enjoyed during Melbourne Cup week?

Some might argue he only got those top rides – and achieved a record breaking 10 wins over four carnival days – because he is such a great rider.

But it’s not a ‘one-man’ band in the riding ranks. Might I suggest that given the pick of rides from the top stables that Jmac had, the likes of Damien Lane, Jamie Kah, Craig Williams and Ben Melham might have been just as successful.

I read somewhere that Jmac has been granted a visiting jockey’s license to compete in Hong Kong from November 17 to December 22. That period takes in the prestigious Hong Kong International Day and the International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley.

It will be interesting to see how McDonald fares against the world’s best jockeys when he doesn’t have the pick of the rides but his mounts are chosen by ballot in the IJC. I have to concede that isn’t a fair comparison.

Just as an aside why is champion trainer Chris Waller, for whom Jmac does most of his riding, not seem to care about contesting International Day in Hong Kong or any of the big races over there during the year when he has a lot of Asian owners?

Perhaps it’s because he believes the prizemoney is so good in Australia now – especially with this pop-up races in Sydney – that if the world’s best want to take him on then they can do so on his home turf.

 

KNOCK, KNOCK: ‘NO ANSWER WAS THE STERN REPLY FROM RNSW’

PETER MAIR, one of our regular contributors, seems to be doing the job of the mainstream media when it comes to objective questioning of Racing NSW.

Someone has to step up to the plate with stakeholders claiming the leading turf scribes and commentators in Sydney are being ‘gifted’ second jobs because of their ‘spin doctoring’ skills.

While they continue to do the Big Dance or Pride of Erin with the ‘great one’ Peter V’landys, questions the industry need answered are being left to people like Peter Mair to ask.

Here is his latest letter to Racing NSW which again seems to have fallen on deaf ears:

RACINGNSW administers annual revenue of some $500 million flowing from taxes on betting on racing. The distribution of that money, mainly to participants, is set out in the annual report (link below).

Evidence RacingNSW gave recently to a Parliamentary Inquiry was, however, open to a view that not all the revenue distributed, at the discretion of the Board, was consistent with sound business principles and management practices.

The following letter was sent to RacingNSW seeking some accountability for the separate commercial viability of metropolitan, country and provincial racing. Consistent with the touted commmitment to transparency, the community is reasonably entitled to know what is going on – to have the 'missing numbers' that will show that.

Dear Saranne Cooke and Peter V'Landys,

“We've got nothing to hide.

                 We're proud of what we do.

                                   Transparency is your friend.”

Recent months have put a spotlight on the administration of the racing industry in NSW and, more generally, nationally. One common theme is about reconciling a looming shortfall of revenue, from entitlements to taxes on betting turnover, relative to the costs, including prize-money, of putting on the promised program of racing.

So, what follows puts some questions that, frankly answered, will clarify issues to be addressed and resolved about how prospective costs and revenues will be balanced up.

To cut to the chase, relevant answers will clarify some commercial realities – in particular the present balance of industry costs and revenues as it applies to metropolitan racing and, separately, provincial and country racing.

One question is about 'the numbers' for costs and revenues across classes of racing overseen by RacingNSW. A suggested separation of classes would be based on prizemoney paid out for meetings in various bands – this approach would avoid disclosure of numbers for identifiable race meetings.

The diversification of betting service providers and industry revenues in recent years, away from TABs, leaves observers pretty much in the dark about the likely balance of prizemoney paid out and the total tax-take from betting turnover on different classes of races run.

Presumably race clubs keep track of costs and revenue entitlements for each meeting and, also presumably, RacingNSW monitors these commercial outcomes – the ex-post profit or loss on the day for each meeting.

The follow up question is whether RacingNSW is prepared to make the numbers available on the different classes of race meeting over a recent period of time.

What do you think?

Peter Mair

https://www.racingnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-2024-Annual-Report-for-website-1-Nov-24.pdf

 

 

NO REGRETS ABOUT BY-PASSING MELBOURNE CUP WITH VIA SISTINA & SAD ENDING TO THE WONDERFUL CAREER OF THE ‘PEOPLES’ HORSE

MASTER trainer Chris Waller has no regrets about by-passing the Melbourne Cup with Australia’s Queen of the Turf Via Sistina after she claimed another major spring prize for record-breaking jockey James McDonald.

ANDREW WU & DANNY RUSSELL report for FAIRFAX MEDIA that on a day that celebrated the stars of the track, there was a sad ending to the racing career of “the peoples’ horse”, Pride Of Jenni, who was retired after bleeding from both nostrils in the Champions Mile won by another popular galloper, Mr Brightside.

The final meeting of Flemington’s famous carnival, and indeed the whole four days, belonged to McDonald, who, aboard Via Sistina, equalled his previous Cup week best of 10 wins as they blitzed the country’s best horses in the $3 million Champions Stakes.

If there was a regret in the week for McDonald – who fittingly signed off with win number 11 in the final race – it is that he will never know if he could have won the country’s greatest race with Australia’s premier horse.

“Imagine what she would have won the Melbourne Cup by,” McDonald said.

Waller said he had given “serious respect” to running Via Sistina over the two miles on Tuesday but decided against it as he believed it would have been asking too much of her.

Via Sistina’s 2¾ length romp on Saturday showed she had another top run in her after her epic victory in the Cox Plate, but did not prompt any thoughts of “what if” for Waller.

“In the end it comes down to your gut instinct,” Waller told FAIRFAX. “She’s a brilliant 2000-metre horse – probably set the highest world ranking for the year.

“I just thought you have to protect her and make sure she continues it in her next run.

“I think this race was a safe play, whereas the Melbourne Cup was going into the unknown. We needed to race over 1200 metres beyond where she’s ever run before.

“[For] anybody with a respect for a horse or an athlete, pushing them to something they’d never run in ... I just dont think we’d be doing the right thing.

“[They’re a] great team, Yulong – they respect my decisions. We went through everything properly. Personally, I had no regrets.”

Waller indicated that the $5 million Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick next autumn would be on the agenda for Via Sistina.

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight had a promising return to the track, finishing third behind Via Sistina, and trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman said the horse would be hard to beat in the Hong Kong Vase over 2400m next month.

Pride Of Jenni’s owner, Tony Ottobre, notified media after the Champions Mile that he would be sending his wonder mare to the breeding barn after she bled and finished last behind arch rival Mr Brightside.

“I love Equinox as a sire and if we can, that’s where she will go,” Ottobre said.

At that stage, trainer Ciaron Maher was unaware that she had been retired.

It capped an emotional spring for Ottobre after Pride Of Jenni raced six times across 10 weeks for one win in the group 2 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Ottobre was critical of a rival’s tactics when Pride Of Jenni finished second in the King Charles Stakes in Sydney last month, and then opted for a surprise jockey change leading into Saturday’s Champions Mile.

He replaced regular rider Declan Bates with Ben Melham after the pace-setting Pride Of Jenni had tired to finish 16-lengths eighth in the Cox Plate – a week after the Kings Charles Stakes.

The 2024 Australian Racehorse of the Year revolutionised racing across the past 12 months with her catch-me-if-you-can tactics and retired having won three group 1s and $10 million across her 34-start career.

Trainers are credited for making horses, but in the case of Will Hayes it might be the other way around. He has now won six group 1s in partnership with brothers Ben and J.D. since his 13-game AFL career was ended by Carlton’s list management team in September last year.

All of those wins have been delivered by Craig Williams and Mr Brightside.

“It’s as good as it gets,” Hayes said. “When you have a horse like Mr Brightside, it normally kicks your training career off in a pretty good way.

“I was very lucky in my first month of training – he won last spring, so it didn’t take long to have the first taste thanks to Mr Brightside.”

Hayes has signed with Carlton’s VFL side for next season because of his close friendship with coach Luke Power.

“It’s more as a physical release from training and a bit of a switch off. I still love my football, but it will only be a handful of games. Maybe six, max.”

McDonald’s win on Sunshine In Paris in the 1200m Champions Sprint was the first group 1 victory for Annabel Neasham’s partner in life and new training partner Rob Archibald.

“I feel bad – I wish Rob was standing here. I did ask him if he wanted to do it. He said, ‘no, I’ll do Sydney, but no’. [He] was the first person I rang as soon as she crossed the line and I know what that’ll be feeling like for him,” Neasham said.

 

 

WHO WILL ‘SORE LOSER’ BLAME IF SUPER MARE FLOPS AGAIN?

WHO’S next for the chopping block if super mare Pride of Jenni gets beaten in Saturday’s Group 1 Champions Mile when Cup week draws to a close at Flemington?

Owners pay the bills and they are entitled to have who they want training and riding their horses – but it seems Tony Ottobre is always looking for somebody to blame when Pride of Jenni gets beaten.

The sacking of Declan Bates doesn’t sit well with anyone in racing – from fellow jockeys to punters – after what the Irish jockey has achieved on Pride on the champion mare.

Bates has been replaced by another star jockey Ben Melham for Saturday’s Group 1 feature. Mark our words Melham is a no-nonsense character who will tell Ottobre where to go if the mare is beaten again and he is blamed for the loss.

Perhaps champion trainer Ciaron Maher should be looking over his shoulder too? What odds the take-no-prisoners Ottobre would transfer Pride of Jenni to Chris Waller if she fails in the Champion Stakes when most believe she must surely be due for an overdue break?

Bates has ridden Pride of Jenni at her past 12 starts and has been the regular rider for Tony Ottobre. After her failure in the Cox Plate (when she worked early and was gone before the turn), Maher planned to spell her but Ottobre had a different idea and declared Champions Day an option.

How quickly Ottobre seems to have forgotten the ‘run and ride of the century’ by Pride of Jenni and Declan Bates to win the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in April.

In a sight rarely seen on an Australian racetrack, Pride of Jenni led by up to an incredible 60 lengths – or 150m – mid-race to the gasps of punters. And in even more incredible scenes, the then six-year-old mare didn’t capitulate, never looking in doubt, easing down for a six and a half lengths victory.

The win was the seventh of Pride of Jenni’s career – and third at Group 1 level – and took her career earnings to $8.6 million. Not bad for a $100,000 yearling purchase. She has had five starts since a spell after that Queen Elizabeth Stakes win with her best efforts being a win over Mr Brightside in the G2 Feehan Stakes at the Valley and a second to Ceowulf in the G1 King Charles at Randwick when tactics employed by rival jockeys (when she was gutted early) was complained to stewards by Ottobre but fell on deaf ears.

At the time of her Queen Eliaberth win in the Autumn, a stunned Ottobre said: “That was unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve just got no words for what she just did. It’s incredible. What a horse. Unbelievable. She’s never led quite like that before but she looked the best she’s ever looked, and that’s saying something in itself. We couldn’t believe it.

“Ciaron Maher is unbelievable. I can’t explain how he’s done what he’s done but he’s done a fantastic job.’’ But strangely not a word about the daring ride of Declan Bates, who deflected praise from his ride to the run of the mare: ‘That was all her today,’ he said.

In a touch of irony to Saturday’s G1 Champions Mile, where Pride of Jenni is equal second favorite with the QueenslandER Antino to the great Mr Brightside, Maher has booked Bates for Another Wil, left without a jock after Jamie Kah was suspended.

Obviously keen to continue what has been a successful relationship with Ottobre, Bates has handled his sacking diplomatically declaring: “It has been a huge privilege to ride Pride of Jenni, one that has been the greatest experience of my riding career so far. She certainly is a once in a lifetime horse. I wish her and Tony all the best for Saturday.

If there’s a big win left in Pride Of Jenni this preparation, the team of Maher and Melham will produce it on Saturday. But if she gets beaten many believe that Ottobre will once again prove to be a sore loser and behave like a 'thankless prick’.

 

BRICKBATS & BOUQUETS FROM UP CARNIVAL WEEK SO FAR

‘UPPER-CUT’ FOR LGHR AFTER WINTER BAGGING OF ROBBIE DOLAN

BEFORE we run your contributions this week LGHR deserves an ‘upper-cut’ for an article written earlier this year concerning Robbie Dolan who won the Melbourne Cup in an upset on the Queenslander Knight’s Choice.

During the Winter Carnival when Knight’s Choice was building his Spring credentials with unlucky placings in the Q22 and Tattersall’s Cup at Eagle Farm this is what LGHR wrote:

‘Knight’s Choice has the ability to be competitive in a Melbourne Cup but that won’t happen if trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon take Irish jockey Robbie Dolan along for the ride. He’s better suited to a career as a singer.

‘They must be aware that Knight’s Choice should arguably have won two Group races this Winter in Brisbane. He got beaten by Fawkner Park after sitting three and four wide in the Q22 then was beaten home by stablemates Vow And Declare (a Melbourne Cup winner) and Young Werther after being held-up badly in the Tattersall’s Cup.

‘There are plenty of top jockeys in Melbourne who couldn’t possibly ride him that badly. If he’s going to be a Cups contender Knight’s Choice needs everything to go his way.’

How wrong we were. Not only did the connections reject an offer of more than $2 million for the horse but Dolan continued his association with Knight’s Choice right through to the fairytale ending.

Hindsight is a great thing but when we looked back at the Bendigo Cup – when Dolan was again held-up and should have finished in the placings behind Sea King – the horse wasn’t entitled to be $91 on Tuesday.

And this was the ride of his life – scoring by only a nose in a battle to the line with one of Japan’s best Akira Sugawara on Warp Speed and Jamie Kah on Okita Soushi. Robbie you had the last laugh on us.

 

DOLAN STILL HAS CRITICS BUT WILL BE ENJOYING THE LAST LAUGH

ROBBIE Dolan arguably stole the spotlight from another Irish singer, the sensational Ronan Keating who performed trackside before the Cup.

Keating was one of the first to congratulate the Queensland-based jockey after his shock win, admitting: “He sang my song when he was on The Voice so I just had to go and see him.”

But from a racing perspective not everyone was singing Dolan’s praises. Here are some of the contributions that we received at ‘the Whinge’:

BILLY K of BRISBANE writes:

‘WAS that the same Robbie Dolan weaving through gaps to win the Melbourne Cup that rode the odds-on favourite Larrikin Rogue when I backed it at Eagle Farm last month?

‘My recollection is he missed the start then ran into plenty of rump steak before finishing third to Troik when resuming. I wouldn’t have called it a future Cup wining ride.’    

AB of MELBOURNE shared his opinion:

‘SO a horse that struggled in a Kilcoy Maiden wins the Melbourne Cup!

And he’s ridden by Robbie Dolan – can you believe it?

The bloke is destined to end up singing ‘Horses’ on behalf of Darryl Braithwaite for the rest of his life.’

AND finally this one, from KERRY J of VICTORIA:

‘After watching a wife of a Melbourne Cup winning jockey of the past (she shall remain nameless) perform like a fruitcake in front of a national TV audience, how classy was Robbie Dolan’s partner, Christine?

She was almost determined to dodge the spotlight, content with the wave Robbie gave his little girl Maisie, as he rode past on Knight’s Choice.

They say behind every good man is a good woman and that certainly seems to apply to Robbie Dolan. We all should have realized when his  dad flew in from Ireland to watch you ride in the Cup that the horse was better than an $90 chance. More than all the wins in the world, it’s obvious that for you, family comes first.’

 

NINE COVERAGE OF CUP WEEK HAS MADE SEVEN LOOK SECOND RATE

DAVID M of MELBOURNE writes:

‘My friends and I agree that the Nine Network coverage of the Melbourne Cup this year makes what Seven did look second rate.

With the exception of Bruce McAvaney, the rest of the Seven racing tribe, headed by Jason ‘Noddy’ Richardson, aren’t worth feeding.

As a host, Eddie Mcguire was miles in front. The delightful Francesca Cumani epitomises what mounting yard coverage should be (trying studying her Lizzie), Michelle Payne was magnificent and the star act was Rugby League legend Billy Slater on horseback (it seemed like even the winning jockeys were in awe of him).

From a form perspective we had David Gately backed by Grace Ramage (although one wonders would she be doing it or have been crowned TAB Ambassador but for her new better half, Ben Hayes)?

Here’s hoping that’s the last we’ve heard of Seven covering the Melbourne Cup and that NINE retains it for many years to come.’

 

2 FAVORITES IN 2 DAYS & ARE THE EUROPEANS SIMPLY OVERRATED?

CHARLIE D, who describes himself as a ‘pie man punter’, reminds us of two things from Derby and Cup Day:

‘ISN’T it wonderful that we still have a race where you don’t have to be a millionaire or a champion trainer or jockey to win it?

Battlers can still win the Melbourne Cup unlike The Everest which is designed purely for the rich and famous in Sydney.

You can’t be guaranteed buying a Melbourne Cup winner no matter how much money you have. And look at these owners of Knight’s Choice who were courageous enough to reject a $2.3 million offer for their horse.

Should it have started $91 after that unlucky Bendigo Cup fifth? All the ‘experts’ who spend hours studying the form obviously didn’t think so.

Favourites have a disgusting record at Cup time. Just look at Derby Day when only one saluted and then on Cup Day only one outright favourite was successful and punters had to cope with winners at $41, $61 and $91.

And once again we were subjected to all this hype over the internationals. Either they race better in Europe or the form there is overrated. Yet trainers and connections – after being embarrassed for the second successive year – are planning another Cup comeback.

Good to see the owners of Sea King have decided it won’t be returning to Britain with Harry Eustace and hopefully will never be ridden again by Hollie Doyle (she might be a champion in Europe but her Cup ride was a shocker). The horse is going to Matt Dunn, so standby for it to be a superstar of the future in the big Aussie races under his care.’

 

LAXON TOLD OWNERS OF KNIGHT’S CHOICE THEY WOULD NEED TO WIN THE MELBOURNE CUP TO RECOUP HUGE OFFER THEY REJECTED 

FOR all of those who believe when there is a big offer made for a horse ‘take it’ – spare a thought for the owners of shock Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice.

They rejected $2.3 million in 2023 for the then boom youngster prompting co-trainer Sheila Laxon to declare they might need to win the big Flemington two-miler to make the gamble worthwhile.

Knight’s Choice finished out of a place at his early starts at the Sunshine Coast and Kilcoy but wasted no time scoring four wins on end, culminating in the Group 3 Winx Guineas at the Sunshine Coat in July 2023.

Melbourne Cup plans were hatched by Laxon and her training partner John Symons after Knight’s Choice was placed in the Group 2 Q22 and G3 Tattersall’s Cup at Eagle Farm at the Winter Carnival.

Laxon, the first woman to win the Cups double with Ethereal in 2001, landed the longest-priced Cup winner since Michelle Payne became the first jockey to ride the winner of the race that stops the nation aboard Prince of Penzance at $101 in 2015.

IRISH-born jockey Robbie Dolan, when interviewed by rugby league legend Billy Slater on horseback after the Cup win, demanded: ‘Pinch me. I’m dreaming!’

Dolan wasn’t the only one. So was a legion of punters not only in Australia but around the world.

They couldn’t believe this was the same Knight’s Choice that was beaten out of sight in three Group 1’s – the Underwood & Turnbull Stakes then the Caulfield Cup – at his first three Melbourne starts.

Dolan argued that he was unlucky and should have finished closer when fifth to Sea King in the Bendigo Cup. It’s hard to line-up the form from that because champion English jockey, Hollie Doyle, flown over for the ride on Sea King, winner of that race and unlucky in the Ebor, somehow managed to miss the start and settle last.

ONCE again ravings from all the ‘experts’ about the English invaders being ‘superstars’ and ‘a class above’ the Australian-trained stayers in the Cup, proved a myth.

Vauban, which reportedly worked better in the eyes of a veteran trackman than any other visitor he had ever seen and its stablemate, Absurde, arguably performed no better in this year’s Cup than they did in 2023.The Poms would disagree about the latter which ran on just behind the placegetters.

It was left to the Japanese visitor Warp Speed to fly the international flag and produce his best form after failing in the wet in the Caulfield Cup, and go within a whisker of winning. After looking the winner on the turn Okita Sushi, trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by Jamie Kah, held on for third.

While Absurde finished on for fifth, Vauban was never sighted back in 11^th place. The hope of the Waller team, Buckaroo, ran a luckless 9^th while the Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator ran well below his best finishing 12^th which left jockey Craig Williams scratching his head.

And as for Doyle on Sea King, instead of admitting she missed the start, here explanation was: 'He's run alright. He probably overraced throughout, really. The distance probably tested his stamina.'

Don't know who was dreaming the most after the Cup, Robbie or Hollie.

 

  

LGHR TOP SIX SELECTIONS FOR A TOUGH MELBOURNE CUP

IT might not be the strongest but it is certainly one of the toughest Melbourne Cups in years.

For those who like to take the FLEXI MULTIS (for a percentage) here are our TOP SIX CUP SELECTIONS (in order):

ONESMOOTHOPERATOR

BUCKAROO

VAUBAN

WARP SPEED

ABSURDE

LAND LEGEND

GOOD LUCK, GOOD PUNTING & ENJOY THE DAY – BUT ONLY BET WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD FOLKS

 

      AGREEMENT REACHED THAT WILL SEE THE ARCHER SURVIVE

AN agreement has been reached between the Rockhampton Jockey Club and the CQ Amateurs which will save Queensland’s richest regional race, The Archer.

Details are still sketchy as we await a Media Release from Racing Queensland or the clubs involved but LGHR understands The Archer will be run next April for a prizemoney pool of $1 million which is good news.

It will not have automatic qualification to the Stradbroke Handicap for the winner but those responsible for saving the race, which faced an uncertain future weeks ago, deserve plenty of industry praise.

 

SYDNEY STEWARDS SENT A TIMELY MESSAGE TO INTERNATIONALS

FULL marks to Sydney Chief Steward Steve Railton and his panel for sending a message to the racing world that interference of the sort that occurred in the Golden Eagle at Randwick on Saturday will not be tolerated.

The decision to carpet and heavily penalize a couple of the world’s leading jockeys had to happen after the $10 million feature degenerated into a knock’em down derby, giving the impression that because of percentages at stake some threw caution to the wind.

British jockey Cieren Fallon, who won the race on the William Thomas-trained Lake Forest was suspended for a month and fined $100,000 due to the due to the ‘high degree of carelessness and severity of interference’ he caused.

Fallon’s Italian rival, Antonio Orani, who rode runner-up Lazzat, was also suspended for a month in similar circumstances and fined $30,000.

But for interference at a vital stage in the straight, champion apprentice Zac Lloyd may well have won the Golden Eagle instead of finishing an unlucky fifth. Some will argue his impatience cost connections over $5 million.

Jockey Jaoa Moriera also found himself before stipes explaining the poor performance of heavily-backed favorite, the Japanese visitor Ascoli Piceno which was found to have pulled up coughing.

Here’s what Stewards reported on dual protests lodged and the performance of Ascoli Piceno:

Zac Lloyd, rider of 5^th placed Stefi Magnetica, lodged a protest against Lazzat being declared 2^nd, alleging interference near the 75m. After taking evidence from the relevant parties it was found that Stefi Magnetica was making ground and had established a run to the outside of Lazzat but near the 75m had to be checked due to Lazzat shifting out under pressure.

However, bearing in mind the location of the incident in relation to the winning post Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied had this interference not occurred Stefi Magnetica would have finished in advance of Lazzat. Accordingly, the protest was dismissed.

At a subsequent inquiry Antonio Orani (Lazzat) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a) in that near the 75m he permitted his mount to shift out under riding when insufficiently clear of Stefi Magnetica, resulting in that runner losing its rightful running, being checked and clipping the heels of Lazzat. A. Orani’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of one calendar month to commence Sunday 3 November 2024 and to expire on 3 December 2024, on which day he may ride. Stewards also issued a fine of $30,000. In issuing this penalty Stewards had regard to the high degree of carelessness, the severity of interference and the status of this event.

Orani was a two-time loser. He had lodged a protest against British galloper Lake Forest being declared the winner alleging interference approaching the winning post. After taking evidence Stewards established that Lake Forest shifted out and bumped heavily with Lazzat several strides from the winning post resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced and forced out across the running of Makarena. However, given the location of the interference, which occurred just short of the finish line and also the rate at which Lake Forest was progressing past Lazzat, Stewards dismissed the protest.

Jockey Cieren Fallon, who rode the winner Lake Forest pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a) in that approaching the winning post he permitted his mount to shift out significantly under hard riding, resulting in Lake Forest making heavy contact with Lazzat and causing that runner to be taken out across the rightful running of Makarena, which was checked when passing the finish line.  Fallon’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of one month to commence on Sunday 10 November 2024 and to expire on Tuesday 10 December, on which day he may ride. Stewards also issued a fine of $100,000. In issuing this penalty Stewards had regard to the high degree of carelessness, the severity of interference and the status of the race.

WHEN questioned regarding the performance of Ascoli Piceno, Joao Moreira stated that he felt the mare’s performance had been impacted slightly by the crowding it received at the start. He said that the mare nonetheless appeared to travel comfortably when trailing Joliestar throughout the middle stages and he was at a loss to explain its disappointing finishing effort. Moreira offered the view that Ascoli Piceno may have performed well below its best due to the travel and also to the racing surface, which was softened by showers during the day, which differs to the firm surfaces on which the mare has performed well in Japan. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be coughing. Stewards will follow up on the post-race condition of Ascoli Piceno.

 

 

BIG GOODBYE FROM RACING JPL, GUESS WHAT YOU WON’T BE MISSED

WHO said miracles don’t happen and if you wait long enough what you wish for will come true?

New Premier David Crisafulli won plenty of friends in the gallops industry when Tim Mander retained the Racing Ministry. Add that to his busy workload with Sport and the upcoming Olympics and he will need some help.

Hopefully that is where Ray Stevens, the best equipped with experience about horse racing should be enlisted to help his mate Tim Mander.

The good news for many in racing – and especially letsgohorseracing – is that Premier Crisafulli didn’t bow to the wishes of some – and we are told the MP himself – by taking the portfolio off Mander and giving it to John-Paul Langbroek.

Another odds-on tip bites the dust. And there is no-one more delighted than letsgohorseracing. Just compare the duo as Shadow Racing Ministers and Mander was a ‘furlong in front’ of Langbroek. You made the right move Premier Dave but take it a step further and ensure 'it's hands-off racing for JPL'.

We are told that the reason JPL doesn’t like LGHR is because we dared to criticize when he was the LNP spokesman on racing.  Our mobile has run hot since the new Cabinet was announced with a volley of JPL critics declaring: ‘Thank God for that’!

Langbroek is better suited to his new role as Education and Arts Minister – could repeat what was said to us about that – but for now we’ll be nice.

No doubt the new Premier was made aware of the two main reasons the gallops industry didn’t want the Gold Coast-based Langbroek.

Firstly, many in the country were concerned he didn’t recognise there was racing north of Nambour but more importantly a legion of thoroughbred and greyhound stakeholders were worried about his close ties with certain people in harness racing who saw him as the next ‘Big Russ.’

 

IS THE CUP STILL 'RACE THAT STOPS THE NATION' – BRUCE McAVANEY TELLS MATT STEWART & ‘THE STRAIGHT’ HE DOESN’T THINK SO

WITH the utmost respect to Bruce McAvaney who believes the Melbourne Cup is no longer the race that stops a nation, might we suggest ‘times change, people don’t’?

LGHR does agree however with the broadcasting legend’s assessment that the Cup is still unrivalled but has its modern-day challenges.

High profile racing scribe Matt Stewart posed the question to McAvaney: ‘Does the Cup still stop the nation?’ for an extremely interesting article he has written for THE STRAIGHT which we have republished excerpts of below.

McAvaney replied: My gut feeling is that within the racing community the Melbourne Cup has diminished a little but for those who are not racegoers, or are once-a-year-racegoers, it has diminished greatly.

“Years ago, people may not have been caught up in the ‘magic’ of the Cup but they weren’t aggressively opposed to racing. Today, more people turn their back on the race.”

Too many fly-in, fly-out internationals, a disconnect between the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup and flash new rivals like the Everest have also loosened the Cup’s grip on hearts and minds, McAvaney says.

