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TABCORP STOPS PAYING MILLIONS FOR MURDOCH FORM GUIDES & RACENET AFTER SUFFERING MORE THAN BILLION DOLLAR LOSS 
THE Gillon McLachlan-led Tabcorp has pulled millions of dollars in funding from two of News Corp’s signature gambling brands – the Herald Sun racing form guide and punting platform Racenet.
DANNY RUSSELL & CHRIS ROOTS report for FAIRFAX MEDIA that the decision comes after the wagering giant suffered a $1.36 billion loss for the 2024 financial year and as it looks to slash ongoing costs to improve its bottom line.
Last month, FAIRFAX also revealed that Tabcorp had withdrawn its $3 million yearly funding of racing radio station RSN 927, and in its place offered a four-month partnership extension at a heavily reduced rate.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, according to two sources familiar with the situation but unable to speak publicly because of commercial sensitivities.
The decision to end the agreement was instigated by McLachlan’s predecessor, Adam Rytenskild, but the former AFL boss is seeing the cuts through.
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.
Despite the funding cut, the Herald Sun form guide still carries the Tabcorp branding, with one industry insider, not in a position to comment publicly, saying the betting company was still a major advertiser with the tabloid paper.
The Rupert Murdoch-owned media behemoth bought Racenet – a racing news, analysis and tipping website – at the end of 2018 as it looked to expand its reach into the wagering space.
It then formed the backbone of News Corp’s racing and sports wagering newsroom, created in 2021, and boasted a staff of 16 as well as form analysts such as Tony Brassel and Mark Guest.
Racenet relied on significant sponsorship from Tabcorp on top of ads from corporate bookmakers to fund its business model. The impact of the Tabcorp cuts on Racenet staff numbers is still unknown.
McLachlan had a constructive relationship with News Corp figureheads in his former role as AFL chief executive, with Foxtel spending millions on the football code’s media rights deals.
News Corp and the Herald Sun were contacted for comment.
Last month, FAIRFAX revealed that Tabcorp would start shutting down on-course tote facilities at the end of the spring carnival as part of widespread cost-cutting measures under new chief executive officer McLachlan.
Smaller thoroughbred race clubs, as well as harness racing clubs and greyhound clubs, will be given the option to fund staff at tote windows or lose the service altogether beyond November 30 – an option that many say they cannot afford.
Last month, McLachlan told analysts that Tabcorp’s three-year strategy known as “TAB25” was unrealistic.
“We’re seeing persistent inflation and inflated costs of regulation, which is sticky in our cost base,” he said.
“The underlying assumptions of the [TAB25] strategy have been proven not to be correct.
“Today’s results demonstrate a competitive performance in the soft market conditions we face [...] There’s no doubt the business is more competitive than it was at the [2022 demerger from The Lottery Corporation], but it’s not where it ultimately needs to be. It will require change, but the goal remains unchanged.”
McLachlan started in the Tabcorp role early last month after he replaced Rytenskild, who was fired based on allegations he had spoken inappropriately about a Victorian regulator. Rytenskild denies the allegations and is suing Tabcorp for unfair dismissal.
QRIC FINALLY HAS ‘DREAM TEAM’ SO BADLY NEEDED – DOES AN LNP GOVERNMENT THAT CHANGES THIS WANT INTEGRITY IN RACING? 
AS voters prepare to rearrange the deckchairs on the State of Queensland ‘titanic’, here’s hoping 11th hour steps by Labor to save the independent Queensland Racing Integrity Commission haven’t been too little, too late.
If the mail is right and the MP being touted as the new Racing Minister gets the job, QRIC will almost certainly be dismantled and integrity of racing will be returned to the umbrella of Racing Queensland losing its independence opening the door for political interference.
With her Government in its death-throes, Racing Minister Grace Grace has announced a new leadership team for QRIC headed by the appointment of Catherine Clark as Commissioner, Chantal Raine as her Deputy and internationally experienced steward Kim Kelly as Acting Deputy Commissioner.
These are appointments that the racing industry needs and respects but they face the enormous task of hauling QRIC out of the mess it got into under the leadership of former Labor-appointed Commissioner Shane Gillard. Once the LNP wins Government it will need a damn good reason to replace these appointments with the only change acceptable to most a new-look QRIC on a platform out of reach of the RQ Board or the Government.
The State Government established QRIC as an independent statutory body in 2016, as recommended by the MacSporran Commission of Inquiry following its findings that industry self-regulation had failed.
QRIC independently regulates integrity and the welfare of racing animals in Queensland’s three racing codes (thoroughbreds, harness and greyhounds).
Catherine Clark is a strategic executive with extensive experience in chief executive and board roles across government, education, sport and management consulting sectors, most recently as chief executive officer of Paralympics Australia.
Chantal Raine is an accomplished executive leader with more than eight years’ experience across state and federal public sectors and has been acting as Deputy Racing Integrity Commissioner since March 2024.
Kim Kelly is an internationally renowned Steward who was Chief Stipendiary Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club from 2009 until his retirement in 2023, after which he continued to work with the Asian Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
The LNP needs to announce what it intends to do with the three codes of racing now. If reports that it is going to revert to the thoroughbreds, harness and greyhounds returning to their own Control Boards, how much extra is that going to cost the industry in general and what is their argument against duplicity of services?
What guarantee are they going to provide that Integrity will continue to be independent of administration (separation of powers is a must) and the Government, especially any Minister who might be promising his ‘political mates in racing’ some start?
Surely the new Premier and his team won’t allow a return to the bad old days when Queensland was an ‘open door’ for all the crooks in racing and stewards were told what to do by politicians, like occurred in a past era, especially at the ‘red hots’. LGHR witnessed this first-hand.
Catherine Clark is the perfect appointment who knows plenty about racing. She virtually grew up with the sport, her parents John and Judy being hobby breeders and racing horses under the ‘Hallside’ banner.
She has been appointed a terrific support team in Chantal Reine and Kim Kelly. It’s a major coup for racing in Queensland securing the services of Kelly, now in semi-retirement in Brisbane after years as Chief Steward in Hong Kong following stints in Sydney and on the Gold Coast.
As Archie Butterfly wrote, “This is the dream team that the Queensland racing industry has been screaming out for since QRIC was created eight years ago and it puts every other leadership team the organization has ever had in the shade.”
LGHR fears if an LNP Government disposes of these outstanding appointments and puts their ‘political mates’ in the job or for that matter takes the ‘independence’ out of QRIC, the racing public will be wondering if they really want integrity in racing in Queensland.
‘ARCHIE’ QUESTIONS THE ‘MATHS SKILLS & MEMORY’ OF ‘GAZ’ GORRIE 
OUR old mate ARCHIE BUTTERFLY asked that we publish a response to the article written by former long-time North Queensland bookmaker GARY GORRIE. It reads:
‘I greatly enjoyed reading the piece by former QLD bookie Gary Gorrie published on your website this week, although one part of his story left me wondering how Gaz ever made a quid out of the book with maths skills like his.
Talking about Mark Read's million dollar win in the Getting Closer plunge, Gorrie wrote that:
Then you could buy a new car for around $15,000, the same car now about $75,000. So in today’s terms that win equated to $4 million. You cannot get set for that sort of money now.
I hate to tell the old satchel swinger, but $75 000 is five times $15 000, which means Read won the modern day equivalent of $5 million, not four.
Trust a bookie to shave you the odds.
The plunge didn't happen on Melbourne Cup Day as Gorrie claimed either.
It landed at Canterbury on the 9th of January 1982.
I don't agree with Gaz's attack on the corporates while painting stand up bookies as saints either. That's not my memory of the mean fisted bastards who'd rather have teeth pulled without a painkiller than give a punter a payout on both horses in a protest or a free bet.
That aside it was fun reading.’
TOP BOOKIE OF THE GOOD OLD DAYS WANTS TO SEE A NATIONAL TOTE 
TAKING a trip down memory lane with one of the most popular bookmakers to field on North Queensland racing in its heyday, racing tragic of the good old days GARY GORRIE writes:
‘I can remember well when racing thrived around Australia with a Saturday meeting in just about every major town.
Crowds?
When I started bookmaking in 1972 Mackay had a ring of some 26 bookies all prepared to bet up, the bars were packed, it was a social hub of the district. The club had a manager, two full-time ladies in the office and on race day employed another 30 to 40 people. The track staff was often the jockeys who had a vested interest in a safe racing surface and it supplemented their income with their riding fees. We had no shortage of jockeys then or expensive tracks which failed.
Twenty-six bookies with on average three clerks per bookie, a race caller, gate staff, stewards – it was an economic stimulus for the town. The club did well from gate receipts, food and drink profits and bookies’ fees. Visiting horses, trainers, connections, jockeys and even the stewards would join the local racing people at the Boomerang Hotel after the last. It was packed and needed extra staff to cope and many times the motel was full with the visitors.
Horses then raced under a divisional system where those unplaced in the higher division could be re-handicapped into the lower one. It kept the owners of slower horses viable and often the good horses would transfer to Brisbane and the slower ones there would be sent to the country. The same occurred with some of the jockeys transitioning between the country and city and vice versa.
Carnival time would come and trainers like Bobby Hewan, Des Mc Gee and Jim Delaney would start at Rocky and go right through to Cairns each year. The towns buzzed with excitement on Cup days and big crowds visited our tracks to bet and celebrate the day. Not like now where recently I heard one of the race callers mention the bands kept playing while the big race was run. Calcuttas were huge and race balls and socials were the order of the day.
Townsville carnival went for four weeks. It was the pinnacle of racing in the north. I often fielded alongside 40-plus bookies on the locals with another separate southern ring with almost as many. Jimmy Olsen, the cub reporter from the ‘Bulletin’, used to do an ‘Electrifying dash’ from the Jockeys’ Room to the ring with any last updates and often the late mail would finish like a ‘Tesla’ and get the money.
Bill Moss and Alan Cooper would oversee racing and it was run efficiently and fairly. It always seemed strange to me when Toowoomba or southern clubs failed. The answer was always to close clubs in the north running at a profit.
They sent in the ‘toe-utters’ to rationalize racing who got rid of the ‘saltbush parks’ like Mingela, Bowen Rivers all the national treasures. Thank goodness Ewan, Mt Garnet, Twin Hills and a few have survived. They talked the clubs into going mainly midweek and closed many.
That meant those clubs lost their revenue streams of the Saturday gate, bar, food, bookies’ fees. The towns of the racing crowd monies and of course this has caused the now shortage of jockeys.
I would like to know if the pittance the corporate bookies give the clubs equates to anything like the takings the clubs used to make on the old Saturday race meetings.
Every Melbourne Cup day there would be huge plunges on Maiden races in Brisbane with agents all over the country. Mark Reid backed Getting Closer to win over $1 million in 1982. Then you could buy a new car for around $15,000, the same car now about $75,000. So in today’s terms that win equated to $4 million. You cannot get set for that sort of money now.
The corporates have stuffed it and there’s no watchdog on corporates. They can do whatever they want to do and they are not forced to bet. On a racecourse, you are forced to bet every punter that comes along, whether they’re a professional or amateur.