The twice-cancelled Melbourne Cup parade reflects nervousness about presenting the Cup, and horse racing, to the general public. Last year, roadworks prevented it from being held down Swanston Street. This year, the parade will be replaced by a mini parade of Living Legends horses out near Tullamarine. The little traditions are seemingly being lost.

LGHR insists if the industry continues to ‘kow-tow’ to these animal liberation fruit loops it faces the threat of extinction – not only will races like the Melbourne Cup and The Everest suffer but so will the sport as a whole. The preventative measures now in place have never been more stringent.

McAvaney proceeded to tell Stewart and The Straight: “The Melbourne Cup is still unrivalled in racing. But it’s being challenged by The Everest, which has only been around for eight years, and the Cox Plate is getting closer.

“The Caulfield Cup has lost ground for many reasons but that has also weakened the Melbourne Cup. It was always about the great double and they are now separated. This year’s Caulfield Cup winner wasn’t even entered (for Flemington).”

McAvaney said international horses rarely used the Caulfield Cup en route to Flemington, adding that the ratings-based system that issued horses the same weight in both races was flawed. “The weights are fundamentally wrong and it needs to be readdressed,” he said

When Bruce McAvaney was a kid, the Melbourne Cup meant the world because the world, at least to an 11-year-old in Adelaide, stopped in its tracks for it. Classrooms took time out, Catholic priests threw Cup tips into Sunday sermons, taxi drivers were immersed in it, families and neighbours jostled for lounge room vantage points as 3pm drew close, Dad had all the tickets after queuing at the TAB, and Mum, who was best with scissors, cut up the sweep from the paper.

Stewart reported: the Melbourne Cup indeed stopped a nation. New Zealand also stood still. It was a national celebration beyond racing border wars. It had community approval. Battlers could relate because battlers could win it.

There was no welfare alarm because horses rarely perished. When budding champion Dulcify died in 1979, the anti-gambling lobby barely existed. A family sweep or a five-bob bet wasn’t going to ignite any hysteria.

“There were so many rituals associated with this thing we did once a year,” McAvaney said. “My mother ran the sweep and it was my job to go around and collect all the money and get all the names. It was a huge thing. It was collegiate, it was about suburbs and neighbourhoods, and it was for one race.”

For two generations, McAvaney had been the face, voice and heartbeat of the Melbourne Cup. Now 71, he chimed in annually on Network 10, then the Seven Network to champion horse racing in the context of a wider sporting landscape.

“It was by far the biggest sporting event in the nation. It had a big margin on the (then) VFL Grand Final,” McAvaney said.

The message is always of uplift when the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) posts its Cup week data. International visitors, hotel bookings, dining spend, even hat sales, are trotted out to prove the Cup’s ongoing impact.

According to the VRC, 11 million people watched, listened or ‘engaged in a Cup activity’ in 2023 with a total viewing audience of 2.4 million via platforms such as social media, racing.com and 10 Play.

The race was broadcast into 209 countries, the global audience was 750 million and 369 radio stations across Australia ran the race call. The race itself still turns over many multiples in wagering on its nearest Australian competitor.

The more standard measures, the traditional basics the VRC say are only part of the story, declined. These include sponsors, who have become increasingly nervous about brand, and racing. After seven years, Kennedy this year ditched its sponsorship of the VRC Oaks. Emirates and AAMI also ceased VRC sponsorship in recent years.

Last year 85,000 attended the Cup. From 2009 to 2016, crowds topped 100,000. Ten’s main channel audience was down 345,000 from 1.695 million in 2022. In 2012, Seven’s audience was 2.767 million. Channel Nine’s five-year broadcast deal begins this year.

Schoolkids are no longer allowed to celebrate the Cup. Former Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson infamously said RV had given up promoting racing in schools because of what he termed ‘wokeism’.

A primary school near Flemington once had a special Cup day where kids dressed up as horses and jockeys and staged races. That was shut down five years ago. Two years ago, a secondary school in southeast Melbourne presented a Year Nine English class with ‘racing is cruel. Discuss’.

This messaging permeates.

McAvaney once disagreed with Bart Cummings that ‘too many’ internationals – the FIFO’s - would diminish the race as a local celebration. There will be five in next Tuesday’s Cup (if no more are scratched under stringent new rules which involves scanning and has already claimed several international and local victims) compared to 11 in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

“On reflection, Bart was right. The race got too heavy with internationals. For local interest, it diminished the race a bit. I feel this year they’ve got it about right,” McAvaney said.

Trainer Richard Freedman, who has enjoyed Cup success with is brothers, believes international invaders have delivered fleeting heroes and constant headaches. He said FIFO Cup winners mostly came and went as ghosts. They left no imprint. He accepts others strongly disagree, that others believe internationalisation made our success story an international hit.

Six FIFO horses from 2013 until 2022 perished at the track. “The first death was the first nail. Then there were five more. If the fatalities didn’t happen in the Cup, it attracted far less attention. But they happened in the Melbourne Cup. For the Melbourne Cup, this was a turning point,” Freedman said. Anti-Cup sentiment ‘had grown ten to one compared to those who supported it and horse racing because of the fatalities that occurred in the Cup’.

Strict veterinary measures – essential given the fatalities – have reined in international numbers. They have forced a recalibration of a race that was drifting offshore.

To Freedman, the Melbourne Cup had become an unrelatable global contest of rich versus super-rich. The battler stories, of Darwin school teacher Wendy Green driving home with the Cup in the boot of her hire-car, or farm-trained Kiwi, mostly disappeared after the international wave, he said.

McAvaney wants to make it clear that he still adores the Melbourne Cup. But he says the world has changed around it. “(Perceptions of) the Cup changed and are changing. The rituals are gone. I’m sure the sweeps and the barbecues aren’t happening or at least not like they used to.

“The Melbourne Cup will always be the greatest prize but it no longer stops the nation. That’s just how I see it. Love it, still, but that’s my view. Forever, it was the number one sporting event in the country but now it doesn’t come close to the AFL Grand Final. It remains the great race. My spine will still tingle when those gates open next Tuesday. In racing, there is still nothing like it.”

 

RECORD NUMBER OF LADY JOCKEYS TO RIDE IN THE MELBOURNE CUP

NEXT Tuesday for the first time in Melbourne Cup history five female jockeys could ride in Australia’s most famous race after Group 1 winner Nikita Beriman was booked to ride Mission Of Love for trailblazing Cup winning trainer Shiela Laxon and co-trainer John Symons.

PETER RYAN & ROB HARRIS report for FAIRFAX MEDIA that Beriman joins Jamie Kah, Rachel King and Winona Costin with mounts in the big race while UK rider Hollie Doyle has been booked to ride Bendigo Cup winner Sea King. Laxon was excited about pairing her mare with Beriman who she described as ‘fearless’.

Laxon, who became the first female trainer to win the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double when Ethereal won both races in 2001, said she built a great relationship with Beriman when they worked together in Seymour.

It had slipped her memory that she had told Beriman during that period that if she ever had a Melbourne Cup runner again she would book the jockey. But it had not elapsed Beriman’s mind who asked the trainer if she could ride Caloundra Cup winner Mission Of Love, who carries 50 kilograms in the race.

It’s too big a race however for emotion to take over with Laxon and Symons making a carefully considered decision that Beriman was the best hoop to steer the mare lifting the number of female jockeys in the 2024 edition above the three – Kah, King and Doyle – who rode in the race in 2023.

Kah was briefly without a Cup ride on Saturday when her mount Point King was announced as a non-starter before she landed the ride on the Ciaron Maher-trained Okita Soushi.

She also played the jockey agent role when she organised for King, the star Sydney hoop riding at The Breeders Cup on the weekend, to steer The Map in the race.

“I’m really happy for [the trainers] they could get Rachel on board. I had a bit to do with that. I was harassing Rachel to make sure she’d ride her for them,” Kah said. “I was a bit of a jockey manager which was a bit weird.”

Winona Costin is booked to ride the Andrew Forsman-trained Positivity in the Melbourne Cup. Costin finished fourth in the 2023 Caulfield Cup on Bois D’Argent.

Michelle Payne remains the only female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup after she steered Prince of Penzance to victory in 2015. Maree Lyndon was the first female to ride in the Melbourne Cup when she rode Argonaut Style in 1987.

Jockeys are being booked as the Cup field takes shape with UK horse Sea King to start in the race after a dominant win in the Bendigo Cup on Wednesday providing he passes the compulsory CT scans at Werribee.

Declan Bates rode the six-year-old who is being prepared at Werribee to victory after sweeping the field at the turn. His trainer Harry Eustace, who also prepared Docklands to run fifth in the Cox Plate, said the horse can stay having beaten home Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator in the Ebor Handicap at York in August.

Earlier Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien had hit out at Racing Victoria stewards over their decision not to allow Jan Brueghel to run in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, as the connections of another pre-post favourite Via Sistina decided not to run the Cox Plate winner in the race.

O’Brien said it was “ridiculous” that stewards ignored those responsible for the horse when they ruled the horse out on Tuesday, a week before the $8 million race.

A CT scan conducted on Jan Brueghel at Werribee on Saturday morning was the catalyst for the contentious decision after it revealed a weakness in a lower leg which stewards said would increase the risk of injury if the horse was to run in the Cup.

But O’Brien, who trains predominantly for Coolmore and is in the United States ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, said he was confident Jan Brueghel was ready to perform well in the Cup.

“It was unlucky for us, lucky for them [the other Cup runners],” the trainer said in comments reported by Racing Post.

“He was a Group 1 horse in a handicap with 8st 7lb (54 kilograms) and Ryan Moore riding him. And he was getting better every week, and he only ever won by very little. So that’s the way it is.”

 

 

HAVE YOUR SAY in the WEDNESDAY WHINGE

LGHR ACCUSED OF HYPOCRISY FOR NOT QUESTIONING ‘THE Q’ ROLE

WE publish this attack on LGHR from a ‘faceless contributor’ because he or she has the right to ‘Have Their Say’ – that’s what the WEDNESDAY WHINGE was designed for – whether we like it or not:

‘YOUR holier than thou crusade to force media identities to throw hard-working and honest directors under the bus because they dared to invest in luxury units that the BRC built simply smacks of hypocrisy.

All the while you have failed to publicise a controversy that has divided the greyhound industry since the appointment of your long-time mate Peter Gleeson as CEO of ‘The Q’ – a wonderful new facility that the boss of deserved to be head-hunted for nationally or worldwide.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black, while you have been bagging members of the media for being too close to the Chairman and some Directors at the BRC, not a whimper from you about ‘Gleeso’ while Ben Dorries and David Fowler have done their jobs and questioned whether he has the experience and credentials to do justice to his appointment.

I don’t expect this ‘whinge’ to be published but in case it is here are the facts. My greyhound associates and I cannot determine whether the job as CEO of ‘The Q’ was ever advertised. But at the end of the day my understanding is it came down to a ‘two dog’ race – Peter Gleeson and Wade Core, chairman of the super successful Carina Leagues Club which was named Large Club Of the Year. It is our understanding that Wade rejected the opportunity to become Greyhound Clubs Australia president because he wanted to be involved with ‘The Q’ from day one.

Some of the most powerful people in greyhound racing did not want Gleeson. They felt Core was better credentialed. But because a change of Government was looming and the mail was strong that John Paul Langbroek would be Minister the decision went the way of ‘Gleeso’. Reports are the pair are close, on occasions go ‘walkies’ on the Gold Coast of a morning, and it was felt he would have greater influence with the new Minister.

That will most certainly be needed because the word is JPL is close to some people with a background and love for harness racing and we’re not talking about David Fowler. As a success story greyhound racing is so far ahead of the other minor code, you wouldn’t find the ‘red hots’ with a ‘black-tracker’. While harness racing is struggling to survive, greyhounds are progressing in leaps and bounds with far great interest among the punting brigade (no surprise there if you try to follow form from an on-the-nose Albion Park). Turnover on the dogs is outstanding as is the success of its twilight meetings. The ‘trots’ rely on piggy-backing on the gallops. But followers of the harness code have declared that from their perspective JPL will be the best thing since Big Russ. What a sad scenario to a new Government’s Ministerial appointments.

As for ‘Gleeso’s’ controversial new role, let’s not forget that he was dumped from a high profile job by News Ltd and those of us who know him well from the days when he was ‘one of the wild journos’ around town have more than some reservations about his appointment. Of course not a word on that from LGHR or Gleeson’s colleague, ‘shock jock’ Ray Hadley who is very selective in who he attacks.

David Fowler should be praised not condemned for what he has achieved. Whether you and others like it or not he is the best race-caller in Queensland, something Josh Fleming can only dream of. Fowler was a successful Chairman of Albion Park but made the mistake of declaring Kevin Seymour ‘yesterday’s man’ – or something to that effect. And by the way his good mate, Scott Steele, had no conviction recorded against him and is entitled to retain the position of CEO that Fowler selected him for and pinched him from the BRC. It’s time that you and Hadley got off your high horses and recognised these two harshly judged people for who they are.

Do the three codes of racing a favour, be objective for a change, stop trying to destroy the credibility of some wonderful people and don’t use your website to protect what few friends you have – you GRUB.

 

SOMETIMES YOU SAY IT BEST WHEN YOU SAY NOTHING AT ALL

HOW do you respond to a ‘faceless trouble-maker’? My first thought was you don’t.

But there are a couple of issues he or she raised that I have to correct.

I was aware that sections of the greyhound industry, especially in Brisbane, were not pleased with the appointment of Peter Gleeson as CEO of ‘The Q’ greyhound faclility.

For those who aren’t aware what ‘The Q’ is: It is Queensland greyhound racing’s new three-track $85 million complex at Purga on the south-western outskirts of Ipswich. It will open in 2025 with racing and trialling seven days a week.

‘Gleeso’ may not have experience in greyhound administration but his lifelong passion for the sport cannot be questioned. When you consider Nathan Exelby also comes from a background largely in the media, was appointed CEO of the Ipswich Turf Club without any experience at the job which was not advertised. If Nathan can make a success of it, Peter will be a ‘superstar’.

Something few people would know, in the wake of the live-baiting dramas, then Queensland Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk offred the job of RQ CEO to Gleeson and virtually told him to name his own price. He didn't have any experience there either.

On the subject of Racing Minister in Waiting, JPL, being a ‘close friend’ has to be an advantage for Gleeson in his new greyhound job. I don’t like JPL for personal reasons, but that is immaterial and time will tell whether he will make a good Racing Minister – for the sake of the gallops at least, I hope he learns quickly that there is racing north of Nambour and that for punters to have confidence betting on the product there has to be a strong ‘integrity’ unit. Hitching his wagon to harness racing is the worst decision he could make.

Now turning to David Fowler, who I first saw calling races standing on a beer box at the Mingela Picnics when he hadn’t even reached his teens. There is no suggestion he wasn’t once a great race-caller but like the rest of us he’s nearing the end of the road (in his case calling-wise). Not too many last as long or perform as well as Terry Spargo – Fowler isn’t one of them. When you need the help of those in powerful positions to protect your role and have the main rival removed (a la Josh Fleming) it’s time to give it away. Bagging Ray Hadley (who is not a ‘shock jock’ but a respected national radio commentator who keeps the bastards honest) won’t win you any friends. Fowler is close to too many high rollers at the Brisbane Racing Club to be objective.  And as for reminding me that his good mate, the stood-down Albion Park CEO Scott Steele had no conviction recorded against him, I can’t ever recall writing anything about the bloke. I will however, for the record, declare that it’s not a good look returning him to the CEO’s job without questioning what happens to his replacement who by all reports has been an overnight success story.  

    

WHY DOESN’T SYDNEY JOIN THE NIGHT RACING CIRCUIT EARLIER?

GREG K of SYDNEY writes:

‘When is it that NSW leads in every other field but night racing?

My friends and I aren’t regular racegoers but we love attending the Friday night meetings at Canterbury.

We were hoping there might be one in Sydney to coincide with recent feature meetings at Moonee Valley to launch their night season. Even Queensland had night racing on those nights at the Sunshine Coast.

Sadly there wasn’t one in Sydney with the opener I am told at Canterbury on Friday, November 15. Come on Racing NSW lift your act. Our State leads the way on everything else – why not night racing?’

 

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE REALLY HOLD FOR RACING IN TASMANIA?

PETER MAIR, a regular contributor from SYDNEY, weighs in on Tasmanian racing:

REPORTING the news, what is said as it happens, is important -- not least for Tasracing.

It is what does not happen next that gives pause for thought -- it is unlikely that anyone will take issue with 'news' like this:

Tasracing recently announced .......... that it had registered a $1.2 million .....loss, with overall turnover across all three codes dropping 12 per cent. However .............. while cost-saving measures would be looked at, overall prize money and programming would be quarantined from the review............. overall prize money for thoroughbred racing would increase to $20.4 million for the current season, with all of the additional money targeted at lower grade races.

This news fits an emerging national pattern -- using the tax-take from the best racing to cover even greater losses on lower grade racing. Looking ahead, that does not seem to be sensible -- including for Tasmania. 

Tasmania is more likely akin to the ACT. Local punters, betting more on races run in other states, allows the ACT (and Tasmania) to take a free ride on the best national racing. An interesting point of difference is the POC tax-take -- 15% in Tasmania v. 25% in the ACT.’

 

MESSAGE TO SKY & RACING.COM ABOUT RACE DAY/NIGHT HOSTS

LARRY M of BRISBANE has a message for SKY Channel RACING.com about their race day and night hosts:

‘My mates and I are more fans of racing.com than Sky but we’re mad punters who like to bet in various states so have no choice but to watch both.

It gets right up our noses when Jason Richardson and Lizzie Jelfs command the top spot on race day and night for racing.com when they are not working for the national TV coverage on Network Seven.

They should be told to choose one or the other. It’s an insult to those who do just as good a job when the ‘star’ duo obviously prefer to dump racing.com for the bigger broadcaster.

The general opinion among us guys is that ‘Get On’ would be easier to watch if we didn’t have to put up with ‘Noddy’ Richardson or ‘Mute Control’ Marshall. Brent Zerafa is a far better host and tips a lot more winners. Why Ben Asgari, the best tipster at racing.com, isn’t on the show beggars belief.

When it comes to the major provincial TAB coverage in Victoria give us Kate Watts, James Tzaferis or Tim Yeatman any day of the week. Imagine the punters enjoying a ‘coldie’ and a bet in the pub when Lizzie Jelfs or Olivia Kold get behind the camera. It’s almost like cucumber sandwiches all round and at times there is so much ‘plum in the mouth’ we almost need an interpreter. Give us Kate any day of the week. She identifies with the punters more.

Now hopping across to SKY and what a waste of space Corey Brown is in the Sydney coverage. Every ride is a good ride and not once will he criticize the handling of a favorite by one of his former colleagues which happens so often in Sydney racing.

Sky has the best in the business Greg Radley as host, the expert coverage of Ron Dufficy and the delightful Ally Mosley at the barriers. If Corey wants to add some credibility to his presence, how about some objective commentary on bad rides?

Head to Queensland and it’s a mixed bag. Michael Maxworthy and Bernadette Cooper are a good mix but not quite as popular with the punters as Paul Joice and Kiaarn Dickens. Not only does the latter pair tip plenty of winners, there are terrific entertainment when paired at the Sunshine Coast.

The new form ‘expert’ coming off the bench in Damien Courtney should be restricted to the lesser provincial meetings. We are told he works for Sky when he isn’t too busy doing his school-teaching job. Don’t you love it when these teachers, with so many holidays, moonlight in jobs that are more deserving of others. Michael Charge, based in Townsville, is the best off-the-bench player in the SKY hosting team.

EDITOR’S NOTE: You and your mates are entitled to your opinion Larry but just to set the record straight, Damien Courtney has retired as a school-teacher and we at LGHR feel he does plenty of homework to ensure he gets his new job done at SKY.

 

ONCE AGAIN A WALLER FLOP THAT HASN’T BEEN REQUIRED TO TRIAL

MARK A of MELBOURNE writes:

‘YET another Chris Waller fancy to ‘lose a leg’ was Zougotcha in The Invitation at Randwick last Saturday. Talking through my pocket but I can’t believe how badly this mare went.

Rather than me tell the story here’s what the Sydney Stewards reported:

ZOUGOTCHA: Began awkwardly and then shortly after was inconvenienced by Royal Merchant, which shifted out. When questioned J. Moreira stated that when the pace slowed near the 1000m Zougotcha got its head up when steadied from the heels of Magic Time and, consequently, shifted out into a three-wide position. He said that the mare then was not able to resume its position and was required to travel three wide and without cover throughout the middle stages. He said that Zougotcha came under heavy pressure soon after straightening and was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer's representative Mr C. Duckworth was at a loss to explain Zougotcha’s poor run. He said that the stable had been happy with the mare’s progress since a similarly disappointing performance at its last start in the Seven Stakes on 21 September. He said that this had been reinforced when Zougotcha galloped well earlier this week when ridden by J. McDonald, who provided positive feedback. Mr Duckworth undertook to report back to Stewards on the progress of Zougotcha and the stable’s intentions for the remainder of this preparation.

I was a bit surprised they didn’t dig into the big book of excuses the stable uses when one of its fancies goes badly – which is almost every Saturday in Sydney. Don’t want to be too cynical but I won’t be surprised, if like many others, it bounces back with a form reversal next start. One final question: Why didn’t stewards require Zougotcha to trial before it starts again?

 

WHY DOES THE MAINSTREAM RACING MEDIA CONTINUE TO IGNORE & CENSOR CONTENTIOUS ISSUES RAISED AT THE AGM OF THE BRC?

A fortnight after one of the most controversial annual general meetings of the Brisbane Racing Club and the mainstream media has still failed to do their job and report on what happened.

LGHR is not sorting Queensland’s premier club out for special attention but we continue to be told – and we’re already well aware – that for some strange reason publishing of information pertaining to the AGM has been censored. The industry deserves to know why and we would publish any reasons from the Murdoch Media.

Anyone who follows racing would be well aware of the long-time association between the old QTC (now BRC) and racing scribes of the past like Bart Sinclair (who in retirement now works for the club), the late, great Jim Anderson (a former Turf Editor of The Courier-Mail) and well respected Peter Howard (who runs the Racing Museum and shares a great passion for it).

Those who tried to do their jobs as racing writers (under Sinclair as Turf Editor at the former Brisbane Sun and The Courier-Mail) say it was impossible to be objective when it came to the QTC or BRC.

LGHR can testify to that personally, so can former top jockey Gary Legg who dared to criticize Eagle Farm when it was racing like a goat track and wound up out of a job.

Anyone who wants to know how some members of the racing media were treated during the Sinclair era should speak to Peter Bredhauer, one-time director of the BRC whose thoughts on the issue were well documented in an address he made to a national racing conference. It’s well worth a read.

Those racing scribes who followed in our footsteps were quick to learn you had to ‘suck up to survive’ but some (like race-caller and Radio 4TAB commentator) David Fowler and his Coutier-Mail/Racenet colleague Ben Dorries have arguably taken that to the next level and cultivated relationships with heavies at the BRC.

It isn’t a good look when Fowler, Dorries, Sinclair and Chairman Neville Bell are often seen in ‘quiet get-togethers’ in the Directors’ Room after the last. We’re not suggesting they are being influenced in their coverage but it has to raise certain questions about why there has been no coverage of contentious questions asked at the AGM by controversial Member Wally Gleeson, whose son Simon resigned (some say was forced out) of his Director’s position on the BRC.

This is the question posed to LGHR by several Members of the BRC that we have told them to ask The Courier-Mail but they believe that is a waste of time after an Editor was seen joined at the hip with a prominent BRC Director (who they call ‘Junkets’) at the recent Everest meeting in Sydney:

‘Why hasn’t the mainstream racing media asked a single question about several contentious issues raised at the AGM of the BRC?’

Here is a text sent to Wally Gleeson from a long-time Member of the BRC after he sought answers at the AGM:

‘Good onya Wally - what is happening is not right. So much so, my wife and I who are both perpetual Members have disengaged lately because of the nepotism in that place.

Neville needs to go. And good on Simon for standing up for what he believes is right.’

The support that Wally Gleeson has received since the meeting has been incredible. And it hasn’t only come from Members but also unexpected sources (like a respected but now retired sports identity known to be a great friend of Bart Sinclair).

LGHR has been reliably informed that Ben Dorries, an award-winning racing scribe for The Courier-Mail and Racenet, was made aware (on July 18), in between the resignations of BRC CEO Tony Partridge and Director Simon Gleeson, of concerns about looming problems for the BRC administration. Dorries continues to cover race meetings and write articles about everything but this. That poses the question why? We challenge him to tell the industry the reasons for his silence.

LGHR has been told that the BRC committee room bars (at Eagle Farm and Doomben) and their ‘free frills’ are well attended but sadly, in the eyes of many, the same people from the ‘inner circle’ have become regular ‘free-loaders’. Some refer to it as an almost weekly lifestyle entertainment at no cost for the ‘true believers’. We call it a ‘junket’ for ‘fair weather friends’.

We published a challenge to ‘Big Ben’ to attend the AGM and report on it but that fell on deaf ears. David Fowler, the host of Press Room on Radio TAB, was conveniently enjoying some R & R in South Australia when the AGM was held, hence no report from him. But he’s back now and it isn’t too late to do your job ‘Feathers’. You would appreciate how difficult it can be for Directors from your days as Chairman of the Albion Park Harness Racing Club.

The motto: ‘Yee shall hear nothing and see nothing’ has become a blight on the modern-day racing media (even some of those in Sydney) when high profile scribes and commentators are being accused of ‘looking the other way’. Perhaps it’s time to challenge an objective journalist on the national scene who is prepared to ask the tough questions and provide the coverage that is needed no matter who it offends.

The question now being asked after a change in Government is whether those with concerns about the BRC could raise these with the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.

It would be worth asking the highly credentialed new Commissioner who might also be eager to hear some evidence of why she is being bagged in certain quarters. But there’s a new Government in place and these ‘faceless’ people out to discredit one of the best appointments ever made to racing in Queensland don’t have ‘Amazing Grace’ to protect them anymore.

 

 

 

INDUSTRY NEEDS TO NOW WHAT NEW GOVERNMENT HAS PLANNED

THE industry needs to learn as soon as possible what major changes the new LNP Government plans for the three codes.

The chances of Labor appointee, Steve Wilson, an associate of former Racing Minister Grace Grace, surviving as Chairman of the Racing Queensland Board are long odds.

But he has a ready-made and popular replacement waiting in the wings in former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, the current Thoroughbred representative on the Board.

The question of who will be the new Racing Minister will be answered later this week. John-Paul Langbroek is a short-priced favorite but the current Shadow Minister Tim Mander and Member for the Scenic Rim, Jon Krause are said to be candidates. Once again we don’t know why the Member for Mermaid Beach, Ray Stevens, who arguably knows more about racing and is the man the industry wants most, isn’t being considered for the job.

One urgent issue to be addressed will be the cost of running the troubled Queensland Racing Integrity Commission. Some say a price shouldn’t be placed on integrity but this is out of hand. The problem for the new Government is that dismantling QRIC could cost too much with payouts to so many current staff and the need existing for a policing body that is respected by the industry on and off the track. Our tip is that the new ‘dream team’ who have already proved a success story in the short time they have been running QRIC will be given time to right the ship before any major decisions are made.

The new LNP Government has inherited the ‘basket case’ of the three codes – harness racing – which continues to nosedive in popularity with the punting public (some say because of poor policing) and is dropping further behind the success story of the greyhounds.

One of those fancied to be Racing Minister has links to the ‘red hots’ which is a worry. How could a new Government throw more money down the gurgler on harness racing (arguably struggling to survive) at the expense of ensuring QRIC is a respected force that delivers a stern warning to those stakeholders who think it’s removal will prove ‘open season’ for racing crooks.

There are rumours that Racing Queensland could be once again split into Boards for the three codes which would be a costly mistake simply returning to a multiplicity of jobs that could be done under the one umbrella. The current model seems to be working well.

The $64,000 question is what the new Government will do about mounting problems confronting some of the major TAB clubs. There are calls for a closer look at the Brisbane Racing Club on a number of issues, especially after their supposed close alignment of the past with Racing Minister Grace Grace.