So we cannot go back [shame]. I think we should look at the best racing now which is Hong Kong. So get rid of the corporates and have one national tote. I am shocked that after wonderful years of bookmaking I can say this but it would be better for racing and stop the selective betting corporates from sending our money overseas and it stays here reinvesting in our racing industry.
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS - ADMINISTRATORS EMBRACE CORPORATES 
REGULAR contributor PETER MAIR weighs in with this short but sweet comment under the banner: ‘Corporates and Corruption’:
‘CORPORATE bookies – once the enemies – have become ‘besties’ with racing administrators.
This occurred when the latter saw the end of a rainbow by inflating race fields to boost turnover.
Their over-crowded races HAVE delivered the 'rough-result racing' that so often returns 100 per cent take-outs ('skinners') to fixed-odds bookies.
Whatever the mix of tote and fixed-odds turnover, there should be a cap on the total take from each 'pool' -- the cap was 16 per cent when totes ruled and that should be restored, bar for bookmakers standing on-course.'
AN AREA WHERE QUEENSLAND TAB NEEDS TO GET HOUSE IN ORDER 
CORPORATES aside, it’s not always plain-sailing with the tote either. Spare a thought for ‘FILTHY PHIL’ in his win-less battle with the Queensland TAB (a situation, by the way that needs resolving). Here’s his problem:
‘I have sent two emails to the TAB wanting to know why I have to attend a TAB or Hotel to get ‘venue mode’.
Their reply is a generic answer unrelated to my question.
As I stated: Do I have to sit in a pub, get pissed and do my money in order to get these extra bonus deals.
Then they have the gumption to say bet responsibly...... What a bloody joke!’
Perhaps it has something to do with the Queensland Hotels or Australian Hotels Association logos that appear on their promotional material.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: You make a good point Phil and we would love to hear from the Queensland TAB on this one. If the TAB wants to whinge about Corporates they need to get their own house in order first to attract punters and this is on way of doing it.
FORMER TOP JOCKEYS CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE OVER CORPORATES 
AS the controversy over a proposed ban on gambling advertising intensifies, some of the countries former champion jockeys have been caught in the crossfire.
Punters are questioning whether they should be endorsing corporate bookmakers and what it does for the image of racing.
Damien Oliver, Glen Boss, Jim Cassidy, along with training legend Peter Moody, are the face these days of Ladbrokes while Simon Marshall is the flag-bearer for Sportsbet.
This doesn’t sit comfortably with some fans of the top jocks. Clare from
Caulfield writes: ‘I love Olle but surely with all the millions he must have there is no need to maintain an involvement with racing by lying down with these corporate dogs.’
Mal from Melbourne wasn’t much more complimentary about SD Marshall: ‘Surely Racing.com should be using the TAB to provide their pre-race prices. Having to stomach all these Sportsbet enticements is bad enough without the constant banter of Marshall who to most of us is an absolute pain. And to make matters worse he is front and centre on Victorian and South Australian preview shows on the host broadcaster.’
How top jockeys and trainers earn money in retirement – whether they need it or not – is their business but no matter on which side of the fence you sit it isn’t a good look having them promoting corporate bookies who are despised by many punters.
NOT EVERYONE HAPPY ABOUT SHINN’S 200-WIN GOAL FOR SEASON 
JOCKEYS seem to be flavour of the month when it comes to a whinge and we’re not sure what to say about this attack on the high-flying Blake Shinn.
No jockey in Australia has ridden more winners so far this season than Shinn but he’s ambitious goal has got up the nose of one of our contributors – some might say for good reason.
Shinn, who has based himself in Victoria since a successful stint on the world stage in Hong Kong, wants to ride 200 winners for the season which means he will be plundering the provincials throughout the week.
Keith from Kilmore writes: ‘My nephew is no star jockey but he works hard and like many others was riding his share of winners until Blake Shinn decided to target TAB provincial meetings that most of the top jockeys dodge.
‘Shinn is entitled to ply his trade where he likes but it has reduced the opportunites for some battling jockeys when he gets the pick of the rides. Surely he earnt enough money in Hong Kong and currently at metropolitan meetings not to be so greedy.’
The plan to win 200 races, Shinn says allows him to repay those who helped him get re-established full-time in Melboune in 2022 after long and highly successful stings in Sydney and Hong Kong.
"It's about support really," Shinn explained. "I've built up some good relationships over the past couple of seasons. "I am going to a few more meetings where the top jockeys won't necessarily go, but if trainers ask the question if I am available to go, with their support they've shown me, I am more than happy to return the favour.
"Each jockey is different. Each jockey has their ways of going about things, but I have no problem in riding most days and in trackwork and jumpouts. I am old enough now to know when to have a morning off, or a whole day off. I know my body pretty well."
THE HAWKS ARE CIRCLING SOME OF KAH’S TOP RIDES FOR SPRING 
THE hawks are circling the big rides that Jamie Kah will lose with an almost certain suspension looming at an important Spring Carnival time.
Kah has to front the Victorian Racing Tribunal after she was charged by stewards over her ride on Let’sfacethemusic on Memsie Stakes day. They will decide if she failed to give that horse every opportunity to obtain the best finishing position possible in the McNeil Stakes.
Gun lawyer Matthew Stirling was present when stewards took evidence from Kah. The ride didn’t look good but things aren’t always as they seem.
Insiders say her defence will rely on evidence that Let’sfacethemusic can lock its jaw in races which impacts on performance. Perhaps that happened on this day. If it did there’s a good argument that Kah could not control the outcome.
PUNTERS CAN’T WARM TO ‘MRS BROWNS’ BOY’ MUTE BUTTON COREY 
PUNTERS just can’t warm to Melbourne Cup winning jockey Corey Brown in his new job with SKY Channel in Sydney.
Here’s what PAUL from NEWCASTLE had to say:
‘Does poor old Corey Brown know how to say anything in his post-race comments apart from ‘great ride by ….’?
‘My mates and I have got to the stage where we just hit the mute button when he comes on.
‘The bloke is a poor judge, an absolute bore, just wants to suck up to his jockey mates and wouldn’t dare criticize a bad ride.
‘In contrast those hosting the meetings in Victoria (they might not be jockeys) actually chase up trainers and jockeys when horses that were well fancied perform badly to see if they can find a reason.
‘You could learn from them old mate Corey. That’s how you protect the punters not your mates who have slaughtered a favorite which happens far too often in Sydney.’
COLLETT VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCES OR BAD RIDE ON AFT CABIN? 
AND, finally on the subject of jockeys, LGHR is a great fan of Jason Collett.
But what was he doing on our Late Mail fancy Aft Cabin (yes it was a Late Mail Special of ours) in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
Aft Cabin resumed gelded and had trialled very well. It was well backed but Collett had no luck at all. The James Cumming-trained galloper ran 8th but with clear running arguably would have been in the finish.
We wonder if Collett – a terrific jock – will have the ride when Aft Cabin steps out next. And by the way it is still in The Everest field.
HOW DID WE SURVIVE IN RACING WITHOUT CORPORATE BOOKIES?
HANDS up all those who remember the days when racing was thriving – long before the arrival of SKY Channel or corporate bookmakers.
Tens of thousands were at the track, bookies were there in their hundreds and no-one needed betting incentives or pop-up races worth absurd prizemoney to survive.
All of a sudden racing administrators of the current era are telling us if the Federal Government bans gambling advertising the industry will be in dire straits.
Call me a dinosaur but something’s horribly wrong. Forget the fact that the corporates should never have been allowed into this country to plunder racing’s profits and send it off-shore.
But aren’t these the same corporate bookies – some high profile racing administrators are going in to bat for – who are highly despised by punters for closing accounts of those who dare to win?
Just look at the racing countries in the world that are going gang-busters – Hong Kong and Japan – where there are no corporates and betting is all-tote. It seems the corporate bookies are here to stay so what we need in Australia to provide betting competition is a National Tote.
Officialdom has to take some of the blame for the demise of on-course bookies – the goose that laid the golden egg was milked for far too long with turnover tax forcing many out of business.
Then along came SKY, why go to the track where you pay an admission fee for the privilege of losing your money not to mention exorbitant prices for food and drink? It was so much easier to go to the local club or simply watch from the comfort of your lounge room.
Harness racing deserves a mention as well. Remember the days when it was almost a ritual for punters to battle on at the Creek after the races via a pit-stop at the Brekky Creek.
Bookies would do the same – they were there in their dozens – the crowds were enormous. It wasn’t the corporates that sounded the death-knell to the ‘red hots’ – it was a lack of integrity which started in the days of the man who gave them everything, Big Russ.
Who knows where harness racing in Queensland would be without the entrepreneurial help of Kevin and Kay Seymour. It now trails even the greyhounds which once were regarded as the also-rans of the three codes and has to piggy-back off the gallops to survive.
But back to the current state of play with the Government – after months of taking one step forward and 10 steps back – set to implement some sort of ban on gambling advertising. Political pressure will ensure it's a half measure.
Racing industry leaders have retaliated to any ban with claims that the current funding model would take a catastrophic hit if all advertising from wagering companies was banned.
RQ CEO Jason Scott has backed his RV counterpart Aaron Morrison in lobbying the Federal Government for ‘sensible’ reform. Their argument that racing has a different relationship with wagering to other sports isn’t winning too many friends in Rugby League and Australian Rules.
"Over regulation of advertising reform, both on TV and through social media, has the potential to be crippling to the racing industry," Scott told the Murdoch Media. "The current racing funding model will be harmed in the form of cuts to prizemoney and loss of jobs.
“If wagering service providers can't advertise to customers who have opted in, we are going to see a reduction in interest in wagering," Scott said. "Almost 100 per cent of the money Racing Queensland receives comes from wagering through Point Of Consumption Tax or Race Field Fees."
Scott has proven a breath of fresh air since joining RQ but critics say his opinions on this issue are slanted by his background as the former boss of Ladbrokes Australia and his involvement with BetMGM in America.
His comment that: "We accept it has potentially gone too far, things like betting companies on football jerseys and bright signage around football games aren't suitable in 2024 and beyond,” has got up the noses of major sporting administrators in this country.
They highlight the fact that big corporate bookmaking companies have virtually taken over racing in some States with sponsorship of tracks, races and a heavy involvement with Racing.com in Victoria. Their question is: ‘Should this have not been the role of the TAB?’
But back to the good old days when commentators who dared to criticize were banned from the track and had to call races from nearby rooftops while columnists were read because they were not afraid to criticize and didn't have to 'suck up to survive'.
Sadly, today, many of the high profile racing scribes and commentators enjoy two jobs – especially in Sydney – but that comes at a price. Some say they have sold out the punters to become spin-doctors for officialdom.
Dinosaur or not that's my say on the subject. Please address all ‘hate mail’ to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SHOULD JOCKEYS & TRAINERS FACE MEDIA MUSIC AFTER THEY LOSE? 
SHOULD a Rule of Racing be introduced requiring jockeys and trainers to be interviewed by the media after a race whether they win or lose?
It now happens in major sports like Rugby League and Aussie Rules where the coach and captain of sides attend a compulsory post-match media conference.