Will the new Government continue to allow millions of industry and taxpayer money to be wasted on new tracks that weren’t built properly or will some of these cost have to come out of club funds if they have them. And that leads to how the LNP will deal with moves for a National Tote and the distribution of TAB funds.

There is an urgent need for the new Government to take a closer look at country racing – they won the election thanks to votes from people outside Brisbane.

The new Minister needs to get some answers on why horses have to be scratched every week because there are insufficient jockeys to ride them, what is happening with Amateur Clubs, why The Archer is facing oblivion in Rockhampton and some disturbing problems being raised about the Townsville Turf Club which peterprofit.com reports today has recorded a $1 million loss, owes the taxman $400,000 and is trying to climb out of a black financial hole by selling racecourse land to build a beach club.

And finally what is the fate of the Labor-appointed Racing Queensland CEO, Jason Scott, who in the opinion of LGHR has been one of the success stories of the industry in recent times. Scott needs to survive for the sake of the sport and here’s hoping that stories he is being head-hunted for top racing jobs in Asia are not right.

 

TRAGIC BLOW TO VICTORIAN RACING – THE LOSS OF COLIN McKENNA

STORY courtesy of racing.com, written by James Tzaferis

COLIN McKenna, the self-made meat processing billionaire, who built a racing empire from Victoria's western districts, died on Sunday after a short battle with illness.

McKenna’s meat processing company, The Midfield Group, which he founded, advised of his passing mid-Sunday morning.

"It is with heavy hearts the McKenna family wishes to advise our founder, fearless leader and mentor to many passed away this morning with his family by his side after a short illness."

 His death comes as a tragic blow to the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry, into which he invested heavily, and he formed lifelong friendships with many participants.

McKenna's iconic green and blue horizontal stripes have been carried to victory in feature races across the country in the past decade, including by Caulfield Cup and VRC Oaks heroine Jameka and Toorak Handicap winner Attrition.

He was also part of the group who won Group 1 races in both hemispheres with globetrotting sprinter Merchant Navy.

But it was at Warrnambool, 20km from his hometown of Woolsthorpe, where McKenna most yearned for success.

Jumps racing was one of his passions and he co-owned dual Grand Annual Steeplechase winner Regina Coeli with trainer Ciaron Maher and his family.

Maher also trained McKenna's Galleywood Hurdle hero Big Blue and won the Jericho Cup with McKenna family homebred Wil John.

An annual fundraising event at McKenna's Woosthorpe pub on the eve of the May Racing Carnival raised almost $400,000 for various charities in the past three years.

In 2021, McKenna was named a member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the community.

Ciaron Maher, who McKenna had long backed, sent out a social media post on Sunday morning, proclaiming that "heaven gained a true gentleman this morning".

Lindsay Park Racing also trained horses for McKenna, who they termed "a true legend of the sport".

 

HOW MANY JOCKEYS ARE INVOLVED IN SERIOUS SITUATION IN NQ?

LGHR has learnt confidentially that there are some ‘nervous nellies’ among the riding brigade in the north after criminal charges were laid against one successful member of the group.

We have been told that four plain clothes detectives arrived soon after the last race was run at Innisfail on Friday and one jockey spent the night in the lock-up.

The situation is alleged to revolve around sex, drugs and interaction with a female stablehand but nothing has been confirmed by police or the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.

A source who was on track at Innisfail told LGHR:

‘There were some very concerned riders in the room. One left the track early. The rumour is that senior jockeys (one from the south) might be involved to a lesser extent.

‘The girl allegedly involved was strapping at Innisfail on Friday. She is alleged to have been filmed in illegal acts with jockeys.’

That’s as much information as we have at present but here is the QRIC Media Release which we understand is related to this issue:

UNIDENTIFIED LICENSED JOCKEY ARRESTED BY POLICE OVER A CRIMINAL OFFENCE

THE Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has been advised that a licensed jockey was arrested by Queensland Police for an offence against the Criminal Code.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Catherine Clark said that the participant’s licence has been suspended immediately.

“QRIC’s role is to maintain the integrity of racing so the jockey will be stood down from all further racing related activities until further notice.” she said.

QRIC is unable to make any further comment at this time.

Racing participants and the general public can be assured that QRIC will exercise the full extent of its powers to uphold the Rules of Racing and maintain the integrity of the racing industry.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Perhaps it's related to the standing down of a jockey outside the metropolitan area today.

 

‘NEV & MARY’ TRAVELLING CATTLE CLASS – IT HAS TO BE CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY OR ARE THERE NEW RULES AT UNDER SIEGE BRC?

A FUNNY thing happened on the way to Melbourne for a ‘boys day out’ at Saturday’s Cox Plate meeting for mates of letsgohorseracing.

They swear it wasn’t a case of mistaken identity but here perched up in two cosy seats in cattle class was the Chairman of the Brisbane Racing Club Neville Bell and his good wife Mary.

No doubt they were on their way to watch Australia’s greatest weight-for-age race as ambassadors for Queensland’s premier but under siege club.

Surely the club hasn’t adopted a new ‘safe space’ policy while it is under the microscope over ‘junkets’ for directors flying to feature race meetings all over the world.

We wonder if Richard Morrison, the other BRC ‘head honcho’ reportedly heading to the Cox Plate, will fly ‘cattle class’ or use some of those frequent flyer points that he has earned on many trips for the club to upgrade.

As unbelievable as it sounds, who said Directors of the BRC don’t mind rubbing shoulders with the working classes. Must have been something they inherited getting up close and personal with ‘Amazing Grace’ in recent years. And now they are going to have to change their political shirts when the LNP wins Government and perhaps entertain who colleagues describe as one of the ‘biggest free-loaders of all time’.

Not to worry things will be back to normal when they are treated like ‘landed gentry’ by racing officialdom in Melbourne, especially on Derby Day when ‘our racing royalty’ don their top hats and tails for Derby Day.

 

MEDIA CONE OF SILENCE AROUND TROUBLED BRC HAS TO  BE LIFTED

ON the subject of that contentious annual general meeting of the Brisbane Racing Club, we keep getting questions why the mainstream media, especially The Courier-Mail, have formed a cone of silence around it.

We’ve got a good idea why it happened but folks address your concerns to those responsible for what is published in the Murdoch Media (and their little brother Racenet). If you don’t like the answer you get, take it up with Media Watch or even better the Press Council (they are required to reply to that organization).

LGHR, like many others, believe something needs to be done about this culture where the BRC cultivate a close relationship with leading turf scribes and commentators – wining and dining them – and in return get favorable coverage.

It was a cancer that has festered since the days that a certain Racing Editor became close to the QTC – one day we will write a book and explain the circumstances which will also document the days when stewards turned a blind eye to the racing media doctoring prices, phone calls being received from underworld links in the Press Rooms at major tracks and one specific turf journo running messages from the jockeys’ room to the bookies’ ring.

This ‘suck-up and survive’ mentality of the racing media needs to change. High profile racing writers seen in secret meetings with leading officials of the BRC while they are enjoying free drinks in the Directors’ Room isn’t a good look. Nor is the fact that they refuse to write anything of a controversial nature about the BRC.

But there’s no chance of that happening when their bosses are setting an even worse example. One of those who calls the shots at The Courier-Mail was seen ‘joined at the hip’ with a prominent BRC Director who wants to replace the current Chairman, at last Saturday’ The Everest meeting in Sydney.

It’s not cricket and it’s certainly not objective journalism.

 

DON’T DARE RUFFLE HIS ‘FEATHERS’ OR BE BRANDED A ‘COCKSUCKER’

AND then we have the situation where many believe that the leading radio commentator in Brisbane has moved heaven and earth to get up close and personal with the leading lights at the BRC. They allegedly helped him try to remove the opposition to his calling job but thanks to the intervention of powerful radio personality Ray Hadley they were forced to back off.

During the absence of ‘Feathers’ – who has been enjoying some R&R in South Australia – Josh Fleming and Jarrod Wessels, a rising star of the calling ranks, have shown they can do just as good – if not a better job – without all the political fanfare.

Many are saying ‘it’s time’ for 'yesterday’s man' to take an early retirement but on past occasions when we have dared to even run articles from contributors criticizing the once-great caller, LGHR has been inundated with foul attacks, calling us cocksuckers and the like. Of course these are mostly written under non-de-plumes but the dead give-away was the one that lobbed on a Mardi Gras letter-head (just kidding).

Fortunately, it’s no longer a case of the more things change the more they stay the same. There are now people joining the fight who won’t be walked over. Manuel is getting older and his days are numbered. Once he goes, so do his slaves – and the sooner the better.

 

RESULT WILL BE EVIDENT EARLY MUCH TO DELIGHT OF SOME AT SKY

ALL of those ‘dreamers’ who reckon Labor is staging an 11^th hour fightback and Saturday’s State Election will be close should take a look at the prices.

The bookies certainly aren’t convinced. Sportsbet have the LNP Coalition at $1.08 to win and Labor at $8 to retain Government.

Premier Steven Miles is $1.09 to hold his seat of Murrumba north of Brisbane while Sportsbet hasn’t even posted odds on the seat of Broadwater where David Crisafulli is past the post despite not living in the electorate any longer.

For those who want to watch an objective coverage of the election outcome – it will be all over early in the night – spare yourself the bias of SKY political commentators – Tony Abbott’s one-time colleague Peta Credlin or finger-down-the-throat boofhead Paul Murray (who will finally be celebrating a win) and tune in to former Premiers Annastasia Palaszczuk and Campbell Newman trading blows.

At LGHR we’ll be busy watching a movie on Netflix while enjoying an Amalfi Pizza with the ‘little lovely’. It’s time for a change in Queensland politics but let’s just hope it’s not a return to the Joh Days under the cane farmer from Ingham, even if some of the locals in the town they call ‘Little Italy’ are warning against choosing him.

 

HARNESS RACING’S FAITH IN ‘KERMIT THE FEATHWEIGHT FROG’ & HIS RAINBOW CONNECTION - THEY HAVE TO BE DREAMING!

WHAT a sad state of affairs we have when some who should know better are advising the industry not to be too concerned about the massive loss posted by the premier Albion Park Club because there will soon be a new Government in Queensland.

There are those who are hailing the MP tipped to be the new Racing Minister as the ‘next best thing since big Russ’ despite some of his colleagues labelling him ‘Kermit the Featherweight Frog’.

Interesting times ahead – will the APHRC seek yet another financial lifeline from an LNP Government after recording a $700,000 loss for the last financial year. Ironically that was despite an increase of over $180,000 in revenue.

Rather than LGHR try to explain the situation, Archie Butterfly understands it better than us and here are excerpts from what he wrote on his subscriber-only website www.peterprofit.com:

The major factors in the $700,000 loss were:

• Employment costs rising by 40 per cent from $1mn to $1.4mn.
• A 42 per cent increase in spending on promotional activities from $247,000 to $351,000.
• Racing expenses increasing by 25 per cent ($643,000 to $806,000).
• Unexplained ‘other’ expenses increasing by 93 per cent from $358,000 to $691,000).
• The cost of food and beverage sales increasing by 39 per cent ($187,000 to $309,000).

On the other side of the ledger savings were achieved in reduced:

• Travel and entertainment spending decreased $119,000 to $26,000.
• Prizemoney contribution by the club down from $51,000 to $2,000.
• Members expenses decreased from $7,000 to $3,000.

The net value of the club’s assets declined by $700,000 last financial year ($4.4mn to $3.7mn) while the club’s cash reserves reduced by the same amount ($3.5mn to $2.8mn).

One item of interest is that the Club Chairman reports that its financial position was negatively affected by a significant bad debt owed to the APHRC. It is not readily identifiable who the bad debtor is, how much they owed, or why they defaulted on the debt.

Also of interest is that the club reported an unspecified loss in hosting the 2023 Inter Dominion and Constellations. Serious consideration needs to be given about whether it is financially viable to hold these feature events at Albion Park in future.

To suggest that a new Racing Minister would help the survival of harness racing – by an LNP Government yet again – because he has ‘supporters in the industry’ is a sad state of affairs but certainly not an unlikely outcome.

The real problem at Albion Park is not the financial black cloud that hangs over the club off the track but more so the lack of action by stewards to correct integrity problems occurring on the track where punters no longer have confidence in the product which continues to be reflected in betting turnover (whether the club wants to admit it or not).

No Government – of either political persuasion – can continue to prop up harness racing which without the support of the Seymour’s would have hit rock bottom in Queensland long ago. Nor can they allow it to continue to piggy-back off the gallops which has its own problems or be supported at the expense of the other minor code, the greyhounds, which has been a success story in Queensland in its own right.

But that doesn’t seem to matter to those telling the harness industry that despite the financial plight of the APHR ‘she’ll be right Jack’. With the election looming this weekend they’ve adopted a new theme song: Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog’. Perhaps they are living in another world listening to the words:

WHY are there so many songs about Rainbows?

And what’s on the other side?

Rainbows are visions, but only illusions. And Rainbows having nothing to hide.

So we’ve been told and some choose to believe.

I know they’re wrong, wait and see.

Someday we’ll find it, the Rainbow Connection.

The lovers, the dreamers and me.

 

IT’S time for our readers to have their say in the WEDNESDAY WHINGE with a hoof-note that the views expressed are not necessarily those of letsgohorseracing.

'HOW MANY DIRECTORS ARE NEEDED TO PRESENT TROPHY IN JAPAN?’

IN a ‘take’ on ‘How Many People Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb’, TOM A of BRISBANE poses the following question about the biggest race club in Queensland:

‘HOW many directors of the Brisbane Racing Club does it take to present a trophy worth a few hundred thousand dollars?

The current answer is three, who along with their partners, recently enjoyed an all-expenses paid trip from Brisbane to Japan to present a race day trophy.

My informant, who is close to the action at the BRC, tells me that the recipients of the Japanese ‘junket’ were Vice-Chairman Richard Morrison, Terry Svenson and Jennifer Creaton, along with their partners. If I am wrong on this, I would happily be corrected.

But whoever the BRC delegation to Japan were they wouldn’t have travelled ‘cattle class’ or stayed at a Bed and Breakfast facility.

It would be nice to know who paid for the trip (was it the JRA, which I doubt). Perhaps they subsidized some of the cost but overall club Members would like to know how much this cost the BRC?’

 

‘IS DAYLIGHT SAVING AN ABSOLUTE DISASTER FOR RACING IN QLD?’

DANNY J of GOLD COAST writes:

‘LIKE it or not, not having daylight saving is arguably an absolute disaster for those who follow racing in Queensland.

Taking matters to the extreme, the first at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day will be run sometime between 9 and 10am.

The only advantage for many is that the Cup is run around lunch-time in Queensland but the last is mid-afternoon while the local races meander on until early evening.

For a bookmaker and his staff fielding on locals and interstate meetings (as many do outside Brisbane where there are at least eight meetings to coincide with the Melbourne Cup) it’s an awfully long day – not so much a problem for the corporates who basically work 24/7 most days of the week.

And regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s election, Queensland is stuck with daylight saving – probably for at least another four years.

During the debate between Steve Miles and David Crisafulli, audience member Gail McIntyre asked the leaders whether they would consider implementing daylight saving, which had become a ‘real issue’ for Queensland. Both leaders quickly shut down the idea, confirming it was not part of either party’s agenda.

That’s sad – surely Queensland racing could follow the lead of high profile tourism destinations like an island in the Whitsundays – and get in step with the southern states. It wouldn’t fade the curtains, affect the milking of the cows or keep the kids up too late.

 

 RNSW REVEALS ALARMING STATS ON RE-HOMED RACEHORSES

 ANDY E of the GOLD COAST wanted the racing public made aware of some interesting statistics concerning the re-homing of racehorses:

'How many in the industry would be aware that a submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Proposed Sale of Rosehill has revealed that Racing NSW re-homed just 61 retired racehorses in 2023?

But in 2022-23, Racing NSW collected $4 843 275 from owners through the 1.5% levy on prizemoney to help finance this re-homing.

Racing NSW owns six properties for equine rehoming & welfare. The assets were purchased for $26.75million.

An estimated 1500 horses on average retire in NSW each year, RNSW appears to rehome less than five per cent. Where are the rest going?

ALL owners pay from prizemoney but obviously the majority get no assistance at all from RNSW to rehome their retired racehorse.

The levy is collecting $80,000 per horse it rehomes. That’s a lot of money being spent for very little. No wonder RNSW does not disclose this information and it was only released under sufferance because it was requested using the GIPA Act.’

 

‘PUNTERS PREFERRED BETTING ON CAULFIELD CUP THAN EVEREST’

JOHN A of VICTORIA provided us with this turnover outcome which he says is official from last weekend’s two big races, The Everest in Sydney and Caulfield Cup in Melbourne.

‘You won’t read too much about these figures in the mainstream Sydney media. No doubt they will find another spin to put a more positive outlook on betting interest on The Everest Day.

Official figures show the win pool on THE EVEREST was close to $2.2 million, the place $1.75mn and the trifecta almost $1.9mn.

The CAULFIELD CUP held close to $2.42 million in the win pool, over $1.76 in the place and over $2.15mn on the trifecta.

It may have only been marginal but it seems the punters stuck with tradition when investing their hard-earned and found the Caulfield Cup, a $5 million race, more challenging than the $20 million The Everest.

 

CHANCES DIMINISHING FOR THE PROPOSED SALE OF ROSEHILL?

REGULAR Sydney contributor PETER MAIR has commented on a question raised by Bren O’Brien of The Straight. He writes:

You put a question this week:

At the end of four days of public hearings by a New South Wales Parliamentary Select Committee into the Rosehill sale proposal, are we any wiser as to the prospect of it proceeding?

I think we are. It will not proceed.

The report of the select committee should, however politely, be scathing about how a proposal to sell Rosehill ever got a run in open company. The committee should pull-the-stick on those involved in contriving an idea that had no legs.

Using a capital-proceeds fund of $billions to meet a shortfall 'promised' to mainly rural racing interests would, properly explained to the wider community, not be acceptable public policy.

The mainstream media has betrayed its responsibility to explain the situation. Apparently, pieces of silver were accepted for agreeing to not see or say what the community needs to be told.

The sale proposal was a selfish, half-baked, opportunistic political ploy. One not seen as such by a government usually more sure footed.

Looking ahead an unsound and disruptive proposal will likely come back to haunt racing administrators and state governments. The only thing now left exposed on the table is 'the problem' the racing industry has. As was tendered in evidence, the racing industry 'needs' hundreds of millions that betting-tax revenue will not be providing.

Something has to give, something will give. 

A day of reckoning is nigh, the wider community is already giving too much.’

 

NEW APPRENTICE COACH WANTED AT RQ – HAS ‘SCRIVO’ DEPARTED?

CHARLIE J reckons RQ have to be kidding with this advertisement but questions whether former top jockey Shane Scriven has been another departure.

‘Have you ever read so much garbage as this? It’s an RQ ad for a new apprentice jockey coach which makes us wonder if Scrivo is the latest to leave the building. It reads, in part:

Join our Team of Everyday Champions (Are they really talking about RQ?)

At Racing Queensland (RQ), we don’t just race; we raise the standards and exceed them, championing a sport that unites and excites. Here, we all are part of something bigger than ourselves, driven by a passion to not only support but also elevate our great state and its vibrant communities.

Our Everyday Champions are the heartbeat of the racing industry. Working in every corner of our industry – on the frontlines, behind the scenes, and at the heart of every code – to help make racing the best it can be, driving our mission forward to champion great racing and events connecting Queensland communities.

Role Summary

Are you a Purpose-led Apprentice Jockey Coach that understands the value of trust and integrity?

Racing Queensland is looking for an experienced Apprentice Jockey Coach to join our RTO on a permanent basis with flexible work options.

What you’ll do, day to day

• Assist development and implementation of innovative training programs and apprentice schools to all apprentice jockeys in Queensland that enhance their skills and knowledge, with a particular emphasis on fostering high-performance athletes. 

• Deliver and coordinate apprentice jockey coaching services on race days as discussed with the Senior Jockey Coach. 

• Coordinate and monitor race day apprentice jockey coaching records and feedback. 

• Attend track work, race meetings, jump outs, and official trials to support the development of athletes. 

• Collaborate with coaches to improve apprentice jockeys' skills and develop personalised training plans for high-performance athletes 

• Benchmark the quality of apprentices to ensure they meet the required competencies before they can ride in races, maintaining a high standard of skill and safety. 

This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment where your resilience and ability to rise to the challenge will play a key role in shaping the future of our industry. With your results-driven attitude, grit, resilience and “get it done attitude”, you will build trusted partnerships with all stakeholder groups. We recruit values-aligned people into Racing Queensland who lead by example and thrive on delivering results in a high performance culture.

It’s now time to take your finger out of your throat!’

 

 

ARCHER SUPPORTERS ASK: WHO’S RUNNING THE SHOW, RQ OR BRC?

STAKEHOLDERS fighting for the survival of the richest race in regional Queensland have posed a question that should be of concern to the entire industry.

In the wake of the looming demise of the Rockhampton-based slot race The Archer, they want to know who is running racing in this state – the Government-appointed control body Racing Queensland or the Brisbane Racing Club?

Their concerns were ignited when at a meeting with the Central Queensland Amateur Club, RQ CEO Jason Scott said he could not promise any additional funding but as an extra incentive could grant the winner of The Archer ballot-free exemption to the Stradbroke at Eagle Farm.

That offer was quickly rescinded apparently after the Brisbane Racing Club told RQ they were not in agreement. Those close to the coalface say that is because following the success of The Everest, the BRC has plans to conduct a similar slot race for big money at either Eagle Farm or Doomben.

Not only is The Archer under threat but so is the future of the CQ Amateurs thanks to a change of policy whereby RQ has decided to stop relicensing ‘tenant’ race clubs from 2026 putting the club at risk of extinction.

As this also applies to many other Amateur Clubs in the State there is an urgent need for some clarification from RQ on the issue. CEO Jason Scott is normally very transparent on all controversial issues but there has been no explanation on this one.

Perhaps Scott, a Labor appointee, is in ‘caretaker mode’ like the Government with the election looming this weekend and the LNP long odds-on to win. Some are saying his recent change of attitude could have something to do with this.

It was even more apparent at the recent AGM of the Brisbane Turf Club when he said he was not interested in listening to ‘racetrack rumour and gossip’ after respected member, Wally Gleeson, raised legitimate concerns about issues involving directors of the State’s major club.

The CQ Amateurs have started a petition Save the Archer which in a few days has attracted over 700 signatures. They are also campaigning heavily with politicians from both leading parties.

Their blurb reads:

HELP Save the Central Queensland Amateur Racing Club (CQARC) and The Archer – Regional Queensland’s Richest Horse Race!

The future of Rockhampton’s historic Central Queensland Amateur Racing Club, founded in 1921, and its prestigious horse race, The Archer, is in jeopardy. Racing Queensland’s decision to stop relicensing tenant race clubs from 2026 puts the Club and the race at risk of extinction.

For over a century, the CQARC has been a cornerstone of Central Queensland’s racing culture, with newly introduced The Archer emerging as the region’s richest horse race, attracting top talent from across the country, while showcasing the skill of local jockeys and trainers. The passion and dedication of the local community have made this event a symbol of pride, but now all of that is on the verge of being lost.

Losing the CQARC means not just the end of The Archer, but the dismantling of a rich tradition that has brought national attention to our region. The Club and its race are more than just sporting events; they are vital parts of Rockhampton’s identity and heritage.

We must act now to save the CQARC and The Archer. Let’s stand together and show Racing Queensland that we are committed to preserving this crucial piece of our community’s history.

Sign the petition today and help protect the future of regional racing and this historic club.

Apart from the ‘tenancy issue’ the argument against The Archer proceeding in April is that it has attracted only six slot-holders. The CQARC says this is misleading as they have four new offers on the table and plans for the annual auction of one slot. But with a cloud hanging over the race they can’t sign new contracts.

It’s not only the Rocky Amateurs that are under a cloud due to the ‘tenancy’ issue. It might have been overcome in Cairns but what about Townsville, Mackay and a host of picnic clubs headed by Roma. What happens to them? It’s a major headache likely to be inherited by the new LNP Government.

The question being asked is this:

‘In view of the back flip by CEO Jason Scott on the exemption offer for The Stradbroke to the winner of The Archer, who is running RQ – the control body or the BRC?

‘And considering the black financial hole that RQ is said to be in of about $30 million, after so much was wasted fixing tracks at Eagle Farm and Gold Coast, are these iconic Amateur Clubs being forced out of business to help pay the bill.’

Over to you Jason Scott – don’t lose the confidence you have won in a short time from the industry by refusing to be transparent on this issue.

 

LOST GENERATION BACK TO TRACK BUT HOW MANY WILL RETURN BEFORE NEXT YEAR & HOW MANY WILL HAVE A BET IN BETWEEN?

LOOKING back at the GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY SIDE of EVEREST DAY at RANDWICK:

THE GOOD

PETER V’LANDYS and his team at Racing NSW have succeeded where the rest have failed in bringing the lost generation back to the track.

It doesn’t matter to them that the assembled field of fantastic sprinters are racing for an absurd amount of stakes - $20 million – they have made this event a ‘must’ on their annual entertainment and enjoyment calendar.

The official crowd of 49,117 was a modern-day record and about as many as Randwick of this era can accommodate. Caulfield had half that number when nearly 25,000 turned out for Cup Day on Saturday. Of course, given fine weather, close to 100,000 aRE expected to attend Melbourne Cup Day in a fortnight.

WILLIAMS GETS LAST LAUGH AFTER BEING SACKED FROM GIGA KICK

THE win by BELLA NIPOTINA, dubbed the ‘iron lady’ of Australian racing, in The Everest confirmed the faith in her of two champions, trainer Ciaron Maher and jockey Craig Williams.

Despite being trapped wide from her horror draw, Bella Nipotina, overhauled previous Everest winner Giga Kick and promising stablemate Growing Empire.

In one of those memorable ironies of racing, Williams won his second Everest on Bella Nipotina denying Giga Kick, on whom he won two years ago and was later sacked as his jockey.

Ironically, Maher shared Williams confidence in Bella Nipotina overcoming a wide trip to win but her owners took some persuading.  “She was in the zone (today) and jumped out well so I just went forward. I was happy to be three wide,” Williams said.

It capped a dual Group 1 day for the Maher stable. They also won the Caulfield Cup in an upset when Duke De Sessa (courtesy of a courageous Harry Coffey ride) led and beat the Chris Waller-trained stablemates Buckaroo and Land Legend.

 

ROLLER-COASTER RIDE FOR JOE PRIDE ENDED ON A POSITIVE NOTE

KING CHARLES might not have been at Royal Randwick to see the Group 1 raced in his honour but that did not detract from an amazing win by an emerging superstar of Australian racing.

Ceolwulf justified the long-held confidence of his trainer Joe Pride upsetting what had been billed as a match race between Australian Horse Of the Year Pride of Jenni and star of the Waller stable Fangirl.

“I’m just really grateful to come across a horse like this - the world’s his oyster,” Pride said after Ceolwulf proved too strong for Pride of Jenni whose chances were diminished when she was attacked for the lead in the early stages of the race.

Much was made of how the heavily-backed Fangirl could upstage Pride of Jenni but little was said of her disappointing sixth, beaten about four lengths. Jockey James Macdonald told Stewards that with the strong tempo Fangirl was never able to travel comfortably and worked to the line one-paced.

WHILST the win of CEOWULF was the highlight of the training career of Joe Pride, he also endured the mixed emotions of racing when another stable star, Think About It, collapsed on the home turn in the Sydney Stakes after suffering a massive bleed.

But after laying prone on the track for some time minutes, Think About It – the winner of more than $12 million in stakes – miraculously regained his feet. “An absolute roller-coaster today,” Pride said. “You get a little bit numb as a trainer because if you felt every up and down, it’d send you around the bend.

Pride said despite his initial fears ‘thankfully Think About It is well’. “We will get him home and take good care of him.” The decision was taken on Sunday to retire the champ.