Punters invest millions on horse racing and are entitled to an explanation of what they backed gets beaten. Should that just be the responsibility of stewards at post-race inquiries?
Having a microphone shoved in your face after the disappointment of defeat can’t be easy for competitive high-profile sportsmen and women, including jockeys.
Perhaps for some, like West Australia’s William Pike who just loves winning, it’s best if you say nothing at all – but even that has it’s pitfalls as he found out on Saturday.
LGHR isn’t privy to any history between Pike and media presenter Michael Heaton but there has to be more to what happened at Belmont races on Saturday after the running of the Listed Fernley Stakes.
There was a verbal blow-up between the pair after Pike offered no comment when he was narrowly beaten on the odds-on favorite Triple Jay by the $9 chance Saloon Bar ridden by Stephen Parnham.
For anyone who watched the race or has since seen a video replay, Pike’s answer would have been obvious. Bar from getting off and carrying the horse, he did everything possible to get it home. Triple Jay walked in front but couldn’t hold out the fighting finish of Saloon Bar which sat outside him.
Who knows why Heaton took the matter further but it also would have been simple for Pike to say: ‘You saw the race. He simply wasn’t good enough on the day.’ But the super competitive jock was obviously disappointed.
Perhaps it was the tip of the iceberg on a day when things just didn’t go his way. It was a day when he rode only one winner, Arcadia Park in the second and the Parnham name proved his nemesis – between them Chris and Steve rode six winners, including the feature Fernley.
Pike also found himself answering questions from stewards after being beaten into fourth place on the heavily-backed Keep Attacking in the fourth (won by Brad Parnham on Eliteone). His explanation was accepted.
The WA Stewards’ Report on the clash between Heaton and Pike reads:
‘PRESENTER M Heaton appeared before Stewards in regard to improper conduct towards Jockey W Pike following Race 8. Mr Heaton subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge under AR228(b) and was fined the sum of $2,000 of which $1,000 will be suspended for a period of two years subject to Mr Heaton not being in further breach of this Rule in that time. When considering penalty, Stewards took into consideration Mr Heaton’s guilty plea, his remorse, unblemished record and that he will apologise to Mr Pike for his actions.’
Heaton is also employed by Racing and Wagering Western Australia and is a jockey manager. Those who saw the incident say he took exception to Pike offering no comment about his ride on hot-favourite Triple Jay while other jockeys in the race were more forthcoming. With the exchange that followed taking place in full view of participants around the scales area, stewards intervened.
Apart from the blow-up, it’s not unusual for jockeys, trainers or high profile sportsmen and women not to want to talk about defeats. Imagine trying to interview the enigmatic coach Wayne Bennett after a loss if he wasn’t required to attend a media conference and even then it isn’t easy.
In a comical aside to this situation LGHR recalls one day when he was covering the races at Eagle Farm as a turf scribe. It was many moons ago and after the great jockey Len Hill got beaten on a hot favourite I asked what he thought.
Hill, obviously upset after visiting all but the pie cart in his ride from a notoriously bad alley, snapped back: ‘Well John, as you would know from your riding experience, it isn’t always easy when you draw off the track.’
Moving on and one race later Lenny came out and rode a perfect race to win. He had no sooner led his horse into the parade ring when he jumped off and charged past the elated owners to embrace me and apologize for what he said before. There was nothing to apologise about.
Perhaps Pike and Heaton should follow Lenny’s lead. After all they were both just frustrated trying to do their job.
BEWARE WHAT YOU WISH FOR JASON – IT COULD COST YOUR JOB! 
HERE’S hoping the hard-hitting, no-nonsense Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott doesn’t pay the price for his honesty about how bad harness racing is travelling.
Scott, appointed by a Labor Government and big fan, Racing Minister Grace Grace, would be aware that dating back to the Russ Hinze days, the ‘red hots’ can do no wrong under an LNP Government.
In an interview with SEN SPORT, Scott warned:
“I keep hearing noises, from the TAB and SKY Channel that harness racing is taking up 45 per cent of their time at night for an eight per cent return in revenue. Something has to happen.
“We have to make sure harness racing becomes interesting for the younger generation.”
Whether those running the sport want to admit it or not, punters lost confidence in betting on harness racing in Queensland long ago. Everyone knows why but nothing continues to be done about it.
And don’t expect things to change when the LNP becomes the new Government. If the stories are true, the MP they are grooming for the Racing Portfolio, rather than address the on-going problems, will be keen to throw more wasted millions at the ‘red hots’.
Story goes one of the first major projects the LNP plans for racing is the return to thoroughbreds, harness and greyhounds under their own control bodies rather than the one which was designed to save money and avoid duplicity of services and staff. How dumb is that?
It would mean massive extra costs to the industry and the taxpayers for harness which is already riding on the back of the gallops and greyhounds but still struggling to survive.
Alarmingly, the dismantling of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission would see the return of stewards to the employ of the control bodies which opens the door for easy political interference in the integrity of racing. But that hasn’t worried LNP Governments in the past – almost every major controversy that has occurred in Queensland was under their watch.
As an aside LGHR is receiving some concerning emails and calls about a situation involving a major club but for legal reasons we cannot go into too much detail.
This is not our opinion but what is being alleged and was the subject of a text we received from one of the most respected administrators of the past who still keeps a close eye on racing in Queensland.
He has suggested we pose the following questions. So here goes:
Has there been a major blow-up involving directors of a major club which led recently to one of them resigning in protest over certain issues? He is being urged by supporters to take his concerns to Racing Minister Grace Grace or the Crime and Misconduct Commission.
Has there been a major cover-up of what is happening (including his resignation) with senior officials of the club hoping they can hold out to the change of Government alarmingly under the premise that the MP being groomed for Racing Minister has their support? Does that cover-up involve certain media identities who have been promised high profile jobs in racing with the new Government and for that reason are supporting this MP despite his unsuitability for the portfolio?
There’s plenty more we’d like to say but let’s leave it at that. Racing can become a can of worms election issue if Labor has the courage to take the ball and run with it. If what we are being told is anywhere near right (we’re not saying it is) then an Independent Inquiry into some very serious claims is needed to clear the air.
OLIVER WORD OF WARNING TO ‘ARMCHAIR CRITICS’ OF KAH RIDE 
RETIRED champion jockey Damien Oliver has issued a word of warning to ‘armchair critics’ bagging the ride of Jamie Kah on Letsfacethemusic in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Speaking on a post-mortem panel show of the Memsie Stakes meeting on Racing.com, Olle conceded the lack of vigour shown by Kah in the straight was not a good look but suggested there were extenuating circumstances.
He urged critics of the ride, which is the subject of a Stewards’ Inquiry, not to simply judge it by viewing the side-on replay but to look to the front-on coverage which tells a different story.
Oliver said the strong winds on the day had played a significant role. There was a gap easily big enough to drive Letsfacethemusic through but the two horses ahead of the colt were not racing truly facing the headwinds and moved closer together as they advanced down the straight.
The Mick Price-Michael Kent jnr-trained Letsfacethemusic, a runner-up at his three starts since a spell (the latest behind Band Of Brothers in the G3 Vain Stakes) at Caulfield, finished fifth four and a half lengths from the winner Growing Empire but even with a clear run would not have troubled him.
It has also been revealed that Kah rode while she was ill last Saturday and that her condition may have worsened as the day progressed. She obviously battled on keen to ride the promising Another Wil at his winning comeback in the last.
The question will no doubt be asked by stewards if she sought medical advice whether to continue riding on the day. Kah is not entitled to any more start because she is a top rider but there do appear to be some extenuating circumstances in her favour.
In the absence of Chairman of Stewards Rob Montgomery, Corrie Waller was in charge of the meeting with his deputy James Hitchcock. Their report reads:
LETSFACETHEMUSIC: Raced keenly in the early stages. Stewards opened and adjourned an inquiry into the ride of Jamie Kah, particularly in the straight. Evidence was taken from J Kah and co-trainer Mick Price. A post-race veterinary examination did not identify any significant abnormal findings.
Kah has suffered more than her share of setbacks in recent years starting with a near-fatal fall at Flemington in March 2023 which sidelined her for five months.
She was subsequently confronted by a six-month legal battle to clear her name after being charged with conduct prejudicial to the image of racing in relation to the white powder controversy.
In handing down his decision to clear Kah, Victorian Racing Tribunal Judge John Bowman said he was not comfortably satisfied her conduct was prejudicial because she did not know a video was being filmed and sent. A picture had emerged of Kah raking a white powder into three lines during a small gathering at her house.
Kah has ridden 1279 winners at a strike rate of 18 per cent. That includes 14 Group 1’s, 20 Group 2’s, 42 Group 3’s and 40 Listed races.
The last thing she needs now – heading into a Spring Carnival – where she has some very good engagements, is a suspension, especially a lengthy one.
REASON FOR PLAIN PERFORMANCE OF PRIDE OF JENNI REVEALED 
THERE had to be a reason for champion mare Pride Of Jenni emerging as the 'lay of the day' in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday – and it has finally emerged.
Forget all the suggestions that she doesn’t perform fresh and opened at ‘silly’ odds, Pride Of Jenni is a furlong better than she performed.
Trainer Ciaron Maher has revealed that the mare was subsequently found to be suffering a ‘minor elevated temperature.’ While tests indicate a possible minor virus of some kind, her symptoms are mild and she appears to be bright just a few days after the race.
“Her bloods have come back not perfect, but OK,” Maher said on Tuesday afternoon. “They (bloods) were very slightly out, but it would be hard to say it was the sole reason (for her defeat).
"The process now is recovery," he said. "A bit of 'R and R 'for a week and she's got a program there," he said.
On the back of her plain Memsie run, Pride Of Jenni has drifted from $3 to $6 for the G1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick and from $4.40 to $8.50 for the Cox Plate.
Stewards’ report from Saturday read:
PRIDE OF JENNI: Rider Declan Bates reported, when asked to quicken from the 600m Pride Of Jenni failed to respond as expected. D Bates added, he was disappointed with the overall performance of the mare, however, was of the view it may be better suited over more ground. A post-race veterinary examination did not identify any significant abnormal findings and a sample was taken for analysis. Trainer Ciaron Maher reported he was surprised in how short the mare was in the market, bearing in mind it had been unsuccessful in seven first up performances in the past. He added, he was somewhat disappointed in the manner in which the mare finished the race off and was of the opinion Pride Of Jenni would be better suited over more ground in future races. Stewards will follow up with the stable.
IS GOVERNMENT PREPARED TO COMBAT GAMBLING ADVERTISING? 
MAJOR concerns continue to be expressed that the Federal Government is reluctant to take the necessary steps to combat gambling advertising.
This is despite the latest news that TV gambling advertising would be banned within two years and an almost immediate ban would be imposed on online gambling ads under the Federal Government gambling reforms soon to hit Cabinet.
SKY NEWS has revealed that due to contractual arrangements, a TV ban would take almost two years to come into effect but restrictions could be placed in Federal legislation on bookmakers sooner, preventing them from putting ads on social media sites and online.