 

FEEL-GOOD STORY OF DAY – McCOLM STIKES BLOW FOR BATTLERS

THE feel-good story of the day occurred in the $2 million Koscuiszko when Murwillumbah trainer David McColm struck a blow for racing’s ‘battlers’.

McColm persevered from the time Far Too Easy was at death’s door and on Saturday he was rewarded with a win over two-time defending champion Front Page.

“My dream has come true and not just for us, for this horse, he’s been such a special animal to all of us and he deserves his name in the Kosciuszko record books,” McColm said.

The Northern Rivers star was on death’s door earlier this year after suffering a serious bout of acute colitis. McColm admits there were days when he didn’t think Far Too Easy would survive, let alone race again. “He was very ill, he was. It was dire for about three days.”

 

THE BAD

EVEN THE BIGGEST CRITICS OF PVL CAN’T DENY THIS ‘WINNER’

THE big crowd got into the swing of things signing along to ‘Sweet Caroline’ as horses paraded behind the barriers but one has to ask how many will wait until The Everest next year for their return to the track.

Sure the mainstream media will trumpet record turnover – with the aid of the world pools of course and a meeting most punters would die to bet on. But how many of those among the crowd of almost 50,000 even had a bet on Saturday let alone a desire to attend a race meeting before next year’s Everest?

On a positive side they were well-behaved, enjoyed the social occasion and wasn’t it good to see Randwick packed to the rafters for a Spring Carnival meeting. Yes, The Everest is a V’landys success story that no-one – even his biggest detractors – can deny.

 

TRAFFIC WARDEN LATE SCRATCHING A BLOW FOR ALL CONCERNED

ON the downside you have to feel for Godolphin, trainer James Cummings and jockey Jamie Kah that one of the leading hopes in The Everest misbehaved in the barriers before being denied a start.

Stewards reported that after being loaded into the barriers Traffic Warden became fractious, reared and sat down before becoming cast momentarily. Acting on veterinary advice they scratched the horse.

Stable representative Darren Beadman advised that Traffic Warden had sustained lacerations to the off-foreleg as a result of the incident in the barriers. He was advised that Traffic Warden would have to undergo a barrier test to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.

This was just another setback for Kah who is plotting a ‘dream’ win in the Cox Plate next Saturday. Kah has to watch what she eats in the next week to make the weight of 49.5kg on Godolphin’s star colt Broadsiding. “I’ll be very hungry going into the race but it’ll be worth it,” she said.

 

SHINN & JMAC UNDER MICROSCOPE OVER EVEREST DAY FANCIES

THERE were rides by some top jockeys on Everest Day at Randwick that had punters scratching their heads – and for good reason.

HINGED looked a good thing under the set weights and penalties conditions of the Group 3 Angst Stakes but settled a long way further back than most expect – even allowing for her wide draw.

When questioned jockey Blake Shinn told stewards stated that his instructions left it open for him to ride his mount with cover back in the field, depending on how the mare jumped, and for him to make an assessment early in the race.

He said that while Hinged jumped satisfactorily, the runner to his immediate inside, One Aye, which began only fairly, then was ridden aggressively from the start. He said for this reason, rather than ride forward, he allowed Hinged to race where it was comfortable, which resulted in the mare drifting back in the field where he was able to obtain cover.

Hinged, which the bookies were keen to lay and got out to $3.5 favorite, flew home to run third to Lekvarte and Quickster. It was just another of those beaten favorites from the Waller stable that punters have come to expect on a Saturday in Sydney.

 

DON’T GIVE UP ON JOLIESTAR – SHE WAS OUT OF BUSINESS EARLY

JMAC has endured two of his worse successive Saturdays of feature racing. The Waller-trained Joliestar ran a $6 favorite in The Everest but was never a winning chance.

Don’t give up on this classy mare, beaten less than two lengths by Bella Nipotina after beginning awkwardly then being inconvenienced soon after the start.

Stewards queried McDonald’s ride on well backed Veight in the Group 3 Silver Eagle when she ran 9^th to Ostraka which led from a wide alley for Blake Shinn after some punters claim there was a notification from the stable the favorite would be ridden quieter.

McDonald reported that his intention was to ride Veight in a more-forward position. However, after beginning only fairly the horse was then crowded between Bases Loaded and Ostraka. He said, as a consequence, he was required to ride his mount from back in the field.

 

THE UGLY

COMPLAINT ABOUT TACTICS AGAINST JENNI NO SIGN OF POOR LOSER

THE owner of Pride of Jenni – Tony Ottobre – wears his heart on his sleeve. But it’s a bit rich for some to label him a poor loser for complaining about the tactics adopted against his champion mare in the Group One King Charles.

Rival jockeys are entitled to make the task of favourites more difficult but not when it is detrimental to the chances of their own mounts. For the record Pride of Jenni ran 2^nd and Major Beel which diggerised her early beat one home.

Stewards reported that Ottobre, managing part-owner of Pride Of Jenni, voiced concern to regarding the tactics adopted (by Adam Hyeronimus) on Major Beel in the early stages of the race and whether those tactics were designed to particularly impede the chances of Pride Of Jenni.

In the presence of Mr Ottobre, Stewards interviewed Adam Hyeronimus (Major Beel) and Declan Bates (Pride Of Jenni). Hyeronimus advised that his instructions were to ride Major Beel positively as it generally leads in its races and, anticipating that Pride Of Jenni would lead, to trail that horse. These instructions were confirmed by co-trainer Adrian Bott.

Hyeronimus stated that Major Beel began particularly well and he rode the horse positively and was surprised that Pride Of Jenni had not begun as well as he expected. He said his decision to remain racing wider was to allow all runners to take their positions and then to gradually roll across to clear the main body of the field with the anticipation that Pride Of Jenni then would press forward of him and lead the race, which ultimately occurred prior to the first turn. He said that he did not employ these tactics to impact on Pride Of Jenni as he has previously adopted similar tactics when drawn wide as, with a 500m straight run, horses are not covering any extra ground provided they can obtain a closer position to the inside rail by the first turn. D. Bates gave evidence that Pride Of Jenni did not begin as well as anticipated and took some time to gather pace. He gave further evidence that Major Beel remaining racing wide in the early stages, in his view, had not negatively impacted Pride Of Jenni.

Having regard to the evidence and noting that the rider of Major Beel adopted similar tactics at its last start in the Epsom Handicap by remaining wider in the early stages, Stewards were satisfied that Hyeronimus had not breached any Rule of Racing.

 

I WISH I WIN DISAPPOINTMENT WRITTEN ALL OVER NOLEN’S FACE

WHEN Luke Nolen offered no comment on the performance of well fancied I Wish I Win in The Everest, the disappointment was written all over his face.

Nolen didn’t have much more to offer when Stewards questioned him after the Moody – Coleman trained galloper ran a shock last in the $20 million race.

Stewards reported: When questioned, Luke Nolen was unable to provide any explanation for the disappointing performance of I Wish I Win. He said the gelding was under pressure prior to straightening and did not respond to his riding.

He added that I Wish I Win appeared to pull up satisfactorily. A post-race veterinary examination revealed I Wish I Win to be lame (1/5) in the off-foreleg. Co-trainer Peter Moody was advised that a veterinary clearance will be required before I Wish I Win is permitted to race/barrier trial again.     

 

 

BELL READY TO RETIRE FROM BRC BUT SOME MEMBERS FEAR CLUB ‘CULTURE’ DEVELOPED DURING HIS CHAIRMANSHIP WILL LIVE ON

SOME members will insist that his departure was planned some time ago but others are saying it will be fast-tracked by issues raised at the most controversial annual general meeting in the recent history of the Brisbane Racing Club which arguably claimed its first ‘victim’.

Bombarded by questions from respected member Wally Gleeson over issues involving the purchase by directors of units in the club’s luxury residential complex and why a popular director (his son Simon) and the CEO Tony Partridge resigned suddenly, BRC Chairman Neville Bell later announced he would be retiring in the New Year.

This exit might have been planned for some time by Bell but those at the coalface are hinting he will be gone by Christmas. Nevertheless, a cloud of concern will continue to hang over Queensland’s biggest race club with some members making no secret of their concerns that what they call a 'culture' developed during Bell’s time at the helm will continue under a like-minded Chairman of his choosing (perhaps Richard Morrison).

For some reason the mainstream media did not bother to cover the AGM which in itself poses more questions than answers. Were they requested not to by the BRC or its de facto media controller 'Manuel' or did it have something to do with a couple of Members urging scribes like Ben Dorries to show ‘some balls’ and provide an objective coverage. Whatever the racing public is still waiting for The Courier-Mail to do its job.

LGHR has learnt that Wally Gleeson was delighted with the outcome of an AGM where some of his questions were answered (in part) and others were cleverly avoided by Bell. An attempt to present the Chairman with a document outlining proper protocols for an AGM was rejected.

We are told that during a light-hearted part of the meeting, a Member rose to his feet and congratulated the Board on the job they had done. There was a sole round of applause which came from Wally Gleeson. At one stage of a heated debate, Bell reportedly warned Gleeson: ‘You’ve had your one strike.’

Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott, who was in attendance, subsequently invited Gleeson (or anyone else) to meet with him to discuss any issues of concern he or they might have with the BRC.

But that came with the 'rider' that he was unwilling to act simply based on ‘racecourse rumour and innuendo’. We’re not sure how anyone could describe simple questions about the ownership of luxury units in the complexes at Eagle Farm by directors as ‘racecourse rumour and innuendo’? Or for that matter seeking reasons for the sudden resignations of a Director (Wally Gleeson’s son, Simon) and the former CEO Tony Partridge whose subsequent letter to the Directors outlining his reasons holds the key to these dramas but is under a non-disclosure agreement.

Those close to the action say the BRC is hoping if what happened at the AGM gets no publicity in the mainstream media it will go away and that the decision by Neville Bell to retire will assist the situation. They obviously don’t know Wally Gleeson too well. Despite the pressure and attempts to drive a wedge between him and his son (Manuel has been busy on the blower, don't you just love the bloke?), that isn’t going to happen.

 

A RECORD CROWD OF 50,000 WILL ATTEND THE EVEREST - ABOUT HALF OF WHAT TURNS OUT ON A FINE DAY FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP

A CROWD in excess of 50,000 – that’s about all they can fit into Sydney’s premier racecourse these days – will be in attendance reportedly along with King Charles to watch a feature race run in his honour.

Melbourne Cup remains the biggest drawcard by far in Australian racing – on a fine day it attracts in the range of 100,000 fans – twice that of The Everest.

CHRIS ROOTS reports for FAIRFAX MEDIA that there will be a sell-out crowd to watch the first Group 1 Everest winner being crowned at Randwick on Saturday.

The world’s richest race on turf, which is only in its eighth running, has never sold out four days out from race day before, and the crowd could top 50,000 at Randwick to watch the $20 million showcase and the King Charles III Stakes.

 “This race is hitting the very high target that we set for it, and now it has received the fitting and deserved honour of group 1 status,” Racing NSW’s Graeme Hinton said.

“Two thirds of the sell-out crowd on Saturday will under 35, which is an entrance point for the next generation.”

Australian Turf Club chief executive Matt Galanos expects the crowd to exceed the 46,498 that saw Winx’s final race in 2019, and it will once again be a party atmosphere for Sydney’s biggest race day.

“The TAB Everest has become the hottest ticket in town and is attracting new fans in record numbers,” Galanos said.

“Saturday will set a new modern-day record number of patrons at Royal Randwick, eclipsing even the unprecedented final run of the immortal Winx.”

The Everest (1200m) will also carry group 1 status for the first time. Racing Australia confirmed the richest and highest-rating sprint in the world had earned and been given with the status.

“We have written approval from the Asian pattern committee and thus the Asian Racing Federation for The Everest and the All Star Mile to be granted Group 1 status effective immediately in a letter we received last week,” Racing Australia chief executive Paul Eriksson said.

“The letter could not be more clear, it said with immediate effect, so The Everest is a group 1 race. It is why we announced the two upgrades last week.”

While there was some conjecture about the group 1 status of The Everest following a fiery meeting of Racing Victoria officials and its stakeholders on Tuesday, Eriksson and Australia’s representative on the Asian Pattern Committee, Racing Queensland chief executive Jason Scott, could not be clearer about its status.

Eriksson said following the new black type protocols that the Racing Australia board unanimously approved, the All Star Mile and The Everest were put forward for group 1 consideration after meeting the rating standard.

“The Everest and All Star Mile have been ratified as group 1 races by the Asian Pattern Committee and the Asian Racing Federation,” Scott said.

“I was on the call when Winfried [Engelbrecht Bresges] announced they were both group1 races and said congratulations.”

Engelbrecht Bresges is the Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive, ARF chairman and International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

Racing Australia has not announced any other upgrades to Group and Listed racing, but Racing NSW has moved 12 of its races up in status this spring.

It has been six years since any race was upgraded in Australia after a stalemate between Racing NSW and Racing Victoria.

‘TAKING EXTRAORDINARY STEPS TO BOOST EVEREST DAY CROWD’

WE received this interesting email concerning THE EVEREST from regular SYDNEY contributor PETER MAIR:

AHEAD of a Spring-carnival day when the racing news is about some disarray as well as happy expectations, there was one claim that cried out for some fact checking.

There will be a sell-out crowd to watch the .........Everest ..............

Perhaps, but the form guide for apparent ticket sales to this event has not always been reliable. Fact checkers may like to ask the ATC about how many 'members’ pass' entitlements are given away, inflating the 'crowd' with non-paying guests of members.

The running of the Kosciuszko on Everest Day -- a race restricted to NSW Country and ACT-trained horses only -- also builds the 'crowd' bringing a rural-racing set to the big-smoke for a race that is very difficult to assess.

It would also be of interest to get some feel for the day's enjoyment as punters leave the course -- Randwick does not really cope comfortably with a 50,000 crowd.

It is always perplexing to try to understand why racing administrators emphasize on-course attendance and then go to extraordinary lengths to pull a crowd.’

 

CAN THE RICHEST RACE IN REGIONAL QUEENSLAND STILL BE SAVED?

PERHAPS it was a case of $750,000 THE ARCHER, the richest race in regional Queensland, trying to become too big too soon.

With the costs of competing increased for the proposed renewal of the race next April (not to mention a required three-year commitment), The Archer could only attract six of the needed 12 slot holders.

That was the real reason for the demise of The Archer which some believed was because Racing Queensland is taking control of all Amateur Clubs throughout the State.

LGHR understands a ‘tenancy’ requirement put in place by RQ has already resulted in the Cairns and Townsville Amateurs being run by the professional clubs and that the Rockhampton Jockey Club will keep the Amateur Cup Day tradition going under their license by working in association with the Central Queensland Amateur Race Club.

The ‘concerns’ raised by officials and supporters of Amateur Clubs in the country could have been avoided had Racing Queensland simply provided a Media Release explaining the situation but for some strange reason even requests for information fell on deaf ears which isn’t the organization run by CEO Jason Scott that we have become accustomed to.

From what we can ascertain the Cairns Jockey Club took over their big Amateur meeting and ran it with an Independent Sub-Committee this year. Perhaps the same occurs in Townsville, where the Amatuers were once the biggest in the country.

The Rockhampton Jockey Club will maintain Amateur Cup Day at Callaghan Park  as they currently do with the former St Patrick’s Day and the Tattersall’s Clubs on an annual basis.

But because it is a ‘slot race’ The Archer is more complicated. Here’s hoping there is some way in the future of resolving its problems – perhaps the combination of a Racing Queensland prizemoney allocation and a major sponsor, like a corporate bookmaker (they have plenty).

Rockhampton isn’t Sydney and they don’t have cashed up investors prepared to take three-year slots for a $750,000 race let alone one for an absurd amount of money like $20 million.

Apart from the low uptake from past stakeholders we understand that there had been no formal commitment from the Brisbane Racing Club to agree to the winner being exempt from ballot for the Group 1 Stradbroke. (The major club has their own problems at present).

LGHR understands that the RJC has not been formally approached by the Central Queensland Amateur Race Club to take over The Archer but most believe it would be financially risky and possibly detrimental to the RJC for the major club to take on The Archer in 2025.

 

EVEN THE GREATEST FIGHTERS SADLY THROW IN THE TOWEL

WE never thought the day would come but GREG BLANCHARD of the GOLD COAST is sick of belting his head against a brick wall trying to entice Racing Queensland to take the necessary steps to overcome a lack of jockeys in the bush. Here’s his latest contribution:

‘I think this will be the last time I write on this important issue.

We must look to Asia as part of the solution, Oh God, how many bloody times have I said that.

I know there are track riders from Korea and Japan and no doubt other countries who, if we had a pathway for them to be jockeys, they would come.

The last Korean lad I helped get to New Zealand (there have been others before him) will be a jockey next year. These guys should have been here.

For 10 years I've been saying the same thing. I give up!’

 

HAVE YOUR SAY:

COST OF ATTENDING BIG RACE DAYS NOT AS HIGH AS GRAND FINALS

MARK J of SYDNEY poses an interesting question:

‘Did you know it costs $40 for a ticket to see one of the biggest race days and entertainment spectaculars at Randwick on Saturday when The Everest, worth a staggering $20 million is run?

Were you also aware that just to get through the gate on Melbourne Cup Day it is $99 (or a concession price of $74)?

When you compare the two, $40 seems a bargain – pity they couldn’t fit more people into Randwick. Interesting to see if they still get in the 100,000 range at Flemington where you are paying $99 for the privilege of losing your money.

Racing might be costly in the eyes of some but compare it to the grand finals in the AFL and NRL. The cheapest at the MCG for standing room (restricted view) is $155 and to the best Level 1 & 2 at $493. Restricted view for the NRL at Accor Stadium costs $49 with the Diamond view costing $409.

 

ANOTHER SATURDAY & ANOTHER FORM REVERSAL FROM WALLER

MERV the MAD PUNTER, who loves all things Melbourne racing, had a back-hander for LGHR:

‘Disappointed you didn’t make the most of an opportunity to highlight the form reversal of a Group 2 winner from the Waller stable last weekend.

SWITZERLAND grew a leg in the Roman Consul Stakes after drifting from $6 to $10 at his comeback and finishing last of nine in the Run to the Rose.  

As so often happens with the Waller horses, stewards didn’t even question the major form reversal. Perhaps that was because the colt had trialled well subsequent to his comeback flop.

I had to laugh about the Waller response when asked about the improvement. Dipping deep into his basket of excuses, the ‘great one’ declared: ‘He lost his confidence last start and got too worked up before the race.’

 

JAY FORD’S RIDE ON SWIFTFALCON WAS NO BLAKE SHINN ON ANTON

SAM from SYDNEY wasn’t happy about the ride of JAY FORD on heavily-backed SWIFTFALCON in the G3 Gloaming Stakes:

‘I know Swiftfalcon drew awkwardly – not much different to his previous start when he won the Dulcify – but Jay Ford set him an enormous task in the Gloaming over an extra trip.

‘Even Tom Waterhouse who suggested to his punting clients that Swiftfalcon was the BET of the DAY, was far from happy about the Ford ride in his summary of the race.

As usual the weak-kneed Sydney stewards didn’t see the need to ask any questions. Their report read: SWIFFALCON: From a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages.’ Wow, it must have been afternoon tea time! ‘

 

GET THE POLITICIANS INVOLVED – THEY CAN SAVE THE ARCHER

OLD mate GARRY GORRIE, now based in Phuket but still a keen follower of racing in Queensland, sent these thoughts on the demise of THE ARCHER:

‘ON the eve of a State election why not ask each political party what they will do on this matter if they get into power.

The problems could be solved by a political  election promise.

I believe the Townsville and Cairns Amateurs are now run by the Race Club (in those centres) because they have fallen away so much.

Or is this move (by RQ) a sneaky way of reducing the Saturday meetings for the country towns?

It’s election time – get them to alley up. You might not get a response from Racing Queensland but surely political parties have to give you an answer.’

 

IT WOULD BE NICE TO HEAR MORE FROM YOU THESE DAYS ‘JASON’

WE received this anonymous tip that there have been some dramas at Racing Queensland Race Training Centre.

This email questioned: ‘Have you heard that Jill Geiblinger, who was RTO Manager, is no longer with the organization along with Gael Sparks, whose job was training and accessing.

Jill is the fifth RTO Manager to depart RQ in a decade. What is going on? Perhaps CEO Jason Scott would like to explain to the industry and the stakeholders.’

 

IT’S TIME FOR BRC DIRECTORS TO ANSWER CONTENTIOUS QUESTIONS

THERE’S only one way for Chairman Neville Bell and his directors to lift the dark clouds hanging over the Brisbane Racing Club and that is to properly answer a series of contentious questions set to be asked at Wednesday’s annual general meeting.

There is much concern among members but sadly some feel too intimidated to speak publicly on what they have been saying privately for months. We are assured that one man, Wally Gleeson, the father of Simon, the popular director who resigned in controversial circumstances, won’t be silenced.

It will be easy to blame Wally’s anger on what has happened to his son – who didn’t resign for the reasons being claimed – but would rather remain silent than see the major racing club he served suffer any bad publicity.

Thankfully, Wally lives in a different racing world to Simon, one where what has happened to his son will not be tolerated. And he is determined to ask the awkward questions even if they attract dodgy answers.

Members of the State’s leading club and the racing public are entitled to know:

Whether Simon Gleeson left because he dared to ask some questions that fellow directors didn’t want to answer?

Why former CEO Tony Partridge resigned abruptly in July and why a ‘wall of silence’, has been erected around a letter to the BRC explaining his reasons?

Who are the directors that own one or more apartments in the luxury Ascot Green Complex, how much they paid for these and if any discounts were offered?

LGHR has been bagged behind the scenes for daring to have an agenda on this. Sorry BRC but this is a matter of public interest and someone has to ask the questions when the ethics of some of your racing 'media mates' can be easily challenged on this issue. What does occur at those fireside chats in the Director's Room over an ale or two after the last?

Over the years we have seen a series of Murdoch Media sports and racing personnel employed by the BRC. The support shown for the old QTC and BRC by Bart Sinclair when he was Racing Editor of The Courier-Mail was, in the opinion of many, above and beyond.

In the interests of honest journalism, LGHR challenges the duo seen to be closest to the BRC, David Fowler and Ben Dorries, to do the right thing by Members of the club, the racing public and industry stakeholders by covering this AGM objectively, especially the ‘question and answer’ session. If Dorries can’t do it, then Trenton Akers is the hope of the side. If we were to publish some of the emails received on this matter concerning Fowler, his feathers would certainly be ruffled.

One thing is for sure – if this is not covered properly in the mainstream racing media – LGHR will make every effort to eventually provide the answers to the awkward questions that will be asked.

 

LNP NEEDS TO GIVE THOSE NOW RUNNING QRIC CHANCE TO RE-FLOAT THE SHIPWRECK LEFT BY LABOR & ITS USELESS COMMISSIONER

THE ‘comprehensive review of racing’ promised by the LNP when they win Government will only work if the right people conduct it.

None of these inquiries or reviews in the past – with the possible exception of the live baiting one – have worked because some of the ‘political mates’ appointed to conduct same by either side of Government have been provided with ‘an agenda’.

Tim Mander, Shadow Racing Minister and MP the industry wants if the LNP refuses to give the portfolio to Ray Stevens (the politician who has forgotten more about the three codes than most of his colleagues could hope to learn), claims:

‘Labor has treated the racing industry with contempt, and it has bred a feeling of distrust, the months of silence are eroding confidence. The review will set the record straight and give the racing industry confidence to thrive into the future.’

Long before Tim was making his mark as a rugby league referee, the LNP had a rotten record when it came to racing integrity. Someone should remind him of the bad old days when ‘Big Russ’ was loved for handing out millions, especially to harness racing, but had a deplorable record when it came to integrity with his ‘my way or the highway attitude’.

Mander should sit down and have a chat with one of the current QRIC stewards, John Cremin, at one time employed by the Hinze private trainer in harness racing, Darrell Alexander and ask about the time he won on a stablemate of a pacer backed by the ‘big fella’ only to be ‘king hit’ a couple of nights later by the trainer in Silks Restaurant at Albion Park. John’s father, Neil, who owned the great pacer Peter Profit, said at the time he was told by stewards that although this happened at a racing venue, he should take the matter up with the police – by the way ‘Big Russ’ was Police Minister at the time.

What needs to be remembered is that almost every major controversy in racing in Queensland has occurred under an LNP Government – the list when Hinze was Minister is endless. Who can forget the Fine Cotton Ring-In, the Caffeine Crisis which destroyed the careers of so many respected trainers and the greyhound live-baiting expose which saw an entire Board removed after their CEO was thrown under the bus in the hope he would be the sole scapegoat.  

Fast forward to the present time and the appointment of the greatest disaster racing in Queensland has arguably seen can be mainly blamed on current Labor Minister Grace Grace. QRIC Commissioner Shane Gillard etched his name in Queensland racing history by becoming the first leader of the Integrity arm to record a seven-figure annual loss in a financial year. Grace continued to support his appointment before the bloke finally did the industry a favour and fell on his sword.

The blow-out in expenditure can be blamed largely on two areas: Fighting court cases QRIC found they couldn’t win and additional staff costs (the new team that inherited this mess also have to deal with some of the high profile stewards who were appointed by Gillard to jobs that he protected). Many believe the current Chief Steward at the Gallops, Josh Adams, should not survive. At least two of his colleagues in the country are regarded as 'idiots' by trainers and jockeys.

Rumours are circulating that when the LNP wins Government one of those being strongly considered for the job will be a former Chief Steward in Queensland Allan Reardon who was sacked by the Bentley Board then returned to take the job later on when Terry Bailey should have got it but the Board Chairman of the day listened to advice from a media mate who had a history of running bets and messages from the jockeys' room to the betting ring under the noses of the stewards. The story goes that ‘since he started driving Miss Daisy’, Reardon has a leg-up with the LNP and will be in strong contention to return to the QRIC fold. Time will tell!

In releasing their racing policy, the LNP declared country racing the lifeblood of the sport (don't know how it would survive without the metropolitan area being strong) and committed to properly funding it to ‘ensure its long-term viability.’ Will that occur in time to save provincial Queensland’s richest race, The Archer, dumped next year because it was struggling to attract slot-holders? Very unlikely!

‘The LNP will deliver a comprehensive, independent review of Queensland's racing industry, to safeguard the financial sustainability and integrity of the sector and ensure Queensland has modern, fit for purpose infrastructure,’ Mander said.

‘Despite the best efforts of those at grassroots level, it is evident there are systemic issues which are impeding the good functioning of the industry and must be weeded-out. The LNP has been listening to industry stakeholders and if elected, will deliver the sweeping review required to expose reform that's needed.

‘Country racing plays an integral role in the racing industry and is lifeblood of many rural communities. The review will assess the current status of country racing to ensure its long-term viability.’

IT would seem after reading the LNP Racing Policy that – at least in the early days of the new Government – they plan to give the ‘new team’ running QRIC the chance to re-float the shipwreck they inherited. Any move back to stewards being employed and controlled by a Control Board would ruin the ‘separation of powers’ that is needed to give punters and the racing public any trust in integrity of the three codes.

We had planned to write an article on what will happen with QRIC but our colleague ARCHIE BUTTERFLY has done a better job than we could hope to and we are sure won’t mind us republishing his story today from the subscriber-only website, www.peterprofit.com which reads:

THE LNP long spruiked their intention to close down the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) when they inevitably come to power at the end of the month appears to have all but vanished in the haze, with the Government-in-Waiting seemingly abandoning their plan behind the cover of one of those ‘comprehensive reviews’ that politicians call when they don’t want to act.

Racing has slipped well down the order of importance for the in-coming Government, with not a word breathed about it in the first 100-day plan released by the LNP last weekend, and no commitment to abolishing the QRIC in the Party’s racing plan a few days before.

It seems that they have finally woken up and realized that it’s not as simple as turning off the lights and locking the doors on the Integrity Commission.

First they have to find alternate jobs or pay redundancies to QRIC’s 276 staff, 65 per cent of whom are permanent employees.