A blanket advertising ban, which was what a Parliamentary Committee led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy recommended, is not being considered which for many inside and outside the racing industry is disappointing.
But the ban that will be introduced is being aimed at three areas of concern: the current saturation of gambling ads, the amount of exposure of children to gambling ads and the issue of gambling advertising during sporting matches.
The advertising aspect – which Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has been consulting the industry about – is part of a suite of reforms set to be approved by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Many of the recommendations of the parliamentary committee report are being handled by Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth.
Ms Rishworth told Sky News’ Sunday Agenda program that the recommendation to establish a national online gambling regulator would not be carried through which has come as a major surprise.
“At this point that is not in the discussions with states and territories,” Ms Rishworth said. “What is in the discussion with states and territories is around how we better co-ordinate and move forward a unified effort when it comes to online gaming.”
CUP LOOKS BATTLE OF MAHER & WALLER v THE INTERNATIONALS 
THE two most powerful trainers in Australian racing – Ciaron Maher and Chris Waller – have 37 of the 123 nominations for the Melbourne Cup between them.
Add to that 20 international entries for the $8.56 million two-miler at Flemington and that’s almost half the field.
In early markets on the Cup, Maher has two of three equal favourites at $15 (Circle Of Fire and Saint George). The other Vauban is from the Willie Mullins stable in Ireland, who also has Absurde on the third line of betting at $21.
The shortest of the Waller runners is Riff Rocket at $26 and the Irish import Birdman at $34.
CAN CITY RACING AFFORD TO KEEP PROPPING UP COUNTRY COUSINS? 
INTERESTING contribution from PETER MAIR about the City propping up the survival of Country Racing in Australia:
‘THOSE who followed the links to what RVL and Racing NSW are saying about the shortfall of money for racing may be wondering if either is facing up to critical issues frankly.
Both will draw on cash reserves to maintain current commitments in the short term. Money will be taken from city racing to prop-up country racing in Victoria. A plan to sell Rosehill, to cover running commitments in NSW, is looking likely to be scratched.
Surely neither state could tighten the screws on punters. More low-grade races and higher tax-takes from dividends could be self-destructive. At some point the culturally-addicted, most-punter set may take a rain-check, to wait for better quality racing offering a fairer go.
The next bit may be contentious, incorrect perhaps, but the issue warrants clarification.
As I see it, both RVL and Racing NSW are spending too much of their funds available overall, on country racing. There seems to be a view, in Victoria, that there is a structural imbalance in funding as between city and country racing -- that metropolitan racing will not suffer if excess prize-money for 'black-type' races is shifted to country racing.
Even if so, how much can be shifted is limited while there is no limit to revenue shortfalls.
A contentious inference is that 'they' – the anons that really make the decisions – are determined to prop-up country racing. However politically correct that preference may be it is hardly sustainable – the ubiquitous 'they' may need to reconsider.
The question of 'how to explain this contention' may be best answered by the evidence Racing NSW gave to the Parliamentary Inquiry on 9 August [link below see page 44&61].
In essence this evidence was:
At page 44…........... our statutory requirement is to act in the best interests of the industry as a whole. The ATC.........makes 50 per cent of the wagering turnover........... It's the provincial and country clubs that make up the [other 50%] of the turnover. ….. have to consider everybody. ….........to balance the interests of everybody: jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders, bookmakers, punters et cetera.
At page 61・............ the ATC gets 55 per cent of the distribution, yet it only generates 49 per cent of the revenue.
As I read this evidence, in NSW, both city and country racing attract 50% of betting turnover and both get about 50% of the available funds.
This evidence does not, however, tell the full story.
The Racing NSW Annual Report for 2023 shows the numbers for race meetings held and races run – on both scores the ATC's metropolitan-racing has 20% of the meetings and races run – but ATC-racing returns 50% of the revenue. One corollary, is that provincial country racing runs 80% of the races and race meetings but generates only 50% of the revenue.
The city-country relativities in these costs and revenues in NSW do not seem to align reasonably with the apparent preference to foster country racing. Victoria may be different but probably not much. One inference is that some country racing may not be commercially viable, not paying its way.
Some hard but important questions seem to be left hanging in the air, and thin air at that.
As alluded to previously there are issues fairly on the table about the independence of the racing administrators in distributing funds to pay for the conduct of racing – and beyond that, about administrators responsibilities if their current business model is not sustainable and commitments made cannot be met.
CUP ATTRACTS 123 ENTRIES & 21 OF THOSE FROM WALLER STABLE 
THE Victoria Racing Club has confirmed 123 nominations for the G1 Melbourne Cup (worth $8.56mn) to be run at Flemington in two months’ time.
A total of 103 local and 20 international horses have been entered for the 164th running of the big two-miler.
Reigning Cup winning trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman hold a strong squad of nominations including 2023 winner Without A Fight and international import Royal Champion.
Fellow Melbourne Cup winning trainer Chris Waller has a record 21 horses among the nominations including 2023 Victoria Derby winner Riff Rocket, whose pedigree dates back to 1945 Melbourne Cup winner Rainbird.
Efficient and Phar Lap are the only two horses to have successfully won the Melbourne Cup as four-year-olds after winning the Victoria Derby the previous year.
Victoria’s leading trainer Ciaron Maher has nominated a total of 16 horses in this year’s Cup headlined by current race favourite and Sydney Cup winner Circle of Fire.
A handful of international imports will enter Maher’s stables in the coming weeks with plans toward the first Tuesday including Middle Earth and Sayedaty Sadaty.
Nominations from international connections are of strong quality with horses from Japan, Ireland, France and England signalling their intention to travel to Australia.
Leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins will have a trio of horses travelling to Melbourne including Vauban and Absurde who are returning to Flemington for a chance at redemption.