Next they have to pay out the three-year contracts of the Commissioner, her Deputy and the senior executive team.

After that they have to pay $7.3 million that QRIC has contractually committed to for things like the Racing Science Centre, car leases and other expenses agree to in advance.

Of course they need something to replace the QRIC with, an exercise that requires far more than a few fluffy words on a pre-election paper.

IT NEEDS A PLAN – AND THE LNP DON’T HAVE ONE!

Then last but not least it requires a major law change, the abolition of the Racing Integrity Act and wholesale amendments to the Racing Act, a process that would take six months or a year.

Let’s be honest.

Taking all these things and more into account, there is simply no way that the LNP are going to shut the QRIC down.

It’s just not worth the time, trouble and expense to them, when they have far more important and worthwhile things to do.

Despite doing its arse this year and recording a $7.3 million loss, the hot air has all blown away.

The QRIC is saved – don’t you worry about that.       

 

‘JOHN THE FIREMAN’ WRITES A ‘DEAR JASON’ LETTER ON NEEDS OF RQ

JOHN HANCOX, better known as ‘JOHN THE FIREMAN,’ a frequent contributor to LGHR, has allowed us to publish this letter he wrote to Racing Queensland CEO JASON SCOTT but as yet has not received even acknowledgement that it was received:

I have decided to write directly to you as I can’t see myself getting any opportunity to talk to you any time soon or through consultation groups.

I have listened at length to current dialogue around the industry your many interviews and RQ up-dates which have really left me with more questions than answers, hence this email as a start to try and get answers concerning the current and future picture for all three codes of the industry.

My name is John Hancox, 61, and I have been involved with horse racing most of my adult life as it has become a passion I inherited from my family of hobby owners and punters when I was growing up. I have been involved in all three codes at different stages of my life but now mostly with Harness and Gallopers (managing syndicates). 

I believe you inherited a lot of the issues and were handed a house of cards ready to fall when the previous CEO, Brendan Parnell, moved on but now it’s up to you to fix things. Decisions of the past are now starting to bite hard into our industry. Many we can’t change and have to learn to live with or be prepared to adapt and do things differently. ‘Change’, in my experience, is a hard sell but most people will listen when it is presented properly, particularly with different options.

A little relevant history from me starts with the TAB being sold and split and what it has caused that probably wasn’t thought through properly at the time. Hospital funding was lost through the Golden Casket. TAB agencies, PubTABs and Casinos have basically destroyed on-course betting and race-day crowds outside of carnival times. Add the digital takeover which was fast-tracked during COVID and we have a new landscape to deal with.

Also there is, in my opinion, some short-sightedness and lack of acknowledgement that the two minor codes that the two minor codes had exclusive night programming until thoroughbreds started to encroach with night racing. This has had an obvious effect on turnover and crowds like other sport options that weren’t previously available.

Governments and POC (Point of Consumption Tax) have taken income stream down an unfamiliar path and navigating this was always going to be a huge challenge as I don’t see any guarantees or minimum income which the TAB deal did provide until it went pear shape.

My belief is that around 80% of POC provides 45% extra funding outside the 35% that Brendan Parnell had already done a deal for RQ on to try and cover the Government-funded packages that were all starting to come to an end. The obvious one being the country racing package and add that the TAB ‘minimum’ deal coming to an end with income below that previously guaranteed.  What does the 45% POC bring to the table? The ‘kicker’ was supposed to pick up sports betting in the deal. Does it even go close to what industry funds need to be? I believe most in the industry got sucked into this 80% figure and didn’t really know the background funding that existed for the industry.

Where has the COVID windfall gone?

Where has the out-of-court settlement money from TAB gone? 

What governance does RQ have in place so we don’t go down the same road as HRV (Harness Racing Victoria) and the previous RQ industry debt of $28 million?

Are we already headed down this path of debt?

For what it’s worth here are my views on current and future issues that need fixing ASAP.

The TAB needs a massive overhaul (maybe sold) and a National tote is a massive part of the way forward. The pari-mutuel system in this country needs fixing and would hopefully once again be a windfall for the TAB and the industry. 

With a new boss at the TAB, the time is right for all state racing CEO’s to have a serious discussion on the issue. The TAB would win back many punters s if it returned to something like old school style betting for the punter. Remember we once got the odds and stake, plus a quarter for place bets. Bonuses etc and other gimmicks (becoming more like poker machines) aren’t required and I have said this at many betting focus group forums.  If I’m not backing winners these are useless. Corporates are here to stay and have a place if you are looking at competition being part of the betting landscape, but the numbers are far too high and need to be limited. By doing so you’re giving everyone a decent piece of the pie and how they grow that piece may be of benefit to the punter/owner and WPS. Where does the data come from that the punting dollar will continue to grow? When we know that younger generations aren’t anywhere as attached to racing as previous generations with so many other options available to them that didn’t exist in the past.

Surely the WPS can provide data through the digital networks/APPS on how the betting landscape currently stands and what are the trends showing. Venues and the extra offers don’t seem to be encouraging people out of their homes to bet at “brick and mortar” places. It definitely isn’t a situation of build it and they will come at racetracks. I would think racetracks going forward should have minimum public/members’ facilities on the finish line, with a pop-up facility plan for carnival and big race days as a good approach. An interesting question for RQ is why do other live sports like football and cricket etc still get crowds to their stadiums with other viewing options available? Yet racing is struggling. 

This leads into CAPEX and Infrastructure: My main concern is when will infrastructure get to a completed stage and get to a maintenance only and then “End of Life” replacement program? What is the process for current Capex funding going forward?

QRIC and Industry Consultation: Hopefully QRIC remains as is and new leadership creates an organization that serves the industry to world best practices and instills confidence in our product. Should the industry be paying rent for offices when race clubs have space to set QRIC up?  The two main industry forums appear to be each codes advisory committee and QRIC stakeholder group which the “Terms of Reference” really only creating an information forum. Surely if minutes can’t be released the action items sheet could be published so industry people can have an idea on what is progressing and actually being discussed? The same can be said around sub-committees.   

Prizemoney: It’s terrific that RQ has been able to maintain current levels. Going forward though what will be the process around increases for grassroots racing and as funds become available what areas have been identified for increases? Surely there is no justification to continue to raise features and these slot races money when the increase isn’t creating better fields or greater turnover for industry. A basic percentage increase needs to be applied as we ALL face the same cost increases. A further increase to certain areas needs to be applied to create greater viability. Transparency around why things are done would be helpful.

I believe Queensland racing needs to create a “Fit for Purpose” model for the industry and ALL three codes. To achieve this, the minor codes can be addressed individually. But the Queensland gallops need to be looked at by the regions, as an all of industry approach will be too hard to achieve agreement and the issues do differ. Also ownership of the decisions and change can be seen easier by each region. There was a Deloittes Report done probably a decade ago that RQ should get some information from around issues they identified. Does the industry need to be racing as much? Surely we aren’t that desperate for turnover and is a small down period not good for industry staff and welfare? The punter will still spend just at different times; also not all codes will possibly be out at the same times or period. 

Additional income outside of racing is a must these days by using all land available or on course facilities. Offsite opportunities like the BRC have is good diversity.   

SUMMARY OF RELEVANT POINTS

GREYHOUNDS: Overall they are travelling well and are lucky to be getting the new Q facility which somewhat compensates for the loss of the Gold Coast track and acknowledges the code with a first class racing facility. Welfare needs to remain a focus as does rehoming. The code has downsized as much as possible in line with a once RQ strategy. Having its own standalone metro track again can only help the code going forward.

HARNESS: Is finally close to seeing some certainty around the code’s race tracks situation. What has happened with the ‘Three Track Review’ that was earmarked for discussion some time ago? Does this Review address infrastructure, particularly Albion Park’s short and long-term plans. Is there any chance in the short term that a new finish line grandstand will be built? If not, what is planned? What were the outcomes of the high level Review that was apparently undertaken by RQ?  The Government may say Albion Park is a RQ asset but it has had little money spent on it, mainly due to continued uncertainty around the facility. Hopefully now that has changed the position concerning expenditure on the site will as well. Both horse codes require a state of the art training facility and general stabling to future proof their growth. What is the current and future situation around this issue? The only close land previously identified was a motor bike (Mick Doohan) track at Nudgee/Banyo and the Entertainment Centre. Both sites sit between two race tracks. Surely RQ should look at why harness racing is not popular with the punter, work on its image and through the WPS get them to survey the punter with a series of questions. I’m on TAB and Ladbroke forums and have never seen anything come through. At face to face forums I ask younger punters why they prefer to bet mainly on sport and when and why they go to the races. It provides some interesting answers. Syndicates need a greater focus and achieving some results would be good. We need more than water bottles and caps with slogans, ‘Owners Make Racing’. Surely through COVID RQ learnt that owners and punters fund this industry. I had owners with no jobs (in syndicates) still finding money to pay horse bills and yet they had little direct involvement with their horses for a very long time. Owners advise of starting and results emails have been well received. My owners continue to go to the races to watch their horses but outside of those times don’t need to go to a racetrack as vision of races is available at home. Also owners and punters are the only group that is totally dependent on results; everyone else is going to receive wages. Qbred is a good scheme and hopefully continues to improve. I do have a question for you though around the $2,000  offered for yearlings sold over $7,500. When you signed off on this ‘what did success look like’ as I really can’t see it having any effect on buyers. I believe buy-backs remain the main issue for buyers at the yearling sales. Having a standalone Metro track gives the code far more flexibility with programming and is long overdue. A ratings system and viability still needs a good review and solutions found. The two minor codes need to investigate the viability of having their own stand-alone channel to broadcast the product as thoroughbred racing coverage remains the priority and this has to have some effect on turnover?

THOROUGHBREDS: There is a desperate need for a state of the art training facility with stabling to future proof the industry. Hopefully Deagon and other tracks can provide what is necessary. QTIS needs a good overhaul. Why and what was achieved by removing nomination payments? Going forward owners should be able to nominate their horses for 2yo/3yo or 3yo/4yo bonus racing. This would help a lot around viability and welfare. It would provide late maturing horses/stayers a chance to develop or horses with minor issues time before being pushed to race. We need something like the two minor codes have that gives older horses a chance to keep racing and remain viable. This helps the rehoming program as well. Viability outside of SE Queensland needs to be addressed. Tracks are hopefully getting closer to being a topic that doesn’t continue to hurt the industry. As an owner we don’t need the vet bills for sore eyes or jarred up horses and the punter wants fair racing to bet with some confidence. Eagle Farm track has been very lucky around rainfall in recent times but how does the track cope in an extended dry spell and is there going to be an added cost for industry for track water? There is a major problem with shortage of jockeys and work riders, particularly outside of SE Queensland. What are the short and long term fixes? I know first-hand if the FIFO jockeys didn’t stay after race meetings my horses would struggle to get trialed and educated. Owners continue to wear the increased costs. Better programming has to be part of the answer, also a willingness to use public holidays and to race on Fridays and Sundays which stops the overloading of the Saturday. Splitting the public holiday to a half day would give some clubs the opportunity of further meetings.    

In conclusion, I know I have covered a lot of issues. I am happy to clarify any points raised further or to meet to discuss them.

EDITOR’S NOTE: No-one doubts that the time of the RQ CEO is previous. But Jason Scott has shown he is prepared to listen and it’s people like ‘John the Fireman’ that RQ should find the time to listen to.   

 

 

‘IS THIS CURTAINS FOR THE ROCKY AMATEURS & THE ARCHER – PLEASE EXPLAIN RQ WHAT ALSO HAPPENS TO CAIRNS & TOWNSVILLE?

REPUBLISHED courtesy of TONY McMAHON & the MORNING BULLETIN in ROCKHAMPTON:

ROCKY Amateurs chairman Bill Reid says he is ‘gutted and shocked’ that a directive from Racing Queensland not to relicense ‘tenant’ race clubs from 2026 will bring about the demise of the Rockhampton’s signature race The Archer.

The Weight-For-Age The Archer (1300m), instigated in 2022 with a $440,000 prize money attachment rising to $775,000 last year and was set to become Rockhampton racing’s first $1mn race next April.

As regional Queensland’s richest race, the 2025 version of The Archer was to carry a winner’s exclusivity clause of automatic entry into the field for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in Brisbane next winter.

With such an enticement, it was to expected draw some of Australia’s top sprinters to Callaghan Park racecourse and eclipse the magnificent successes of its previous two editions.

However, according to Bill Reid that will not be happening as a result of RQ’s directive. “To say our club is very upset is an understatement. Truly we are shocked. The massive commitment and untold hours and hours of work from voluntary club members and committee to get The Archer up and running in the first place and for this to happen makes no sense to us.

“The Archer has been a magnificent success story and next year would have been even bigger. Why aren’t RQ supporting a success story and pulling the rug from under us? There are a lot of horror stories in racing but The Archer was a great news story for racing not only in Rockhampton but nationally,’’ Reid said.

The revamped Rocky Amateurs, formerly the Central Queensland Amateur Race Club has been racing at Callaghan Park racecourse, on a rental arrangement from the Rockhampton Jockey Club since 1921.

Currently a tenant of Callaghan Park racecourse owners, the RJC, the Rocky Amateurs pays a sizeable but undisclosed sum to rent the racecourse for its annual one day racing extravaganza.

As a ‘slot race’ the majority of its prizemoney is funded through slot holders who pay significant amounts based on a three-year term to own a piece of the race.

In turn, owners of the higher echelon of sprinters anxious to have representation in The Archer negotiate and come to a financial arrangement with individual slot-holders to share prize money won.

Since its inception, it has been a win-win arrangement for Central Queensland racing stakeholders. All three The Archer winners to date, Emerald kingdom, Alpine Edge and Namazu carried either CQ ownership or represented slot holders from that region.

Better still from a financial reward for local racing stakeholders, Rockhampton jockey Ash Butler won on both Emerald Kingdom and Callaghan Park trainer Ricky Vale’s Namazu.

As well The Archer, has lured multiple Melbourne Cup and GR 1 jockeys, trainers to ply their craft at Callaghan Park while attracting the biggest attendances at the racecourse each year.

Bill Reid said it was not feasible for the Rocky Amateurs to go ahead and run The Archer in 2025. “With RQ directing they will not relicense us after that year there is no future for the club or the slot-holders. It’s that simple”, he mused.

Rocky Amateurs committeeman Tony Fenlon agreed saying it would be a “totally unfair arrangement for slot-holders, club sponsors and stakeholders to proceed with no assurance after next year (2025).”

“I attended a meeting in Rocky last Friday week along with other members of our committee and RQ CEO Jason Scott and Melinda Martin (Chief Operating Officer). I can categorically say they told us there is a change in policy regarding ‘tenant’ race clubs that don’t have facilities.

“They said that such clubs like the Rocky Amateurs will not have licenses reissued in 2026. In other words, our club will not be relicensed beyond 2025. Therefore there will not be another running of The Archer under that edict hanging over the club.

“What concerns me is what will become of the prize money offered for the other races that day (an estimated $250,000). Will it stay local? It just doesn’t make any sense,” a dejected Fenlon said.

“We simply don’t understand RQ’s new policy whereby ‘tenant’ race clubs announced at a meeting held in Rockhampton between senior officials from both organizations recently.

This writer contacted Racing Queensland seeking a comment on the issue. It responded by text: “RQ has no formal comment to make on that”, spokesman Andrew Adermann said.

It will be a matter of interest if Brisbane’s Tattersalls Racing Club, a tenant of the Brisbane Racing Club which conducts four race meetings annually and a Group 1 race is applicable to the RQ ruling affecting the Rocky Amateurs.

 

CONFUSING STABLEMATES WITH SAME COLORS CALLER’S NIGHTMARE

EAGLE-EYED punters are claiming that Terry Bailey called an extra race on the card at Mornington on Thursday – the last of eight on two occasions – once live and again off the replay to correct a mistake.

LGHR did not see the race in question where Glen’s Top Hat beat In Your Hands in a close finish but after a retired mate called to tell him ‘TB’s ballsed another one up’, watched a replay to discover Bailed had mistaken In Your Hands for Stellar Style.

Low and behold, a few hours later when we decided to watch a replay of the entire Mornington card it was discovered that there was no sign of the mistake and In Your Hands was correctly called from start to finish.

It prompted a couple of emails from readers:

SAM J of SEYMOUR wrote: ‘My mates and I were at the pub having a few bets late in the day when the one we were on in the last (In Yours Hands) wasn’t called the entire race by Terry Bailey. After it fought out the finish we soon discovered the mistake.

‘I was taking to another mate on the phone soon after and had a bit of a laugh about it. He called back a couple of hours later and said I must have been pissed or dreaming that no such mistake had occurred.

‘When I went on to the replays on Racing.com I discovered the original call had been changed. How was that able to happen?’

 

MARK R of MELBOURNE sent this message for another of our contributors COL D of TOWNSVILLE:

‘I’ve been waiting for TB to make another mistake in his calls and it didn’t take long. He got the favourite mixed up with another runner in the last at Mornington today.

I kept a copy of what you published at the time which read: ‘Col is not a fan of Victorian race-caller Matt Hill and was quick to highlight: ‘The golden boy made a major stuff-up with the Moir. Not so much getting the photo wrong but calling the 3^rd placegetter as 6^th or 7^th. In contrast the much-maligned Terry Bailey got an extremely tight one right with Berkeley Square.’

All I can say old mate Col you must have been spending too much time in that North Queensland sun. Bailey would make more mistakes in a week that Hill does every year. When it comes to callers there is no comparison. Today’s call of the last was just another example. I’m told TB has a passion for training greyhounds. He should take that up permanently.’

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Terry Bailey was a victim of what has become known as the ‘caller’s nightmare’. It occurs when broadcasters have a stablemate from the previous race which carried the same colors firmly fixed in their memory bank. This was what happened at Mornington. Stellar Style, a despised outsider from the Andrea Leak stable, started in Race 7. Stablemate In Your Hands carried the same set of colors in the eighth, the difference being it raced more prominently and fought out the finish. Had it been a backmarker or an outsider, chances are the mistake would have gone unnoticed. TB won’t be the first or last caller to confuse two stablemates racing on the same day in the same colors.

I have known Terry Bailey since he was calling at the Gold Coast many decades ago. Not only is TB a good bloke but he’s a great broadcaster. He went within a whisker of getting the job when Greg Miles retired. We all make mistakes, especially as we get older but few of us are in the public spotlight. It seems once he realised what had happened in the call at Mornington, Terry moved to correct the situation and did an immediate re-record off the video. It was his way of apologising by ensuring the right horse was called for those watching the replay, including connections.

Much of the criticism of TB flows from his ‘shoot from the hip’ attitude when it comes to controversial matters in racing. As far as I’m concerned he can call until he’s 100 and he would never be half as bad as a couple of old callers they refuse to pension off in the country area of NSW.

 

 

ARE THESE REFORMS NEEDED IN AUSTRALIAN RACING INDUSTRY?

WE’RE changing the pace from Queensland issues today and publishing this thought-provoking piece from Sydneysider PETER MAIR, a regular contributor to LGHR.

Entitled RACING OUT OF CONTROL – 25 YEARS ON it aims at sharpening the focus about needed reforms to the racing industry nationally. 

Peter maintains the Australian racing industry has problems looming -- mainly about funding and governance. He says a racing industry with 'not enough money' to meet promised payouts will require change to the business model. A different business model will similarly require change to the composition of both administrative boards and racing club management.

The politics to be played out across the states is the wild card. Seat belts on.

RACING OUT OF CONTROL – 25 YEARS ON

A WARNING FOR GENTLE READERS: As decades before, much of what follows will, quite fairly be considered offensive by many racing industry supporters and participants, especially to participants financially dependent on present industry entitlements to funding distributed at the discretion of administrators. My intention here is to be frankly candid about the problems and helpful as to what might best be done. Such candour, while necessary, will offend the sensibilities of those benefiting from current arrangements. Perhaps those, however so fairly feeling offended, will be open to considering a more objective perspective. Economists can be heartless people, best ignored – even so well overdue reform may now be unavoidable.] 

THE GENERAL CONTEXT

THE administration of racing in Australia is out of control – now even more so than it was circa 2000 when propositions akin to the following were first floated.

Funding pressures are bringing unrest to the industry. The likely implications for some stakeholder groups are unsettling. The unrest will spill over into the political arena – the buck-passing will be contentious. Media coverage will be managed to confuse the blame-game – a ploy that risks emphasising roles played by key individuals while avoiding exposure of systemic flaws in the racing business model.

One important difference now sees the political planets better aligned to allow needed reform. In NSW and Victoria, if not nationally, current state governments confidently enjoy comfortable ruling majorities not threatened by the loss of a couple of 'rural racing electorates'.

The management of the Australian racing industry has, for some decades, been akin to a Ponzi scheme. Automatic entitlements to ever more lavish funding, to meet ever more generous promises, pander to an industry misled by an illusion of boundless prosperity. It now seems the game is up – the money is not there to pay what was promised. There will be an adjustment.

Sadly the Ponzi-style promises made were mainly to those involved in provincial and country racing. This assessment may be wrong but it looks like too much 'rural racing' is not being run on terms anywhere close to 'commercial viability'. Put differently, rural racing does not attract sufficient betting turnover from the turnover 'tax take' to cover costs, especially ever more inflated prize money. Saturday-racing, city-money, is being used to subsidise rural racing – deployments said to be “in the interests of the racing industry as a whole”, or perhaps not.

What is somewhat astonishing is racing administrators routinely parading, as a virtue, the ever more disproportionate allocation of funds for rural racing. What has long looked like a no-brainer – reining back the rural largesse – the apparent dead-loss running of rural racing has apparently only become more so.

One might ask 'why is it so'? Looking for beneficiaries opens a Pandora’s box.

The breeders and owners of 'slow horses' benefit from enhanced opportunities to off-load tried-horses to rural racing interests, at prices inflated by the promise of higher prize-money.

Residents in 'racing electorates' benefit from the money washed through rural racing businesses. Employment for workers, often displaced from family-farms, is a real enough benefit. Similarly, but not quite so real enough, other industry locals benefit from the sale of provisions and related services of vets and farriers. And there are secondary flow-on benefits to wider rural communities as the racing-money circulates.

One question, left hanging, is why rural racing interests are used as the vehicle delivering financial support to rural communities.

One answer, sadly, is that providing this 'support' is a deception not properly accounted for. The 'support' is not subject to clean budget appropriations.  The flow of money to racing administrators, and on to rural racing interests, is a consequence of the automatic entitlements the racing industry has, 'off-budget', to a share of the the 'tax take' from betting turnover. Put sharply, from the proper perspective of the general community,  this off-budget money is 'dirty money'. 

The sadness gets more telling. The spending of the 'dirty money' – at the discretion of racing administrators – is not properly accounted for against any reasonable test of stand-alone commercial viability. All up, this is not right – it is clearly wrong.

So, who fairly benefits from giving the racing industry automatic entitlements to funds? The short answer, being 'no one' fairly benefits but the wider community is unfairly disadvantaged. This shifts the focus to 'how did this unfairness get locked-in?' This question is unanswerable beyond perhaps seeming like a good idea at the time before degenerating into the problem now unfolding – at bit like Topsy said: "I s'pect I just growed. Don't think nobody never made me."

Whatever – what should never have happened should now stop, now be unmade.

WEAVING THE TANGLED WEB

RURAL racing is an obvious focal point when looking for explanations of why these things happened wrongly. From the mouths of administrators to this day, proud claims of 'fostering rural racing' are open confirmations of making such discretionary decisions. Decisions first made without proper accountability for commercial soundness – and then, as the loss-making commercial consequences became clear, digging the hole deeper.

What is the mindset behind these decisions? Is the mindset in control more in the domain of politicians and less in the hands of compliant administrators only nominally responsible? Best to keep an open mind: the two minds seem similarly set. Surely politicians and administrators have both had unique opportunities to do it or to stop it. Neither stopped it.

Whatever the complexities of responsibility, industry funding arrangements have been distorted beyond reason in the pursuit of more-money for racing. The more-money needed to meet inflated prize-money promises, also made beyond reason. The litany of 'more money for rural racing' is not matched by any disciplines conducive to fair trading and commercial viability.

One may well ask why punters keep putting up the money when their chances of winning are so diminished. Why punters are betting less is not clear. Those wanting to understand problem gambling have work to do – not least in Victoria where the cultural attachment to racing gambling remains deeply embedded. Administrators exploit the attachment.

Consider:

• THE current game of brinkmanship where the cards in play involve the sale of racetracks, including Rosehill and Sandown (and Canterbury). On the face of it these proposals are about creating a capital investment fund (of $billions) and using the earnings to pay-up on the prize-money promises made – mainly for rural racing. Behind the bold face it looks like administrators are betting that politicians, fearful of rural backlash, will either facilitate the sales or otherwise provide needed funds from other sources. Not a good bet at all, as things are unfolding

 APPARENTLY inexorable increases in the 'tax-take' from punters pockets via additional levies on the turnover of betting service providers. Levies on turnover for using race-fields and, now, rising point-of-consumption tax-takes on betting turnover (changes which shift funds and power to administrators from race clubs). Such greed could kill the golden goose – the most punter set – now on a list of  endangered species, along with racing itself;

* THE introduction of ninth and now tenth races on Saturdays to attract sucker-bet turnover on low-grade events prone to rough results – many of which races are aimed at giving rural-racing interests, and their entourages, a name-dropping day-at-headquarters;

* THE unfair inflation of race fields generally with 'no-hopers' and 'track-trialers hoping to hang on for generous prize-money paid down to tenth place. This inflated-field policy may boost turnover and tax-takes but it compromises the fair running of races congested with runners only likely to impede the chances of the runners there to win – races conducive to 'rough results'; and

* EVEN worse, and way beyond expectations, have been frenemy relationships that flowed from combining administrators' inflated fields, prone to rough results, with off-course, fixed-odds bookmaking with a liking for rough results. Talk about a match made in hell, this has been one for the ages. Discarded by these peace-in-our-time treaties have been the old TAB allies offering 'tote betting' with capped tax-takes from tote pools. In the new deal there are no caps on the 'take' from punters pockets – excessive when results are 'rough' and bolstered by bans on punters likely to win while encouraging known-loser customers.

PUBLIC POLICY RESPONSES

ALL bets are 'on' about the way walking on a political minefield will determine outcomes.

There will eventually be a consensus across the states that should rule out some inclinations. Ideally our national government would convene an inquiry to both expose flaws in the current business model nationally ahead of fostering a more sustainable framework for the conduct of the racing industry, nationally. Alas our national government seems not inclined to do much of consequence and solving states' problems with racing may not be on the list.

– Annual and open applications for budget funding

One essential public policy response would see state governments put processes in train to withdraw any automatic entitlements that racing industry administrators presently have to a fixed share of the tax-take from racing betting turnover. There should be no automatic, ear-marked connection between a tax-taken and how it is spent.

However, such ear-marking of the racing tax-take apparently 'just happened', it was wrong to start with and it has got progressively more so. Governments are not only entitled to tax gambling, they must – and the tax-take should be the maximum consistent with the long term viability of the gambling medium.

Never forget that the tax-take from racing gambling is taken at the point of a legislative gun and, as such, it should first be paid into consolidated revenue ahead of a largely separate decision on the nature and extent of any annual disbursement from the budget to fund racing.

The 'how much' and 'for what' that would be allocated as funds to racing administrators would depend, as it always should, on racing administrators making soundly-based, published annual applications for funds for racing from state budgets.

Racing needs to be administered and funded as a business – as is, it is funded as if it were a deserving charity – and the funds disbursed are seemingly at the discretion of administrators in thrall to political and rural racing interests clamouring for more money (and, possibly, more votes).

Apparently the ACT Government has taken this suggested 'radical' course in the wake of the point-of-consumption tax innovation. Bets placed nationally by well-heeled punters in the ACT would deliver much more in POC taxes than it would be sensible to link to funding ACT racing. Other state governments need to understand the sense of disconnecting the tax-take from racing gambling from ear-marked funds flowing automatically to racing administrators – and inexplicably on to rural racing prize-money.

• Greed is never good

 One reform to be negotiated and addressed in short order would correct 'greed-based' policies of administrators that have so devalued the presentation of racing product on fair terms. Punters and owners and others suffering the consequences of too-high tax-takes and   contrived 'rough result' racing all deserve better – a simple commitment to  'fair racing' is hardly too much to ask.

Much as many are keen supporters of racing gambling as entertainment and participants are dependent on the industry, the present deal is just not on.  'The many' are some 10% only of the adult population (mainly males) betting regularly. The 'dependent participants', of the order of 150,000 nationally, are presumably open to other work in a tight labour market.

In short, on the public policy front, a very short tail should not be wagging a national dog.

Nor should the policy makers take much notice of  exaggerated claims of the contribution racing makes to state and regional economies – if there were no racing, those resources would be deployed elsewhere, and very possibly making a more valuable contribution in many areas. 

In short, after an adjustment, there are alternative roles for rural racing industry assets and participants.

– Not just “an adjustment”

The implications of reforming the rural racing industry cannot and should not be simply dismissed as 'an adjustment'. 

Simple fairness demands that any 'an adjustment' be carefully considered and phased to manage the burdens placed on everyone involved – cash grants to encourage the withdrawal of redundant resources may have a role to play.

Whatever the costs of adjustment, deemed to be reasonably compensated,  accumulating the costs in a capital account could be a liability of the industry to be recovered from future tax-takes from racing gambling – a sensible enough option that would be a cosmetic ploy giving  the  appearance of fair-play and political acceptability.

In short, prize-money promises about to be reneged demand both advance notice and commitments for compensation to be paid. To whom and how much and from where are issues to be settled.

By way of clearing the decks of affronts to sound public policy, a couple of options should be ruled out. Selling tracks to create capital funds using earnings to pay current expenses is one – ultimately governments could reduce automatic entitlements to a share of racing-gambling turnover. Nor should governments give in to vote-mail by racing interests withdrawing electoral support unless rural racing is protected on current terms – state politicians of both stripes are likely more open now to a common-sense consensus for funding racing.

In short, interests associated with racing do not call the shots – they also serve at the Governor’s pleasure.

In conclusion

DO not shoot the messenger – someone needs to speak up.

It should not have been necessary to so speak up – funding problems should have been recognised and corrected not exacerbated.  The responsibility of others to speak up now should not have been avoided – a blame-game now will not save a flawed business model.

The racing industry has a funding problem rooted in promises to pay too much to too many. The tax-take from punters pockets has been screwed so tight that relief for punters is more appropriate than demanding more from them.

Cutting costs and payouts to participants will be a bitter political pill to digest.

Finally – the greed driven policies introduced to deceive punters would best be reversed to restore fair play.

 

IS RACING QUEENSLAND PLANNING A TAKEOVER OF AMATEUR CLUBS?

THIS is a story that LGHR can’t believe has any legs but we keep hearing it from people in the industry who should know. Perhaps there's a method in the perceived madness of the rocket-scientists.

It suggests that Racing Queensland is about to take control of all Amateur Clubs throughout the State which has the alarm bells ringing.

Concerned officials say such a controversial move would affect the future of time-honored drawcards like the Cairns Amateurs, Townsville Amateurs and Rockhampton Amateurs not to mention the flow-on damage suffered by smaller Amateur Clubs that have proved popular for decades.

There has already been a suggestion that The Archer, the richest race in regional Queensland, will not be run in Rockhampton next year. The $750,000 ‘slot race’ provides automatic entry into the Stradbroke Handicap.

As one high profile racing official from Central Queensland told LGHR, ‘This is a political hot potato for Labor. If reports are correct that The Archer will be moved to Eagle Farm, it is even worse. But the LNP are MIA on the issue.’

Another from North Queensland commented: ‘Why would Racing Queensland want to take over the running of racing carnivals like the Far North and North Queensland Amateurs. These may not still be the success story they once were but both are still important to racing and tourism.’

If this is right the LNP could make terrific political points by addressing the issue which will affect the tens of thousands from the industry who vote but they have no idea what the in-coming Government’s policy on racing is.

The only indication so far is that John Paul Langbroek is likely to become the new Racing Minister. About the only supporters of that appointment are 'fair weather' friends he made when Shadow spokesman for the portfolio and that is best not spoken aboujt by LGHR.

There are those who rightly say that Ray Stevens would make a better Racing Minister. He, too, might live on the Gold Coast but at least he has a passion for country and bush racing whilst the anointed one is seen as only interested in pushing the barrow of the metropolitan area, following in the footsteps of the millions wasted in recent times on tracks at Eagle Farm and the Gold Coast.

Racing Queensland needs to address these Amateur takeover ‘rumours’ – which we suggest are more than that – and LGHR would be delighted to publish any clarification. The reason we haven’t sought one is because our website dares to criticise and as a result isn’t seen fit to receive Media Releases from the Racing Minister or Racing Queensland. So why should we go out of our way to chase up responses from them?

  

 

BRC BOARD SET TO BE QUESTIONED AT AGM – ANGRY MEMBERS WANT ANSWERS TO A SERIES OF CONTROVERSIAL QUESTIONS

TO say some of the 'natives' are restless among the Membership of the Brisbane Racing Club would be the understatement of all time.

You won’t read anything about this in the local mainstream media or hear about it on the racing radio station which they blame on a cosey relationship between a head honcho at the club and two 'spin doctors'.

LGHR is not accusing any Director of the BRC of impropriety but the time has arrived for those with a specific gripe to stand up and be counted when the Annual General Meeting of the BRC is held next Wednesday and the mail is strong that Chairman Neville Bell and his troops will be asked to address some reportedly contentious issues.

Here are some of the questions that we are told may well be asked creating one of the fierest AGM's of all time for the major club:

WILL the Board explain the controversial departure of popular Director Simon Gleeson and CEO Tony Partridge and whether the latter was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement to ensure certain sections of his farewell letter to the club are never made public?

IS the ‘official line’ that fellow directors claimed they couldn’t work with Gleeson because of his attitude the ‘real’ reason for his departure or did it have more to do with him questioning issues of accountability.

WILL the Board be asked to divulge to members at the AGM how many directors have bought apartments in Ascot Green, a series of luxury residential buildings located in the heart of the BRC between Eagle Farm and Doomben (which they are entitled to do), as well as how much they paid for these, if they received a major discount and if any director owns more than one unit?

WILL the Board be asked to reveal how much the club contributed for  Board members and their wives to attend the recent Asian Racing Conference and before that the week-long Royal Ascot Carnival in Britain?

AND, with an election looming – and Labor facing an almighty wipe-out – how is the Board going to explain to the new LNP Government their long-time close association with current Racing Minister Grace Grace which has become a concern for many Members? And have they attempted an 11^th hour mending of fences by bridging the likely political racing gap with John Paul Langbroek, the Gold Coast MP touted to replace Grace, but not a popular choice with many in country racing? It’s not too late to correct this Premier-elect.

LGHR has learnt of a recent secret meeting involving concerned Members of the BRC with two high profile Racing Queensland officials. One of those might not be there long after the election but the other most certainly will. They received a good and lengthy hearing.

We understand they voiced concerns that the situation has reached such a stage amongst Members disenchanted by the departure of key personnel from the BRC that they want an RQ investigation (or that of a more powerful body) into what is (or is not) happening behind the scenes at the BRC. The controversy needs to be cleared up for the sake of the stakeholders and the Directors of the Club.

There are stories doing the rounds that Neville Bell will soon retire as Chairman of the BRC (but remain on the Board), to be replaced by his deputy Richard Morrison or another Board Member, Terry Svenson, the CEO of Queensland Cricket. Time will tell!

 

FITZGERALD & MORRISON QUIET ACHIEVERS OF LADY JOCKEY RANKS

WHILE the spotlight focussed on the Group 1 winning treble of the Chris Waller stable at the weekend, remarkable achievements by some amazing ladies in racing went largely overlooked.

Taree-based Mollie Fitzgerald, the rising star of the apprentices’ ranks in this country, is now fifth on the National Jockeys’ Premiership behind William Pike, Chris Parnham, Blake Shinn and James Macdonald. She is second, only four and a half winners behind JMac, on the NSW premiership.

The daughter of G2 winning jockey Malcolm Fitzgerald, Mollie has ridden 83 winners since making her riding debut in 2023. Such has been her success that many can’t wait for her to move to the metropolitan area.

A couple of thousand kilometres away, Lacey Morrison (photograph above, courtesy of RQ), the quiet achiever of the lady jockeys’ ranks in this country, completed a treble at Townsville on Sunday. That is nothing new for her but the winning rides were the equal of any jockey in the land.

Take the time to sit down and watch replays of her wins on Zi Win, Overlord and especially Valenki at Cluden Park and you would have to agree with LGHR that the Morrison rides would hold their own with the best female jockeys in the country, if not most of the men.

Those of us who backed the plunged Valenki from the powerful Roy Chellemi stable might be talking through our pockets but the way Lacey weaved her way from last, refusing to panic, to win running away was an 11 out of 10 ride.

Back in July, Morrison (a one-time steward) clinched another Townsville premiership with four winners at Cluden, including a feature treble in the Ladies Bracelet, Winter Cup and Mayor’s Sprint.

What has to be taken into consideration in the Morrison success story is her break from race riding for eight years from 2013 (after a nasty fall) to undertake firstly a training career and later a nursing career, then returning to the saddle and capping that with over a century of winners last season.

Morrison, at 40 a natural lightweight, doesn’t have the opportunities enjoyed by some of her leading colleagues in the metropolitan area, like the much younger Angela Jones, Emily Lang, Tahlia Fenlon and Samantha Collett. But she would hold her own with them any day of the week.

Another favorite of LGHR, Linda Meech, who is closing in on 2,000 career winners, rode a double at Warrnambool on Friday and repeated the effort at the Murtoa Cup meeting on Saturday. Meech is the punters’ pin-up girl at these country meeting and each winner in her quadrella was well-backed.

And at the Morphettville meeting in South Australia, another rising star of the apprentice ranks, Rochelle Milnes rode a successful treble to take her to an early lead in the Jockeys’ Premiership. She has ridden 141 winners during her short career and 86 of those were last season.

Meanwhile, Australia’s leading female jockey Jamie Kah was hotting her heels on the spring sidelines at the weekend serving a three-week suspension and electing to ride Point King rather than The Map in next month’s Melbourne Cup.

It would be remiss of us when talking about lady jockeys not to mention the terrible fall of Hong Kong apprentice Ivy Lam when her mount Jacobs Gate suffered a heart attack at Gawler on Monday. She was airlifted to hospital in a coma with a critical head injury but the news this morning that her condition is now stable is encouraging. Our prayers are with Ivy and her family.

 

 

LIFE IN LAND OF THE GIANTS – LITTLE HOPE FOR TRAINING BATTLERS

LET us preface this story with a concession that Chris Waller will be remembered as the most successful trainer in Australian racing history despite the fact that he has more horses in his stable than some of the all-time greats would ever dream of.

The question we want to raise is whether his domination is good for Sydney racing and has his tentacles spreading to satellite stables in Melbourne and Brisbane threatened the survival of bread and butter trainers down the East Coast.

Is it as good look for racing when Waller has 23 acceptors for the four Group 1 races this Saturday at Randwick and Flemington? He has seven in each of The Metropolitan and Epsom; four (half the field in the Flight Stakes) and five in the Turnbull.

Owners – big and small – want to win and many would beg Waller to train their horses. To suggest there should be a limit to the number of horses these mega stables (Ciaron Maher is just as big but almost never has the multiple runners in a race (feature or otherwise) that his great rival does.

Here are some excerpts and quotes from a thought provoking story written by Matt Stewart last month for Winning Post. You won’t see too many of those scribes or commentators who have to deal with Waller on a daily basis raising these issues.

Stewart posed this question:

‘The number of trainers in Australia is shrinking, while the size of the mega stables continues to grow. Where does it end? How big is too big?

‘A big gallops stable used to be 60, now it’s 300. Ciaron Maher has 527 named horses listed on his books, Chris Waller has 500. According to the Australian Trainers’ Association, Maher has another 450 waiting in the wings, and Waller another 100.’

These are the monster stables, followed at some distance by the giants. Waterhouse-Bott, Neasham-Archibald and the Hayes’ Brother, Lindsay Park have about 300 horses, then Price/Kent with about 160. Not long ago, Mick Price had half as many but knew he had to double his army in order to remain competitive with the giants.

Stewart observed: ‘With many medium-sized stables, it’s a case of growth or perish, and it’s easier said than done.

‘Disruption caused to the wider training community by these industrial outfits is not easy to assess according to former ATA chief executive Andrew Nicholl. “Where do you start?” he said. “It’s a very complex subject.”

‘Overall, prize money increases advantage the giants far more than the minnows. Far-flung parts of Victoria traditionally the domain of the small trainer are now carved up by the big ones. Nicholl said that “pop-up” money only ever went one way.

“The increases in Group races and pop-ups like the All-Star Mile, The Everest, Golden Eagle … you never see a battler win a slot race, do you?” he asked.

‘Nicholl said that smaller trainers who once eked out a living now had second jobs. At one major training centre, stables of all sizes have lost critical staff to mega-outfits with bigger cheque books. Group 1-winning trainers are pre-training or driving trucks for others.

‘The notion of capping stable numbers, as occurs in Hong Kong, has never gained traction with racing authorities in Australia. Interestingly, Japan’s most high-profile trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, has urged the Japan Racing Association to drop its 80-horse cap, one he says makes it hard to compete successfully abroad.

“You look at the main overseas stables; they have 300 to 400 horses under their management,” said Yahagi, obviously pointing to Australia as Hong Kong has a cap on their numbers as well.

An attempt in Ireland to redistribute the wealth has been threatened with legal action by top trainers who will be ineligible to contest 60 races restricted to trainers who have trained fewer than 50 winners in the past two seasons.

Racing Victoria told Stewart that it had no plans to cap numbers, adding it had implemented Aspirant and Challenger races targeted at small stables with low-rating horse.

One assumes such a suggestion to Racing NSW would be greeted with a ‘wash your mouth out with soap’. Without the Waller numbers their midweek cards would struggle to survive. 

Stewart went on to report that for Nicholl, the risk was probably in what happens next. “What happens if Maher goes to 1500 and Waller to 1000?” he said.

Nicholl said a dramatic increase in costs was hitting small and medium-sized stables far harder than the giants. “Is the issue becoming more acute? The answer is yes. Wages, feed, rent, service providers, insurance ... they’ve gone through the roof. Many are just hanging in there and the owners aren’t there. Those that are, are going to the really big stables.

“When you’ve got someone like Maher and all his success and his science, why would you race a horse with someone who trains on a country sand track with occasional use of the grass? (Smaller) trainers are owning more and more of their own horses. It’s a recipe for disaster.”

Nicholl expressed no personal view of a cap on numbers. But he said authorities probably had only one tool if they felt huge stables were creating an imbalance in the ecosystem.

“Trainers will always claim a cap is an unfair breach. The only thing in the arsenal of authorities – if they believe they want to do it – is to limit the number of locations where trainers have horses. But I think the horse has bolted on that one,” he said.

“I always felt it was still a working-class sport and as egalitarian as it could be but it is now more scientific, more clinical,” he said. “There are some advantages in this and in many ways it’s simply evolution but it makes you wonder if we’ll ever see another Joe Janiak and Takeover Target.”

 

BIG DAY FOR WALLER AT ROSEHILL MIDWEEKS BUT NO FAVS WON 

THE Chris Waller grip keeps tightening as evidenced as recent as Wednesday’s midweek meeting at Rosehill when he won three races and in one of those had the first four home.

It’s becoming harder for the price assessors to frame markets when he has multiple runners but the corporates don’t care because many of his favourites get beaten and second string stablemates salute.

Wednesday was a good example: His stable had three favorites at Rosehill and every one of them (Misterkipchoge $2.1, Makena $4.2 and Mergeila $2.2) was beaten.

Adding insult to injury for punters the plunged Misterkipchoge was a certainty beaten when a close third to stablemates Seafall $8 and Captain Maverich $4.8. In the last Mergeila $2.2FAV found stablemate Pippie Beach $4 a shade strong in a photo finish.

It wasn’t only the punters who were still struggling with the loss of Misterkipchoge, race-caller Darren Flindell raised the lucklessness of the performance before he called the following race. Stewards reported:

Misterkipchoge: When questioned, (jockey) Nash  Rawiller stated that leaving the 400m he attempted to improve into a run between Captain Maverick and Seafall. He said that Misterkipchoge was reluctant to improve into this run and soon after when Seafall shifted in he elected to shift his mount to the inside of Captain Maverick where a run was available to its inside. He said, however, Misterkipchoge was disappointed for this run when Cristal Clear shifted out and as a result, he had to steady his mount and shift back to the outside of Captain Maverick. He added that passing the 100m he then attempted to improve into a run between Captain Maverick and Seafall however Misterkipchoge was again reluctant to improve into this run which required him to shift to the outside of Seafall to obtain clear running.

Waller, when asked on SKY if Misterkipchoge had crossed the path of any black cats, was rather nonchalant in his response: ‘That’s racing. He had the perfect run. The negative of that you have to get clear’. It obviously didn’t matter to the Hall of Famer. Two stablemates had beaten the favourite home.

International jockeys are at Waller’s disposal. James Macdonald might be the best of the best but Joao Moreira is not far behind (and lowered JMac’s colours on two favourites midweek). Kerrin McEvoy and Nash Rawiller, regular stable jockeys, are hardly also-rans.

What is getting up the nose of many country trainers is the increasing presence of the top Sydney stables, headed by Waller, at their Cups and feature race meetings. This has been brought about because many of these races are now qualifiers for the Big Dance and Koscuiszko.

Last week for example Waller contested the Dubbo Gold Cup with Medatsu (it ran 5^th but will soon win in town) while Bjorn Baker had stablemates Hollywood Hero and Thunderlips (3^rd and 4^th) with Cairon Maher saddling up the favourite Vivy Air (which ran 8^th).

Waller sent Aramco to Benalla for the Gold Cup but after being plunged into odds-on it failed to beat a runner home. His stable also contested the Toowoomba Cup on Saturday evening with $3.8FAV Caboche which ran a close third. As so often happens when a Waller fancy performs badly, stewards take little to no action. In the case of Aramco they reported: Rider Fred Kersley could offer no explanation for the performance. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings. One would expect an odds-on favorite that performed like a mule and ran last to at least have to trial before racing again. This is the sort of outcome that has led some in the industry to declare Waller ‘untouchable’.

 

WALLER HAS MORE THAN 20 RUNNERS IN SATURDAY’S GROUP 1'S 

MOVING on to this weekend and the Group 1 racing is set to be dominated by the Waller stable with a total of 23 acceptors chasing runs (a couple of those are emergencies).

Waller is certain to hit the bullseye with his first target – the Flight Stakes – where his unbeaten filly Autumn Glow is long odds-on to salute. His stable has half the field of eight – his other runners headed by Lady Shenandoah then Lazzura and roughie Declichy Boulevard.

Unusual Legacy, one of seven Waller runners in the Metropolitan, is $6 favorite but is an emergency. His main fall back options are Land Legend, First Light and Etna Rossa.

In the Epsom, Waller has seven runners headed by Kovalica at $7 after his eye-catching 1^st-up third in the G2 Tramway behind Royal Patronage which is $6 favourite on Saturday despite drawing wide for the Waterhouse-Bott yard.

Head to Melbourne for the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington and Waller has five runners spearheaded by favorites Buckaroo and Via Sistina – bookies obviously keen to forgive her disappointing fifth to Mr Brightside in the G1 Makybe Diva when favorite and struggling on a Heavy 9 track at Flemington.

For the record Waller has trained the winners of 163 Group 1 races – his strike rate stands at just over 11 per cent. This season he has saddled up 63 winners at a strike rate in excess of 15 per cent.

 

INTERESTING INQUIRY OPENED INTO INSUFFICIENT RIDERS IN NQ

THE farcical situation where there are insufficient riders to ensure many runners get a start in country racing in Queensland comes with an interesting footnote this week.

Regular contributor GREG BLANCHARD continues his fight for change by updating us on how many horses missed a start last Saturday.

There were 11 enforced scratchings (5 at Mt Isa, 3 at Atherton, 2 at Mackay and 1 at Longreach) because no jockeys were available to ride these horses.

That follows a week when 14 had to be scratched at Winton which is embarrassing for country racing in Queensland.

Interestingly, the Atherton Stewards reported on Saturday that they had adjourned an inquiry into why three horses had to be scratched without riders until further information becomes available. Greg says he has never heard of this before. Perhaps the new team at QRIC are looking into the problem.

 

‘MANUEL’ DOWN IN the MOUTH UNTIL HIS 'BUM KISSER' ARRIVED

WE received an entertaining email from a part-owner of a horse whose connections were invited by the committee of a certain club to have a drink to celebrate their win which apparently occurs after every race.

They couldn’t believe it when they weren’t served by a bar-person employed by the club but one of their lackeys who they nicknamed Manuel (ala Fawlty Towers).

“Considering this bloke’s background it’s not surprise he was grumpy and far from happy doing the job. That was until a 'bum-kisser from above' arrived to brighten his day,' a part-owner of a winning horse told us.

"We stuck around for a while and saw those two hold a fireside chat with a high profile club official in the corner of the room which we were reliably informed happens in the Directors’ Room most race days (the pair getting their marching orders for those they apparently have remote control of when it comes to ‘spin doctoring for the club’.

'Imagine the situation when these blokes have their hot-line to the new Government - God help those clubs that don't'.

 

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE REDUCTION IN 2YO FEATURES IN NQ?

LGHR has been informed by a reliable source in the north that with the impending 2YO season upon us, Cluden Park’s time-honoured Pallarenda Stakes has reverted from two gender specific divisions of the race, historically worth $47k for the males and $53k for the fairer sex inclusive of QTIS bonuses, to one combined set weights race for both genders.

Our source questions whether this means prizemoney has been lost to the stakeholders as it doesn’t appear a race has been replaced on the Saturday card which goes from hosting seven races to six.

Two weeks later and down the road to Callaghan Park, a similar phenomenon has occurred with the combination of the two gendered divisions of the Breeders Plate into one combined set weights race. The RJC however, has maintained their eight races in the Friday time slot.

Our source also described Kim Kelly as a sound addition to the QRIC Executive Team with an added comment: ‘Fingers crossed he sends ‘Dillard’ off into an early retirement’. One suspects that involves a steward in the north but we’re not sure.

 

BOUQUETS FOR ‘TEZ’ & ‘BUM RAP’ FOR ‘BENNY’ ON THESE RACE CALLS

IT’S been a while since we’ve heard from our old mate COL in Townsville but he weighed in with this contribution after last weekend’s racing:

Col is not a fan of Victorian race-caller Matt Hill and was quick to highlight: ‘The golden boy made a major stuff-up with the Moir. Not so much getting the photo wrong but calling the 3^rd placegetter as 6^th or 7^th.

In contrast the much-maligned  Terry Bailey got an extremely tight one right with Berkeley Square.

Team Sears were on fire in Toowoomba but Yellow Brick again did not live up to his raps in the Weetwood.

The minor states want to ensure that they have a say on the Patterns Committee and not just be a rubber stamp for NSW and Victoria. There are too many Group and Listed races in Australia.

Basically it is just a tool for the breeders. If NSW and Victoria want more G1 races allotted to them, they should cull some from their own State.

Our sprinters are world class but above 1600m the standard drops.’

 

 

INDEPENDENT VIEW ON THE QLD RACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION

WITH the cost of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission certain to come under the microscope of a new LNP Government, we have been provided with some interesting facts which will no doubt interest the racing industry.

Here is an assessment from an individual outside of QRIC who obviously knows what he or she is talking about:

‘YOU need to firstly compare apples with apples though and as QRIC is unique that’s difficult.

The image below is from the first KPMG report prepared for Shane Gillard and this explains what QRIC delivers versus what others deliver. Most forget that QRIC has GAP and the Lab as well as stewarding etc.

It also compares key cost drivers such as the number of meetings serviced. From this you can see what QRIC does with only 152 staff versus RQ having 103 staff. You would know that the staff required to manage commercial operations is far less than the field based services of the GAP, Racing Science Centre, Stewarding, Integrity Ops, welfare, vets and other race day front line roles yet RQs bloated staff profile is never questioned:

RQs annual report last year listed employee expenses at $17.5M for those 103 staff, (compared with $23.2M for QRIC staff) and they're top heavy for what they do - with a management team comparable to what they had in 2015:

This next image is also from KPMGs report and shows QRIC costs have gone from $25m in 2017 to $34m in 2024. This increase I think is justifiable if you understand that in 2016-17, RQ was broke (again), so only the amount they were currently spending on integrity was transferred to QRIC which wasn't enough as that’s why integrity was so bad (RQ didn't value it and didn't fund it). On top of that, over these eight years, the profile of meetings serviced by QRIC changed with more TAB meetings (requiring more integrity staff) and more overall meetings added to the racing calendar:

Community expectation for animal welfare has also increased year on year and the GAP program that was only funded $900k by RQ in 2016/17 now costs close to $3m but it’s nowhere near enough as almost 1200 dogs need to be rehomed each year and Victoria spend almost $7M rehoming that many and NSW closer to $11MN.

Here is a detailed breakdown of QRICs budget categories:		2024
Head office		10,745,339
Animal care & advocacy		5,860,195
Stewarding		11,589,801
Racing science centre		5,815,722
Total		34,011,057

 

NOTE: The head office costs cover these staff doing these functions (numbers represent people employed). The costs of leases, IT programs, utilities and all those background costs sit in the $10.7M and thats basically funded by government from consolidated revenue:

Executive Services (incl Commissioners)	8.00
Finance & Procurement	5.00
People & Safety	5.25
Business Services	4.00
Digital & Project Solutions	5.00
Customer Services	9.00
External Affairs	7.00
Legal	4.00
Intelligence	3.00

Animal care and advocacy includes GAP and raceday vets and swabbies.

For stewarding:

A Greyhound race has a minimum QRIC staffing requirement of five QRIC employees - three stewards, one vet and one swabbing officer. All other roles are provided by the Club, funded by RQ. 

A Harness race has a minimum QRIC staffing requirement of 10 QRIC employees - four stewards, and one each of vet, swabbing officer, judge, photo finish, starter, mobile driver. This is the only code where QRIC provides all integrity staff. 

A non-TAB Thoroughbred race has a minimum QRIC staffing requirement of seven QRIC employees - three stewards, and one each of vet, judge, Clerk of Scales and photo finish. There are still instances where the judge, CoS and photo finish are provided by the Club, funded by RQ. 

A TAB Thoroughbred race has a minimum QRIC staffing requirement of 11 QRIC employees - six stewards, and one each of vet, swabbing officer, judge, Clerk of Scales and photo finish. Staff requirements increase based on number of races, number of horses, number of pre-race swabs needed, intel advice, targeted operations etc.

The below information is also from KPMG, extracted from QRIC financial systems, and showing the cost per meet which is very relevant when considering QRICs costs covering a huge state with 128 clubs. You can see some race meetings are twice as expensive due to travel costs. In Central Qld QRIC spend around 90 days at race meetings and an additional 180 meetings travelling to and from them.

AND finally, as you note, Malcolm Letts at Estimates this year stumbled through the question about QRIC costs blowouts. He knew the answer but Grace told him beforehand not to answer any question along these lines. So under instruction, he failed to answer a question he knew well. The answer was this year’s budget was tracking $6.9m over... They even failed to report what they knew in the SDS which is prepared in March (below) at the March monthly financial period QRIC were $4.8M overspent, tracking to just over $6m but in a report to Parliament they put it as about balanced, potentially $59 under!! (One could ask): How can Grace Grace get away with blatantly deceiving Parliament?

In summary:

QRIC ANNUAL REPORT - 2022-23 Budget was $32.9m, actual was $34.7 (almost $1m over, due to increased unplanned revenue)

QRIC SERVICE DELIVERY STATEMENT (SDS) - 2023-24 Budget was $33.9M, ESTIMATED ACTUALS REPORTED $33.9M. This was false, at that time the budget was $4.8M over, tracking to be over $6m. I understand it landed at $6.9M but we need to wait for the annual report to be released after the election to find this out.

NOTE: SDS  advises the Total expenses for 2024–25 are projected to be $33.9 million, reflecting a decrease of $14,000 compared to the 2023–24 Estimated Actual. This reduction is primarily attributable to an anticipated strategic shift within the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP). IE THEY INTEND HANDING GAP BACK TO RQ. This is because RQ refuses to give QRIC one cent more than they currently get. RQ had GAP taken off them as a result of the Macsporran Report.

 

SUGGESTION WEETWOOD & CUP BE RUN TO COINCIDE WITH VALLEY

INTERESTING feedback on the big meeting at Toowoomba on Saturday – plenty of views from left field – some we agree with, others we don’t.

A SUGGESTION that has some merit raises the question of whether the Weetwood-Cup meeting should be programmed to coincide with Manikato Stakes meeting on the Friday night.

DAVE J, of BRISBANE, a long-time visitor to the Weetwood meeting from the time it was run on the Show Holiday in Toowoomba, provided his thoughts:

‘Not for one moment am I trying to deprive the Downs racing community of their one stand-alone meeting but my mates and I were talking about whether it would be more strategically placed to coincide with the opening of the night racing season at Moonee Valley.

‘Running the Weetwood and Cup on the same night as the Manikato Stakes in Melbourne seems a more attractive proposition than what the Sunshine Coast provided last Friday. Full marks to the SCTC for programming another meeting to bet on that night which is something Sydney doesn’t do but Toowoomba would be much better.

‘Now that Eagle Farm has been granted a support meeting to clash with the Weetwood and Cup on the Saturday, Toowoomba is hardly a stand-alone Saturday. Clifford Park has the lights, it’s a good feature meeting and there are plenty of people in town for the Carnival of Flowers.

‘The Saturday and Sunday dates that weekend could then be run at Eagle Farm and Sunshine Coast ensuring the fields were better at Corbould Park where they were limited to seven race cards last weekend because there were two meetings in three days.

‘Dare we suggest that Eagle Farm – if they want to race that weekend – should try a Sunday and let Sunshine Coast have another Saturday fixture. Then again Sunday racing is not in the wheelhouse of those with much more influence on Racing Queensland and the soon-to-be Government.'

 

ON SKY COVERAGE COOPER MAKES BROWN LOOK LIKE A 'WIMP'

THERE was drama from the opening event on Weetwood Day which prompted several emails targeting the Mark Currie stable which we are not prepared to run and believe are unfair.

The knives were out after Jubai Pride, a $26 despised outsider, saluted after his stablemate Depth Charge, at $12, set a suicidal pace before dropping out to beat only two home.

Stewards inquired into the tactics adopted on the gelding, specifically apprentice Tahlia Fenlon permitting the gelding to lead the field by such a notable margin. Apprentice Fenlon advised her instructions had been to attempt to be positive on her mount and settle just off the leaders if possible, adding further that it had not been her intention to lead the field by such a margin. However, after beginning well from the wide barrier, and it becoming evident the gelding would be posted wide without cover, she permitted her mount to stride forward approaching the 1000m, settling in a leading position on the inside running rail passing the 900m. Apprentice Fenlon stated that, at this time, her mount commenced to take charge and after attempting to obtain a shorter hold on the gelding was then unable to restrain her mount sufficiently which resulted in the extensive lead being established. Trainer Mark Currie corroborated the instructions and noted he was disappointed with the gelding having established such a prominent lead in the middle stages, noting it resulted in Depth Charge’s poor finishing effort. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities. Stewards noted the explanation provided by Fenlon and Currie, particularly that the instructions were consistent with the gelding’s usual racing pattern, and nonetheless intend to review betting records for the event.

IT wasn’t as though Jubai Pride turned in a form reversal. The mare won her previous start at the Sunshine Coast at her debut for the Currie stable. When asked by SKY’s Bernadette Cooper post-race about Depth Charge, Currie seemed genuinely surprised. ‘I don’t know what was going on there. What can I say?’ was his reply.

At least Cooper asked the question that was on the lips of most punters. Unlike her colleagues in Sydney, especially Melbourne Cup winning jockey Corey Brown, Bernadette did her job. All Brown can say after every race in Sydney is what a wonderful ride it was on the winner. Unless he is prepared to ask some of his jockey mates about poor rides on favourites that fail, punters will continue to rate his contribution of a Saturday afternoon as ‘useless’.

 

IS QUOTHQUAN THE UNLUCKIEST GALLOPER IN S-EAST QUEENSLAND?

THE defeat of heavily-backed favorite Quothquan in the second race at Toowoomba prompted this sore-loser contribution for MICK the MAD PUNTER, who we haven’t heard from in some time. Here’s what he had to say:

‘Is there a more luckless horse racing in south-east Queensland at present than Quothquan and sadly I had my hard-earned on him again on Saturday.

‘With any luck I believe the horse could have won 3 of his previous four starts when he was runner-up twice at Doomben and once at Eagle Farm, the latest of those a certainty beaten.

‘The jockey and stable claimed he didn’t handle the Soft 7 track on Saturday when he was beaten almost 12 lengths and never looked a hope of running a place. That confuses me as he was beaten less than a length on a Heavy 8 at Doomben three starts back.

‘I’m not suggesting anything untoward. The best I can say is perhaps if Quathquan was with a leading trainer he would have strung a lot more wins together by now. I see the trainer and his family has an ownership interest so there’s little chance of that happening.’

EDITOR’S NOTE: I think you’re being a shade harsh and talking through your pocket Mick. The statistics don’t tell the true story of John Dann's training ability with no wins from 14 starters this season. His strike rate in 2023-24 was close to 16 per cent with six wins from 38 starters.

Here’s what jockey Ceejay Graham told stewards:

THE gelding travelled well early, however when placed under pressure from the 400m her mount failed to respond to her urgings and, in her opinion, did not handle the track conditions. Trainer John Dann advised that the gelding will be freshened up and concurred with Graham’s assessment concerning the geldings not handling the track conditions.

OUR message Mick is this: Don’t jump off just yet. Quothquan is overdue and with any luck in running will repay your investment after a freshen-up. As for John Dann we’d be the last to want to criticize his training ability.

 

BREATH OF FRESH AIR AFTER DEALING WITH GILLARD THE 'GOOSE'  

WE also received this email from NEIL B, who was far from happy about another incident in the second race at TOOWOOMBA. He wrote:

‘I find it hard to believe that Andrew Mallyon was not suspended for his ride on Cloudland.

(In my opinion) he blatantly veered out at the top of the straight and knocked Oughton rotten making it to check and all but fall.

Horse and jockey safety is paramount and this (apparent) recklessness needs another look at. The Stewards’ Report acknowledged careless riding under the rule but only a reprimand was issued (a green light to do it again).

If you don’t impose a penalty what message does that send to safety? Absolute disgrace!’

WE raised NEIL’S concerns with internationally experienced Steward, Kim Kelly at QRIC, who was kind enough to take the time to view a replay of the race. Here is his reply:

‘I had a look at the incident at the top of the straight involving Cloudland. I kept looking for this horrific incident involving a horse almost falling but still haven’t seen it.

It’s 50/50 whether the jockey should have been charged but on a simple examination of the incident I’m very comfortable with a reprimand. There really isn’t a great deal in it.’

EDITOR’S NOTE: WOW, how times have changed! Just as a comparison, when Shane Gillard become QRIC Commissioner we asked a simple question about whether jockeys or trainers were warned pre-race when horses drifted alarmingly in price. He basically told us it was none of our business and to f…. off. Kim Kelly could not have been more obliging. That’s why he’s a respected, internationally-experienced steward and Gillard is a boofhead.

 

DID HIDDEN WEALTH GROW A LEG OR IS YELLOW BRICK OVERRATED?

BARRY J, who describes himself as a regular punter on Brisbane racing, posed an interesting question after the running of the WEETWOOD:

‘Either Yellow Brick isn’t as good as some of the good judges reckon or Hidden Wealth is better than they think.

For the second successive year Yellow Brick has been beaten in the Weetwood but having said that Hidden Wealth arguably grew a leg last Saturday. He might have won six races beforehand but those have been in restricted class.

I couldn’t have the Tony Gollan-trained galloper after his fifth of eight when first-up and a $1.6 favorite in an Eagle Farm Quality. That’s despite the fact that a veterinary examination revealed a slow recovery.’

EDITOR'S NOTE: I am led to believe that Gollan has a huge opinion of Hidden Wealth. He reportedly declared it a 'good thing' in the Weetwood and anyone who subscribes to the LGHR LATE MAIL would know that we did too.

 

LNP GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO COME CLEAN ON PLANS FOR RACING 

IF Queensland’s alternative Premier David Crisafulli won’t reveal whether Government spending will be lower under an LNP Government and if it will deliver a Budget surplus, what chance do we have of learning their plans for racing?

The racing industry employs tens of thousands who vote and they deserve to know what the future holds. Like them or loathe them, Labor has protected those jobs. One would expect the LNP to do the same.

Sadly, there has been no delivery of policy from Tim Mander, the Shadow Minister for Sport and Racing who the ‘Tommy Drums’ are beating won’t be allocated the portfolio when the LNP is elected.

The jury is out on the MP being anointed as Racing Minister in John-Paul Langbroek who once harbored dreams of becoming Premier which could be the reason David Crisafulli will keep him as far away from the ‘big roles’ as possible.

LGHR makes no secret of our dislike for Langbroek (who we have never met) and believe he was among the worst Shadow Ministers for Racing when he had the role. There are plenty in the country who believe he is too close to the Brisbane Racing Club, the Gold Coast Turf Club and metropolitan racing to serve their interests. But they don’t like Mander either.

That is why the MP best suited for the job is Ray Stevens who deserves it in what will probably be his swansong term in Parliament. A former Mayor of the Gold Coast and the Twin Towns, Stevens was a director of the Gold Coast Turf Club (when Peter Gallagher and Bill Millican were chairman) and arguably would have forgotten more about racing than Langbroek or Mander will ever learn.

It’s ironic that Stevens’ loyalty to Langbroek in a leadership spill vote many moons ago saw him off-side with the MP who won that, Tim Nicholls, and the story goes that his dream of becoming Racing Minister was then marked ‘never to happen’ as punishment.

Stevens might live on the Coast – where Crisafulli has apparently moved from – but he hails from the bush, loves both outback and city racing and is a keen leisure puner. He is the ideal man for the job. Memo Premier: Do your homework and avoid the embarrassment of having Langbroek in the job.

Leading up to the last election in 2020 when JPL was Shadow Racing Minister he signalled the demise of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission if the LNP won Government.

Labor survived and so did QRIC but the appointment by Racing Minister Grace Grace of Shane Gillard as Commissioner proved an absolute disaster and his leadership sent the organization into a death-dive prior to his departure. Tim Mander jumped up in Parliament and questioned why Gillard quit. If he didn’t see the writing was on the wall, the LNP must have been living under a rock where racing is concerned.

The new ‘dream-team’ running the show – headed by Catherine Clark, Chantal Reine and internationally-experienced steward Kim Kelly – have only got their feet under the desk. Our mail is that they are going through the joint with a fine comb but that takes time and the industry needs confirmation that the LNP will allow that to happen before making any major decisions where QRIC is concerned.

Crisafulli has promised lower taxes and debt under the LNP and, while insisting all elections commitments were “fully costed … fully funded”, has not revealed how they would be paid for.

When asked this week if Government expenditure would be lower, he refused to answer, instead pointing to the near $1.6bn blowout on the Coomera Connector project.

“Contrary to the Government scare campaign, our comprehensive plans will ensure world-class services, infrastructure delivered on time and on budget and lower taxes, as opposed to a Government with a higher taxing agenda,” he said.

Good as gold new Premier (the LNP is $1.02 to win next month’s Election with Labor at $19), but how about providing the racing industry with some policies and plans for the future. Let’s face it your Party has a terrible record when it comes to Integrity in Racing in Queensland, some of us are entitled to be feeling a shade nervous.

 

BLOCKBUSTER WEEKEND BETTER WITHOUT AFL GRAND FINAL CLASH?

 WHAT a weekend awaits those of us who love our racing, rugby league and Aussie Rules.

But what a pity we have to choose whether to watch the AFL Grand Final or the races – unless we have two heads or two televisions.

Why couldn’t they hold the AFL Grand Final in the evening rather than the afternoon? When played from 7.30pm in 2020 it smashed a number of television records but the traditionalists remained steadfastly in favour of the 2.30pm timeslot and won out.

Racing in Victoria has moved to avoid the clash with their big races by programming the main event of the weekend and opening of the night season at Moonee Valley on Friday night which attracts many visitors in Melbourne for the footy.

Sandown will host the Saturday fixture that clashes with the AFL Grand Final when the Group 3 Sandown Stakes will be run. On Sunday the Listed R M Ansett Classic will be run at Mornington.

Officials tinkered with the programming and have been rewarded with a blockbuster meeting at the Valley featuring the Group 1 Manikato Stakes, headlined by I Wish I Win which has drawn 12 for the $2 million sprint.

Threatening to steal the limelight from the Manikato will be the re-match of Mr Brightside and Pride of Jenni in the G2 Feehan Stakes, one of five Black Type races on the card.

Sadly for those who love their rugby league, the Valley meeting will clash with the NRL semi-final between Storm and Roosters which is being played in Melbourne to decide which team graduates to next weekend’s Grand Final in Sydney.

For those who love their racing and Australia Rules, the grand final on Saturday will clash with the running of the Rosehill meeting where five Black Type races will be run headed by the Group 1 Golden Rose.

In Queensland where the spotlight will focus on Toowoomba for the running of the Toowoomba Weetwood and Cup there will be a support meeting at Eagle Farm where the theme will be the AFL Grand Final to be shown on screens around the course, a move the footy-loving punters will applaud .

 

OLD BOOKIE RECKONS IT’S ONLY ‘MUGS’  WHO GET THE ‘FREE BETS’

GARY GORRIE, the former North Queensland bookies now living in retirement in Phuket, has responded to comments made by our mate ARCHIE BUTTERFLY from peterprofit.com.

‘I was chuffed to read Archie Butterfly liked my last post. I did see the mistake on the multiplication but did not worry to change it.

Getting Closer won which is correct and it was a Saturday. My wording was a little confusing. I don’t have the journalist talents of Archie and Jimmy Olsen. But Henry Davis pulled many a Cup Day Eagle Farm Maiden plunge. Chief Sunchant was one before he went on to be private trainer for Read.

Cairns Amateurs was one of my favorite meetings in the North. People came from all over Australia in its heyday and the Ball on Friday Night at White Rock was legendry.

I always like to have a punt on the Amateurs but watching the latest one it panned on the inside track and there was hardly anyone there. Not sure if Archie bothered to go but it is so disappointing when once it was the premier meeting in the North.

Roy Melvin was the local leader when I first started going and then my good mate and rival  Brian Jorgensen was king pin and he and brother Alan were kings of the big plunges landed over that weekend. The dynamic Lance Piesch swung a satchel there. Hayden Flynn, before he went to the big smoke, Kenny Ferris, Lloyd Mitchell, Russ Reguson even Rabbit Burrows turned up from Darwin providing life and competition in the ring. 

I was told Darwin this year had a crowd of only 4500 and 20 bookies. If things have improved so much with the advent of the Corporates I wonder how their sponsorship compares with the old crowds attending and money spent in the good old days.

Oh Archie we did not give free bets, payout on dead-heats and protests. I would be interested in how many times you have got those. I never get free bets from the corporates. They only give them to the ‘Mugs’. I am so surprised you have been receiving them. I thought you were a much better punter than that.

We did however give each-way with ¼ the odds for the place. I don’t bet each-way anymore because the Corporates have shaved the place so much. 

But am so pleased to at last get such a complement from you Archie and if he could give this poor old ex-bookie a ‘Seniors Rate’ on your website I might join it for your humor and incredible inside information (bit like a free bet for a ‘Mug’ old Bookie like me).

Cheers from Phuket where prawns, mud crabs and lobsters cost about $15 per kilo.’

 

NO REPLIES FROM MAJOR PLAYERS ON CONTENTIOUS RACING ISSUES

PETER MAIR, a long-time close observer of Sydney racing who doesn’t mind ‘keeping the bastards honest’, weighs in weight another interesting contribution:  

‘BUBBLING along now is about much more than 'sell Rosehill and Sandown'. Personal power plays are making the news at RVL (not) facing up to a substantial adjustment. RNSW/ATC have gone to ground under pressure.

Attached are copies of the letters sent to RVL and RNSW three weeks ago. After two weeks RVL sent 'a short and polite ' acknowledgement -- neither RNSW nor ATC replied.

Some issues have been registered -- I did not expect replies.

Here are copies of the letters sent:

29 August 2024

Mr Tim Eddy – Chairman

Mr Aaron Morrison – CEO

Racing Victoria Limited

Dear Tim Eddy & Aaron Morrison,

DEVELOPMENTS AT RACING VICTORIA

TIGHTER trading conditions have prompted some movement at RVL recently, not least among yourselves and the leadership team. RVL's responses are reflecting in changes to programming and the distribution of prize-money.

Last Friday's media release (Prizemoney realignment and All-Star Mile …......) raised a couple of issues where some elaboration would help others to understand the extent of any reset and the changing emphasis for the direction for racing in Victoria through 2025.

A precis of some focal points in first part of the RVL media release includes:

 … committed to maintain total prizemoney and bonuses at the same level as 2023-24 season... embarked on a significant cost savings program …...  will call upon retained cash reserves to maintain returns to participants and owners and help underpin 25,700 full-time equivalent jobs  .... a strategic realignment of the funds allocation ..... further boost grassroots racing and reward owners celebrating a maiden victory......$1.5 million taken from the All-Star Mile prizemoney has been reassigned to deliver turbo charged maidens each Sunday in country Victoria and a series of feature maidens in the state’s west.

The middle part of the media statement was mainly about the new arrangements for 'grassroots racing' -- maiden-races at country tracks: a precis,

…....... reward owners with greater returns when their horse wins its first race – a significant moment for all who have invested time and money to achieve success......... through the strategic prizemoney realignment, a feature maiden will now be programmed each Sunday in country Victoria …...... these Premier Maiden races will carry prizemoney of $50,000 ….... $23,000 (85%) more than standard country maidens............feature maiden races will also be conducted in the state’s west to complement the Sportsbet Future Stars Series held in the state’s south-east …..ten maidens worth $75,000 each will be run at Ballarat, Geelong and Warrnambool throughout spring, with the winners qualifying for the $250,000 The Emerging Star (1400m) on Ballarat Cup Day ….the races will be open to three, four and five-year-old maiden gallopers …....

Implications for RVL's business model

At your discretion, some implications of these mooted changes may warrant elaboration.

One concern for some years now has been about the stronger promotion and more generous funding of country and provincial racing. Laudable enough at one level perhaps, however the inclination is to ask if these meetings often do not return a sufficient 'take', from the betting turnover on the races, to cover the net-costs of staging the meetings, including prize-money paid.

Put differently, does RVL keep track of the 'stand-alone' balance of costs and revenues for its country and provincial race meetings …......... and , if so, could those numbers be disclosed in a transparent format, please?

Within that general concern, the shift of emphasis to 'maidens' adds a different dimension.

If a horse race is conceptually about 'a difference-of-opinion', most punters might be well advised to steer clear of maiden races – if only because they usually can have no reasonable basis for having opinion of the outcome. That would mainly leave the still-hoping owners and loyal-friends to ante up the betting turnover to fund the race.

The rationale for RVL favouring 'maidens' is not self-evident – does RVL expect the newly generously-funded maiden races to be viable commercial propositions?

Funding for racing

Reading between the lines – drawing on cash reserves to maintain payouts at current levels -- it seems RVL is neither expecting the tighter trading conditions to endure nor reading the COVID induced surge in turnover as possibly being temporary.

Who knows – but is running down reserves a prudent strategy?

The status of races, like the All-Star-Mile

The pop-up ASM venture got real bite from recent results after the reluctance to address flaws in an  initial over-reach – even so, is it a bit of an ask to expect G1 status at this early stage, not least when prize-money for the race is to be cut from $4 million to $2.5 million.

In the general area of seeking and holding 'race status' there are fair questions about the continuing relevance of present arrangements for the 'black-type' classifications of races. Controversy about the status of 'The Everest', for example, has sharpened the questioning of current national policy and the role of a 'pattern committee'. For my money the class of a race reflects objective performance-ratings of previous and current contenders – usually, that predictably correlates well with the weight of prize-money on offer. Food for thought – let evident facts tell the story on race status.

Managing and protecting product-quality

Issues about the quality of the racing product presented in Victoria opens a broader front.

In my opinion, a modest punter for 60 years, while the quality of headline racing remains intact, there has been a long-term decline in the quality of most metropolitan racing in Victoria.

Assessed in terms of the reasonable predictability of race and betting outcomes (i.e. size of dividends declared), a decline  in train for some time quickened over the past decade or so. A fair question might be about the way RVL reviews weekend race outcomes, presumably on Mondays.

Looking for explanations, it is apparent enough that the administrative-eye is sharply focused on 'more money', especially prize-money available to be paid out.

Introducing nine and now ten race programs on Saturdays is one illustration – with a consequence for keen-punters to more or less steer clear of lower-class races early in a program.

In my mind, however, the decline in product quality accelerated sharply with the inflation of field sizes induced by paying money for runners down to tenth-place. Not to labour the point here, there are 'course&distance' races being run routinely where field sizes consistent with fair racing should not exceed 10.

Resolving debates about product-quality would benefit from agreement on some objective benchmarks for making and disclosing assessments. One option I have in mind would presumably require the cooperation of Tabcorp.  A suggested base for quality assessments would be the net win&loss fate of bets placed on each race by broad classes of punters – say big bets v. small bets, late-money bets v. bets placed early and, if possible, the success of betting-syndicates in milking quadrella pools when a rough-result dashes the hopes of the faithful, most-punter set.

End piece

Depending on how RVL might consider the relevance of the points raised and questions asked, there is a decision to be made on how it might respond if inclined to do so.

While I would, of course, appreciate a response in general terms, I am not solely entitled to any more detailed response which would likely be of interest to the racing fraternity generally.

That said, I do think there are issues that reasonably need to be addressed openly by RVL.

Peter Mair

1 September 2024

Dr Saranne Cooke, Chairman

Mr Peter V'Landys, CEO

Racing NSW

Mr Peter McGauran, Chairman

Mr Matt Galanos, CEO

Australian Turf Club

Dear Dr Cooke, Mr V'landys, Mr McGauran & Mr Galanos

DEVELOPMENTS AT RacingNSW & AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB

Evidence given recently to a NSW Parliamentary Committee hearing on 9 August raised issues about the management and administration of racing in NSW. Issues that go well beyond the primary focus of the hearing, a proposal to sell Rosehill racecourse.

The background to the discussion of some of the 'other issues' is set out in extracts from the transcript of the parliamentary hearing. Evidence given on the day being sometimes disjointed, responses at different times on the same topic are grouped together. The extracts are from evidence given on behalf of the ATC and RacingNSW.  [Contentious and distracting exchanges at the hearing are put aside.]

A recurrent theme of the hearing was, however, the future funding of racing in NSW. This in the context of commitments given about race meetings and prizemoney at a time when the 'take' from betting turnover is trending lower than hoped for. This concern is common to the racing industry nationally.

 TRANSCRIPT EXTRACTS

ATC – PETER McGAURAN

It's certainly headwinds ahead of us......... an income stream unreliant on wagering......  we need hundreds of millions of dollars.........take racing through the next 50 years........ our four racetracks do not meet the expectations of many..........

RNSW – PETER  V'LANDYS

…...........racing in New South Wales is the leading jurisdiction...........on every key performance indicator............not only in Australia, but in the world …...we are number one, so if we lose revenue then we could absolutely go backwards...

The people that fund the industry isn't the punter, isn't the Government―it's the owner of the racehorse........ they are subsiding the industry to $100 million …...... Most of the money that we were able to generate from these additional sources went to country. …....The race clubs in country and regional areas are now in the best financial position they've been in the history of racing....... 

The role of Racing NSW is to be independent of Government, to represent the 50,000 participants in this industry, and to act with neither fear nor favour to overcome that self-interest for what's in the best interests of all.......the best interests of the industry as a whole.... the provincial and country clubs make up the majority of the turnover.........the ATC gets 55 per cent of the distribution, yet it only generates 49 per cent of the revenue.

How much of the funding agreement is predicated on gambling revenue?..All of it.....it doesn't matter how you slice and dice the funding, the source of that revenue would be gambling? Yes........... we want to ensure that the pays to our participants are maintained............ We have a $100 million provision in our accounts to ensure that ….....wagering turnover has dropped nearly 16 per cent in the last 12 months. That means there's 16 per cent less revenue. We are covered because we put $100 million aside....reliance on wagering revenue is a risk moving forward

―we never, ever said that we wanted to take the money. We said we wanted oversight..... [Is RNSW] the organisation, that gathers in all the cash, and distributes that cash where you see fit, rather than having in place a funding model which guarantees the continued existence of this body............not just a regulator.......also the commercial operator..... we  set the strategic direction of the industry.............we need to make it attractive for owners to invest in the industry............he funding model at the moment is designed to distribute the maximum to participants.

Racing NSW leads the world in animal welfare........submissions from undesirables and people that are cruel to horses, that want to take horses to knackeries ….........  hell-bent on ensuring that horses are not sent to knackeries..........A lot of our cost is ensuring that those horses that have been rehomed continue to be well looked after...........the wealthy breeders, they put a submission into the after care that they want to continue sending horses to knackeries....... they believe they should be allowed to send horses to knackeries. I will not allow that in my tenure …........no matter how old the horse is they want to send it to a knackery.......we have 500 horses on our farms that haven't been able to be rehomed. We take care of those horses because we will not send them to knackeries............none go to abattoirs.

[Put aside for another day: ..........the whip does not hurt the horse............the horse can hardly feel it.  I give everybody due process and natural justice.]

THE 'OTHER' ISSUES IN FOCUS

There are four focal points: 'who' funds the industry; racing industry entitlements to funding; the viability of provincial and country racing and the fate of retired racehorses.

…......... 'who' funds the racing industry?

There can be chicken and egg perspectives on the way racing is funded, as the following exchanges attest.

Contrast this: The people that fund the industry isn't the punter, isn't the Government's the owners of the racehorses........ they are subsiding the industry to $100 million.

With this: How much of the funding agreement is predicated on gambling revenue?..All of it.....it doesn't matter how you slice and dice the funding, the source of that revenue would be gambling?

Confusion aside, a fair consensus would probably concede that it is the 'take' from betting turnover that feeds back into prizemoney and then the costs owners are prepared to cover to buy horses and present them trained and ready to run. Owners no doubt place the biggest bets – their total costs, paid willingly in their quest for prizemoney. Not all bets win.

There is another, broader, dimension to the 'who' pays question. The 'take' from betting turnover is essentially a tax on gambling imposed by government. What is special about the racing industry is the transfer of part of the 'tax take' direct to RacingNSW. The 'tax take' from betting turnover is not first consolidated with other funds in the public purse, before a budget allocation is separately decided and  paid over to the racing industry.

Considering that broader dimension, it is the community generally that pays a good deal for racing – public funding that is not subject to clear accountability on its commercial  merits.

….. racing industry entitlements to (more) funding

Whatever the merits of present racing-industry funding entitlements, the practical politics are long entrenched in the bipartisan political consensus endorsing present arrangements.

As such the question on the table now is about extending present entitlements to cover the looming shortfall of funds from the 'tax-take' to meet programming and prize-money commitments 'promised' by administrators.

Luckily, RacingNSW has $100 million in its kick to cover any short-term shortfall.

Considering the longer term, the proposal to sell Rosehill is akin to RacingNSW  (and the ATC) asking the government for an allocation of some $-billions to be invested in a racing industry fund to return 'an income stream unreliant on wagering'.  An allocation, a grant, of taxpayer funds because  'we need hundreds of millions of dollars...(to) ......take racing through the next 50 years'.         Irrespective of where the capital-fund of billions is nominally sourced, that is a big ask!

…....... the viability of provincial and country racing

For a moment it is appropriate to focus on the sense of a couple of extracts:

Most of the [additional] money that we were able to generate …...... went to country. …....The race clubs in country and regional areas are now in the best financial position they've been in the history of racing.......  .... the provincial and country clubs make up the majority of the turnover.........the ATC gets 55 per cent of the distribution, yet it only generates 49 per cent of the revenue.

There seems to be some confusion of key elements of the full story here.

Understanding the numbers published in annual reports of RacingNSW may be difficult but, even so, it does look like (the ATC's) metropolitan racing providing  about 20% of the race meetings in NSW, and 20% of the races run, contributes 50% of industry revenue.

Conversely, 80% of the racing is in country and provincial areas and it generates about 50% of the revenue – presumably half the tax 'take' from betting turnover.

The question left hanging is whether the non-metropolitan racing, that generates half the tax-take revenue, delivers sufficient net-revenue to make the 80% of the racing, in provincial and country areas,  a viable commercial proposition.

NSW is not alone in this apparent incongruity which has  implications for RacingNSW's  business model.  At your discretion, the business model in place may warrant elaboration.

One concern for some years now has been about the stronger promotion and more generous funding of country and provincial racing. Laudable enough at one level perhaps, however the inclination is to ask if these meetings often do not return a sufficient 'take', from the betting turnover on the races, to cover the net-costs of staging the meetings, including prize-money paid.

Put differently, does RacingNSW keep track of the 'stand-alone' balance of costs and revenues for its country and provincial race meetings …......... and , if so, could those numbers be disclosed in a transparent format, please?

…........the fate of retired racehorses

It can be difficult to deal with some emotional issues common to the fate of animals, especially pets, and named-racehorses, among many other arrangements for the coming and going of livestock.

There is a place for those emotions. Issues about the fate of retired racehorses need to be addressed sensitively – not least among a people newly coming to terms with 'assisted dying' and, more generally, reliant on meat as edible protein.

Even so it is another big ask for the racing industry to more or less contrive that no registered racehorse will be prematurely euthanised -- and that the cost of their comfortable life in retirement will be met from ear-marked allocations of funds from the industry's tax take.

In short, does this evidence stand as the considered view of the board of RacingNSW:

I will not allow that in my tenure …........no matter how old the horse is they want to send it to a knackery.......we have 500 horses on our farms that haven't been able to be rehomed. We take care of those horses because we will not send them to knackeries............none go to abattoirs.

A digression – managing and protecting product-quality

Issues about the quality of the racing product presented opens a broader front.

In my opinion, a modest punter for 60 years, while the quality of headline racing remains intact, there has been a long-term decline in the quality of most metropolitan racing.

Assessed in terms of the reasonable predictability of race and betting outcomes (i.e. size of dividends declared), a decline  in train for some time quickened over the past decade or so. A fair question might be about the way RacingNSW reviews metropolitan race outcomes against expectations of punters and participants for fair racing.

It is apparent enough that the administrative-eye is sharply focused on 'more money', especially prize-money available to be paid out. Introducing nine and ten race programs on Saturdays is one illustration – with one consequence being for keen-punters to more or less steer clear of lower-class races early in a program.

In my mind, however, the decline in product quality accelerated sharply with the inflation of field sizes induced by paying money for runners finishing down to tenth-place. Not to labour the point here, there are 'course&distance' races being run routinely where field sizes consistent with fair racing should probably not exceed 10.

Resolving debates about product-quality would benefit from agreement on some objective benchmarks for making and disclosing assessments. One option I have in mind would presumably require the cooperation of Tabcorp.  A suggested base for quality assessments would be the net win&loss fate of bets placed on each race by broad classes of punters – say big bets v. small bets, late-money bets v. bets placed early and, if possible, the success of betting-syndicates in milking quadrella pools when a rough-result dashes the hopes of the faithful, most-punter set.

End Piece

Depending on how RacingNSW might consider the relevance of the points raised and questions asked, there is a decision to be made on how it might respond if inclined to do so.

While I would, of course, appreciate a response in general terms, I am not solely entitled to any more detailed response which would likely be of interest to the racing fraternity generally.

That said, I do think there are issues that reasonably need to be addressed openly by RacingNSW.

Peter Mair

 

IS PUNTER CONFIDENCE REASON FOR DIVE IN GALLOPS TURNOVER?

AN annual report that reveals an alarming decline in thoroughbred racing turnover of $500 million over the past 12 months, suggests there is little to no punter confidence betting on racing in Queensland.

That resulted in revenue from the gallops falling by $26mn but thanks to spending controls implemented by RQ CEO Jason Scott during his relatively short time in the job, the thoroughbreds still managed to return a profit (after expenses) of $13.5mn on TAB meetings.

Highlights of the RQ Annual Report for 2023-24, tabled in Parliament last week, include:

• Total revenue reached $479.0 million in FY24, decreasing by 1.9% from FY23, but remains the second highest year on record;
• Total prize money reached $263.7 million, which represents an 8.2% increase from  FY23; and
• Queensland’s market share across the three codes rose to 17.4% – up 1.2% from 17.2% in FY23 – in the midst of a challenging wagering market.

RQ Chair Steve Wilson AM said the size, strength, and resilience of the Queensland racing industry once again came to the fore in 2023/24.

“Over the past decade, the industry has had to confront many issues including flood, drought, and more recently, a global pandemic” Mr Wilson said.

“During that time, it has not only survived, but thrived, whilst RQ has maintained a laser focus on increasing revenue to reinvest through returns to participants.

“The challenges refuse to dissipate, however, with the overall degradation of the Australian wagering market, recalibrating after the highs experienced during the global pandemic, impacting all jurisdictions.

“Nonetheless, RQ was all but able to maintain its financial position, with total revenue reaching $479.0 million in FY24, which represents a slight decrease of 1.9% from $488.3 million in FY23.”

“While payments to participants were marginally down in FY24, decreasing from $390.8 million to $388.4 million, prize money reached $263.7 million, which represents an 8.2% increase from $243.7 million in FY23.

“During this time, Queensland racing’s market share increased slightly to 17.4% and wagering turnover declined 8.3% year-on-year from $6.7 billion to $6.1 billion. As follows:

• Thoroughbreds - $4.0 billion (-9.6%);
• Greyhounds - $1.5 billion (-5.6%); and
• Harness - $0.7 billion (-8.2%).

“RQ recorded a $37.2 consolidated loss versus a $32.0 million consolidated profit in FY23. This loss is after the impact of the $57.4 million divestment of the Sunshine Coast Racing Unit Trust.

“Overall, the Queensland racing industry’s contribution to the state's economy exceeds $2.4 billion per annum with the latest data from IER demonstrating an increase of close to $200 million from FY22 to FY23.

“This highlights racing’s rising importance, having doubled from $1.2 billion in FY16 to $2.4 billion, while full-time jobs have risen 66% from 9,546 to 15,839.

“Also helping the industry is the volume of infrastructure projects, big and small, that continue to roll out across the state.

“The $70 million redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club hosted its first meeting with the running of the 2024 Magic Millions Raceday at the beginning of the calendar year.

“In early May, the state-of-the-art broadcast lighting was fully commissioned, paving the way for the Gold Coast to become the most impressive night racing venue in the nation and the ‘Happy Valley’ of Australia.

“Construction of The Q, the new home of greyhound racing in South East Queensland, made significant progress. Following bulk earthworks, the grandstand formwork and lighting foundations have now been completed and trialling is expected to commence in the first half of FY25 before the commencement of full-time racing in the second half of FY25.

“The natural flora and established lake create a backdrop to be enjoyed by participants and the local community alike. We look forward to the grand opening in early 2025.

In the latter parts of the year, both the Townsville Turf Club and the Redcliffe Harness Racing Club were the beneficiaries of up-coming projects to be funded primarily through the Racing Infrastructure Fund.

In North Queensland, the Townsville Turf Club will soon have on-course stables at Cluden Park which will further enhance the club’s reputation as a leading training and racing precinct.

Regional and remote clubs also shared in infrastructure upgrades through Country Club Asset Funding with a further 41 projects announced.”

LOOKING forward these are the challenges for the three codes of racing in Queensland:

THE out-going Labor Government has paved the way for a better integrity path with the recent appointments of a ‘dream team’ to haul the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission out of the quicksand. Here’s hoping the LNP give them time to turn things around and that we don’t get another ‘dickhead’ Racing Minister like Steve Dickson who promised early on that Queensland racing would be ‘a furlong in front’ of NSW and Victoria within 12 months.

ANY changes to the RQ Board (which will probably see the Grace Grace appointment shown the door) are for the good of the industry and not the politicians and their mates. Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, the current Thoroughbred Representative, is the obvious choice for Chairman. Here’s hoping he isn’t bogged down by no-hoper political appointments to the Board.

THE retention of Jason Scott as RQ CEO is a must. He is a ‘furlong in front’ of some of his predecessors, especially ‘Pins’ Parnell and Malcolm Tuttle. It’s not so much that some in the new Government might want to see him go but more so that there will be more attractive offers in racing keen to secure his talents.

 

THE EVEREST TO SPEARHEAD SIX NEW GROUP 1 RACES IN AUSTRALIA

THE EVEREST will finally gain Group 1 status to match its standing as Australia’s richest horse race after changes to the classification system for black-type races.

CHRIS ROOTS reports for FAIRFAX MEDIA that the $20 million slot race, created by Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club, to give Sydney racing a focal point during the spring, has been a runaway success, consistently being rated Australia’s best race in the seven years since it was established.

However, it has not held Group 1 status, the classification given to the highest level of thoroughbred races.

Racing Victoria has repeatedly vetoed Racing NSW’s attempts to have The Everest awarded Group 1 status but a change at the top of RVL has seen the impasse lifted and agreement on a new set of rules for group races in Australia.

According to sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, a media release has been drafted by Racing Australia to announce six new Group 1 races, led by The Everest. The announcement should come today (Monday) after being delayed last week.

The Sydney spring will be littered with new Group 1 races, as the Premiere Stakes, The Everest, the Russell Balding Stakes and Golden Eagle will all now carry the premier stamp in racing.

The All Star Mile will also be lifted to Group 1 from its next running in 2025, as will The Shorts, which was won by I Am Me as a Group 2 on Saturday.

New guidelines for Group 1 races in Australia will see any race with a three-year average international rating of 115 given premier status.

In what is set to be a massive win for Sydney racing, the newly minted Group 1 races are likely to sit in the top 100 group 1 races in the world, which means in 2025 those meetings will be included in the Hong Kong Jockey Club-powered World Pool.

The World Pool enables bettors from all over the globe to bet into a single multimillion-dollar pool, which will return substantial fees to the cash-strapped ATC as the club hosting the meeting.

Racing NSW has been preparing for the announcement in the past couple of months and dropped the bonus for the Sydney Sprint Series from $3 million to $2 million in the knowledge the majority of races in the series would carry the prestigious group 1 tag.

It is the ultimate recognition for the expanded spring carnival that started with the creation of The Everest, which has gone from $10 million to $20 million in prizemoney in the past seven years, and continued with the $10 million Golden Eagle, which has become a focus of thoroughbred trainers around the world.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys has continually claimed he was not concerned by The Everest’s lack of Group 1 status, but achieving the classification not only for the $20m slot race but also the four other races in the carnival he has created might be his biggest victory.

 

KAH PENALTY OF 3 WEEKS SEEMS REASONABLE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

THE Victorian Racing Tribunal has suspended champion jockey Jamie Kah for three weeks over her ride on Let’sfacethemusic in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes which seems reasonable in the circumstances.

Stewards wanted a suspension of not less than six weeks but the Tribunal disagreed. She will now miss the Caulfield Guineas and Caulfield Cup meetings. Her suspension begins from midnight on September 28 and ends on Sunday, October 20.

Feelings are running high in the Kah camp after former jockey turned commentator Sam Hyland basically accused her of pulling up Let’sfacethemusic. It has led to plenty of ill-feeling and a war of words between Hyland and Kah’s fiancé Ben Melham.

Those questioning why Hyland disappeared overnight from a lucrative contract with Racing Queensland and SKY Channel some years ago are belatedly calling for details of what happened to be revealed in view of his attack on Kah, the pin-up girl of Victorian racing.

She had pleaded not guilty to a stewards’ charge of not affording Let'sfacethemusic every opportunity of a best placing in the McNeil Stakes after failing to take runs between the 175-metre mark and 100-metre mark and again near the 75-metre mark.

VRT deputy chairperson Kathryn Kings, handing down the verdict, said the Tribunal was  satisfied Kah had not taken all permissible measures to obtain the best placing in the field.

After a short break following penalty submissions, Kings said: "We are satisfied that between the 175-metre and 100-metre mark, there was a sufficient gap and opportunity for you to be able to ride your mount with sufficient vigour or purpose to improve your position.

"We are satisfied that this ride did not involve a mere error of judgement on your part but when viewed objectively, the failure to take the run, which presented itself and was available to be taken for approximately eight strides, represented a breach of rule 129 (2) and was a departure from the standard of racing to be expected of a rider of your standing.

"We acknowledge that the horse raced keenly at the early stages but during the relevant period the horse raced tractably.

"Further, in relation to your ride in the last 75 metres of the race, we are satisfied you failed to ride out your mount with sufficient vigour when it was reasonable and permissible to do so.

"While we acknowledge the evidence of the historical racing manners of each horse, we are satisfied that you did not use sufficient vigour or purpose, therefore not giving your horse every opportunity to obtain the best possible place in the field."

The hearing was adjourned for lunch at around 1:40pm after both RV stewards and Kah's representative Matthew Stirling had completed submissions on the charge and when it returned, Kah was found guilty.

Let’sfacethemusic ($8.50) ultimately finished fifth in the race, some 4.5 lengths from the winner.

Corie Waller, who was Acting Chief Steward on the day at Caulfield, told the Tribunal that Kah's ride was a culpable one under the rule as she did not give her horse every chance to obtain its best placing after failing to take the run in the home straight between Band Of Brothers and Stay Focussed.

Waller, a one-time Queenslander did no damage to his career, claiming a high profile scalp who had one of the best racing barristers in the business, Maatthew Stirling, in her corner.

Kah told the Tribunal that although the vision of the race shows there appears to be a gap for her to take, she did not feel safe in doing so. "Out there, I didn’t feel like the gap was open," she said.

She said Let'sfacethemusic had proven difficult to ride and earlier in the race had locked its jaw, which meant she lost control for a short period. She conceded that her opinion that Let'sfacethemusic was a dangerous horse may have contributed to her not taking the run in question on the day.

Waller said stewards believed Let'sfacethemusic had more to give in the race and said that despite Kah's evidence, there was no sign in the replay of the race that the colt was difficult to ride and appeared 'responsive to the actions of its rider'.

He said stewards had estimated it was reasonable and safe for Kah to take the gap between the two leaders for a total of eight strides from about the 175-metre mark.

He said the eight strides amounted to about 56 metres or 15 per cent of the home straight at Caulfield, where stewards argued it was reasonable for Kah to take the run.

Stirling said given the unruly manners of Let'sfacethemusic, the jockey simply did not feel confident to take the run given its racing manners and the strong wind at Caulfield on the day.

According to Stirling, the horse was 'literally dangerous' in his racing manners and so it required due caution from Kah when considering taking the run.

Kah told stewards that Let'sfacethemusic had locked its jaw during the race and had done so five days earlier when she rode the colt for the first time in a track gallop.

She said a rider loses control over a horse that locks its jaw.

Stirling said Kah had intimate knowledge of the ramifications of riding a horse that locks its jaw as that it what happened when she took a near-fatal fall at Flemington in 2023, which left her in a coma for six days and unable to ride again for six months.

He said if any of the three horses involved had shifted a 'quarter of a horse or half a horse’, the jockeys could have finished in an ambulance.

"Who are the stewards to criticise Kah for that ride?" he said. "She was the one that spent a week in in ICU last year because of a horse locking its jaw. I think she knows the risks of riding a horse with those traits a little better than the stewards and, with respect, a little better than (the trainer) Mr Price."

 

ARE HIGH PROFILE BUREAUCRATS & STEWARDS AT QRIC BEING PAID BONUSES, PART OF THE MINEFIELD INHERITED BY THE DREAM TEAM?

NOT surprisingly, the mail is strong that the new team appointed to run the troubled Queensland Racing Integrity Commission have inherited a train wreck.

Reliable insiders warn that the situation has been worsened by staff anger over bonuses being apparently paid to some high profile bureaucrats and stewards.

The industry deserves answers but we feel it would be unfair to demand these until new Commissioner Catherine Clark and her Deputies Chantal Reine & Kim Kelly have had sufficient time to address a myriad of issues, especially this bonus minefield.

If QRIC is going to be saved from dismantling by an LNP Government, these are the only people who can do that by reducing the cost of running the Integrity Body set up by Labor and changing the course of how it has been operating.

We would like to tell you how much QRIC is costing but even the previous Acting Commissioner Malcolm Letts (who filled the role after the exit of Shane Gillard) reportedly had no idea when questioned at the recent Budget Estimates Committee hearings.

He also seemed to have no idea how much the QRIC Review cost (which is amazing because we can tell you it was in excess of $500,000).

How some high profile QRIC bureaucrats and Stewards managed to secure wage bonuses remains a mystery. Some say it was granted by the former Commissioner as a loyalty payment (which would have been illegal). Even LGHR finds that impossible to believe. We would be happy to publish Mr Gillard's version of events but that is unlikely to happen as he has refused to even comment on why he resigned.

Perhaps the Devil was in the detail of the Review into QRIC ordered by Racing Minister Grace Grace (kicking a screaming). We’d like to tell you about the findings of the Review but we can’t. All we can say is that its completion coincided with the sudden and overdue departure of Commissioner Gillard.

In its short life, QRIC has ridden shotgun with controversy. But the biggest blunder, in the eyes of many in the industry, was the appointment of Gillard as Commissioner whose my-way-of-the-highway approach saw dozens walk out the door in protest.

It also saw some questionable appointments, like that of Josh Adams as Chairman of Stewards when LGHR knows of at least one interstate steward with far more experience who was overlooked. And the survival of some stewards who are out of their league and have been for some time (like the I’ve Been Everywhere Man of the Panel).

There is no secret that the future of QRIC will be in jeopardy if the LNP, as expected, wins Government next month. Dismantling of the Integrity Body would take many months. Hopefully they will ignore the push by some MPs (including one tipped to be the Racing Minister) and give the new team time to work their way through a complete revamp of QRIC enabling it to survive. If anyone can do it, this new ‘dream team’ can.

 

GIVE ‘DREAM TEAM’ TIME & DON’T EXPECT AN OVERNIGHT MIRACLE

NOTHING but praise has been heaped on the new Commissioner and her Deputies since their appointment but the industry and critics should not expect an overnight miracle with QRIC.

It’s a pity ‘Big Ben’ Dorries, the award winning racing scribe from the Murdoch Media camp, didn’t do his homework before speaking out on the Press Room program on Radio 4TAB on Monday.

Dorries was rightfully full of praise for the appointment of Kim Kelly, whose deeds as a local and international steward have been well documented but he questioned whether Commissioner Catherine Clark knew anything about racing.

Unlike her predecessors Ms Clark has been involved in racing through her family of owner-breeders since she could walk. And don’t for one moment think there is any conflict of interest in her appointment. Her knowledge of the industry is an absolute bonus. Do your homework Ben!

What the industry and the racing public want to see following the departure of the worst Commissioner (Gillard) in the short life of QRIC is: More transparency, a different approach to swabbing, the appointment of ‘quality’ stewards, not your mates; and a few more running and handling inquiries (which have been just about non-existent during the Gillard era). From a racing media viewpoint all we ask for is a level playing field and not coverage monopolized to ‘spin doctors’.

 

WHO WILL BE VICTIMS WHEN RAZOR GANG TAKES TO RADIO 4TAB?

THERE are some ‘Nervous Nellies’ at the Queensland racing broadcaster, Radio 4TAB, since Gillon McLachlan took the reins at Tabcorp.

His razor gang has aleady pulled millions of dollars in funding from two of News Corporation’s signature gambling brands – the Herald Sun racing form guide and punting platform Racenet.

That decision comes after the wagering giant suffered a $1.36 billion loss for the 2024 financial year and as it looks to slash on-going costs to improve its bottom line.

Last month, Tabcorp withdrew its $3 million annual funding of Racing Radio station RSN 927 and in its place offered a four-month partnership extension at a heavily reduced rate.

The Racenet and Herald Sun deals were worth about $2 million a year, with Tabcorp ending the Herald-Sun form guide agreement in July. The break-up jeopardises the future of the tabloid paper’s daily racing liftout, which has been a staple for Victorian punters for decades, particularly on a Saturday morning.

Tabcorp has also ended sponsorship deals for News Corp form guides in Tasmania, South Australia and Northern Territory. And why shouldn’t they? Racing shouldn’t be paying the Murdoch Empire to provide form – surely this is part of the service required for their readers.

And as for Racenet – that support was an absolute joke and an insult to other racing websites with the platform purchased by Murdoch to boost his then ownership involvement in a corporate betting company which was short-lived.

But back to 4TAB and the story goes that not too far down the track most of its programming will be initiated from interstate meaning many locals will lose their jobs. Here’s hoping the services of Steve Hewlett are retained to ensure Queensland racing gets a fair shake.

We are told that the ‘Retirement Home for Racing Spin Doctors’ – the Brisbane Racing Club – will be quick to find a kennel for one of their greatest supporters David Fowler. Story goes when Bart Sinclair earns a berth on some Board from his mates in the LNP, he will go into hibernation with his other love the Brisbane Lions and move on from the BRC making way for Fowler.

It’s time the duplication of callers ended in Queensland. David was once a great caller but now plays second fiddle to Josh Fleming. There are plenty of young callers with excellent credentials that can back Josh up.

Our suggestion to the BRC is that they use ‘Feather’s’ skills as a compere for presentations and major events, to entertain the winning connections although a 10-race card might be a drain on his drinking ability and consult on matters of racing with a background as Chairman of the Albion Park Harness Racing Club. And he could still take his annual holidays to attend the Cairns Amateurs ‘race-calling junket’.

 

 

WALLER FORM REVERSALS ON CARDS FOR VIA SISTINA & JOLIESTAR

THE powerful Chris Waller stable winning four of the eight races it was eligible to contest at Rosehill on Saturday came as no surprise to most of us who follow racing closely.

But it would have taken a brave tipster to suggest that two of his stars – Via Sistina and Joliestar – would perform as badly as they did.

Having said that – hands up any punter who is prepared to write either off in future? They respect the training ability of Waller too much and are accustomed to form reversals from the stable.

In the case of Via Sistina which ran an easing $2.6 favourite (bookies were keen to risk) and finished fifth behind Mr Brightside and Pride of Jenni in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, stewards reported:

‘RIDER James McDonald reported that the mare raced flat and failed to respond to his riding in the heavy track conditions. Trainer Chris Waller concurred with the views of James McDonald. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no significant findings. Stewards will follow up with the stable.’

Bookies betting pre-post on the Turnbull Stakes in early October weren’t convinced we saw the best of Via Sistina either and still have the brilliant import $4.5 favourite ahead of Mr Brightside at $5.

Joliestar looked anything but a genuine contender for The Everest when a somewhat plain third behind Sunshine In Paris in the Group 2 Sheraco at Rosehill failing to justify her plunged price of $1.8. She is now an $11 chance for The Everest in October.

Stewards reported that when questioned (jockey) Kerrin McEvoy reported that he was instructed to obtain cover anticipating this would be behind Sunshine In Paris which was considered to be his main danger. He said that although Joliestar began well he allowed the runners to his inside to improve whereby he was able to obtain cover behind Sunshine In Paris. He said that after obtaining cover behind that runner leaving the 1000m Joliestar then travelled satisfactorily. However, the race was being run at a much quicker tempo than was anticipated. He said that the mare came under pressure rounding the home turn and although Joliestar responded to his riding it did not close off quite as strongly as he felt it would. He added that Joliestar appeared to pull up without any issue and suggested it may have raced below expectations being second-up from a break. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.

It wasn’t all bad news for Waller fans with wins by the promising Lady Shenandoah $5 in the G3 Ming Dynasty; the heavily-backed Unusual Legacy and Matusalem in restricted races and the upset comeback by Firestorm at $20 (the roughest of four runners from the stable with Chica Mojito $13 2^nd, Mare of Mt Buller $9 and the most fancied Cadetship $7 finishing 6^th).

Waller was also successful at Flemington with the gay deceiver Chrysaor at $21 in the Listed Vale Black Caviar. For those of us who know what this horse can do on a given day the win came as no surprise.

Don’t think for one minute Waller horses aren’t going to dominate the Spring – Autumn Glow is a hot favourite to win the Tea Rose & the Flight Stakes; Fan Girl at $2.5 for the 7 Stakes and  Via Sistina has retained favouritism for the Turnbull Stakes.

    

 

‘PLAY IT AGAIN SAM’ BUT BEFORE YOU BAG JAMIE KAH HOW ABOUT EXPLAINING YOUR QUICK EXIT FROM THE SKY JOB IN QUEENSLAND

PERHAPS it’s a case of mistaken identity but is that the same Sam Hyland, once a familiar face on the TV coverage of racing in Queensland, who is bagging the crap out of Jamie Kah?

Is it the same Sam Hyland who relocated his family from Victoria some years back to work on a lucrative contract for Racing Queensland and SKY to cover TAB meetings in the south-east corner of the Sunshine State?

Is this the same Sam Hyland who his Sky colleagues say disappeared overnight from his job in the north without any explanation following strange happenings while he was working at the races in Brisbane?

Is it the same Sam Hyland who last week told SEN Track that Jamie Kah should be suspended over her ride on Let’sfacethemusic in the G3 McNeil Stakes over which she has been charged?

Is this the same Sam Hyland who engaged in a war of words via social media with Ben Melham who not surprisingly went into bat for the ride of his fiancée Kah?

If it is the same Sam Hyland that the ‘talk of the racing town’ Kah is being subject to in Melbourne has been occurring for Hyland in Brisbane but for different reasons?

Here is some of the feedback that we have received at LGHR since Hyland took a baseball bat to the Kah ride which her critics say is worthy of a three-month stint on the sidelines:

‘Damien Oliver says there were extenuating circumstances that the Tribunal needs to take into account about the Kah ride. Hyland doesn’t care about those. He is basically accusing her of pulling the horse up. Why would she want to do that?

‘Jamie Kah’s barrister Matthew Sterling should put Oliver and Hyland in the witness box questioning both on what they have achieved in racing. Now in retirement, Olle rode 129 Group 1 winners. Hyland, also in retirement, rode none. His highest achievement was a G3 winner in South Australia. Which one qualifies best to be commenting on the ride of a jockey who has to date ridden 14 Group 1, 20 Group 2 & 43 Group 3 – certainly not a nobody like Sam.’

And these:

‘Why wouldn’t Ben Melham, who has ridden over 20 Group 1 winners, go into bat for his fiancé Jamie Kah? ‘Maybe she didn’t fancy being parked up in ICU again for the Spring Carnival,’ he fired back in response to Sam Hyland telling SEN: “I don’t care how windy it is, you’ve got to ride them out.” Melham delivered the final KO: "We know you would have taken the gap Sam. You used to attempt them when they weren't even there.’

‘If Hyland is trying to attract attention he is going the wrong way about it. The Kah ride might have divided the racing community in Victoria. But in Queensland, where those in the south-east got to know Sam well, he is copping plenty of flak, particularly over what some are calling a cover-up over his departure from SKY.’

Kah will ‘face the music’ before the Tribunal on Thursday. In the meantime perhaps the ex-jockey some call ‘Happy Snapper Hyland’ would like to explain why he suddenly left the job he so enjoyed in Queensland. Love to publish your response Sam - just to clear the air!