Vauban returned to career best form at York in his most recent start winning the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup late last month.
South Australian galloper The Map features among the nominations for Murray Bridge trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillvray. The talented stayer is guaranteed of a start in this year’s Melbourne Cup after her impressive win in the Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) earlier in the year.
Further opportunities for horses and connections to receive ballot exemption at Flemington include the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) which has been moved to Makybe Diva Stakes Day on Saturday 14 September and the Group 3 Bart Cummings (2500m) on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day. Outside of Flemington, the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) offer ballot exemption.
STEWARDS MESSAGE TO TRAINERS OF HORSES PERFORMING POORLY 
PUNTERS have been quick to applaud the action of Stewards in barring a Chris Waller-trained horse until it trials satisfactorily after running last when bookies were keen to risk it at Rosehill on Saturday.
Despite the import UP AND UNDER being labelled a black-booker first-up, the five-year-old was deposed as favorite by No Drama (which ran fourth) with big late money for the eventual winner Too Much Caviar.
Stewards, under the chairmanship of international experienced Steve Railton, sent a message that inexplicable flops like that of Up And Under are not going to be tolerated. Here’s hoping this sets a precedent in Sydney racing where punters complain that it happens far too often.
Here is the Stewards’ Report after Up And Under ran last (beaten over 13 lengths) in the fifth at Rosehill after drifting alarmingly in the betting to $4.6.
UP AND UNDER: When questioned regarding the horse’s performance, James McDonald stated that soon after straightening, he directed his mount out to improve its position. He said after initially being reluctant to shift out the gelding then commenced to hang in significantly and lost its action prior to the 300m. He said as he had concerns that the horse had gone amiss, he eased it out of the race from this point.
A post-race veterinary examination of Up and Under immediately after the race and a subsequent examination after the horse cooled down did not reveal any significant abnormalities. When interviewed trainer Chris Waller said that Up and Under had not experienced any setbacks and had been expected to perform well in this race. He said in light of the horse’s performance and its obvious inclination to hang in the early part of the straight he would consider varying its gear. Mr Waller undertook to report to Stewards on the post-race condition of Up and Under in the days following. Mr Waller was advised that Stewards will require Up and Under to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial prior to racing again.
Waller had four runners in the race with the roughest Cadetship performing best and finishing a close 2nd while Unusual Legacy was third, Yasuke 7th and Up and Under last.
Punters complain that on far too many occasions when a Waller fancy performs badly, a lesser-fancied stablemate wins. With the number of horses the champion trainer has in work this is bound to happen but it isn’t a good look.
An example of this occurred in the fourth at Rosehill when the Waller stable saddled up three runners. Favorite First Light performed worst of the trio finishing fourth but never looked a winning chance while the roughest Matusalem beat stablemate Monarch’s Brae.
Form students found Matusalem hard to have after he ran 11th of 13 at Rosehill after winning over the track and distance before that. Monarch’s Brae had run 10th in the same race that Matusalem flopped but improved despite jockey Tim Clark losing an iron for a short distance soon after the start on Saturday.
Stewards reported:
When questioned regarding the improved performance of Matusalem trainer Chris Waller echoed the post-race comments of jockey Kerrin McEvoy from its disappointing performance on 17 August where the horse got back in the field and was not suited by the tempo of the race which developed into a sprint home. Mr Waller said that the firmer track would also, in his view, explain the improved performance as the horse has always displayed a preference for a good racing surface.
Full marks to the Railton Panel for questioning the Matusalem improvement and requiring Up and Under to barrier trial satisfactorily before racing again.
This should happen on a more regular basis with horses that perform poorly without a satisfactory explanation rather than just put the flop down to one of those things in racing.
The upside of the day for the Waller stable was another outstanding win by the heavily-backed Autumn Glow in the Up and Coming Stakes. The downside was the defeat of Gatsby's which never looked like beating brilliant colt Storm Boy at his comeback despite jockey Adam Hyeronimus dropping his whip at the 300m mark.
Stewards reported on the below expectations performance of Gatsby’s:
James McDonald stated that the horse travelled satisfactorily. However did not let down in the home straight which he attributed to a firmer racing surface compared to the soft tracks on which it has previously performed well. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
CHEEKY SUGGESTION: BAN KIWIS & CORPORATE BOOKIES FROM OZ 
LGHR received a cheeky message this week posing the hilarious question of how better racing in Australia would be without the involvement of Kiwis of Corporate Bookmakers.
SID from SYDNEY suggested that rather than ban gambling advertising and the offering of bonus bets to punters, the Federal Government should bite the bullet and replace the Corporates with a National Tote.
Wash your mouth out with soap Sid for even daring to suggest that we send a boat-load of Kiwis, headed by Chris Waller, Bjorn Baker, James Macdonald and company back across The Ditch.
Don’t you realise there would be no Sydney racing without Waller. And where would the great PVL be without his ‘Sir Echo’ when it comes to criticising the sale of Rosehill. For starters the Hall of Famer would have nowhere to jog around twice every morning.
Is it fair to say gambling on Australian racing has been well and truly stuffed since the late Bob Hawke jumped into bed with some of his big bookmaking mates and introduced the corporates to Australia via Mauritius and Darwin?
Just look at those major racing countries that lead the world – Hong Kong and Japan – where there is no corporate bookmaking and the tote (admittedly granted exclusivity) pumps hundreds of millions back into prizemoney every year.
IT’S TIME FOR GOVERNMENT TO REIN IN CORPORATE BOOKMAKERS 
CORPORATE bookmaking is out of control in this country – more and more companies are popping up, many failing to survive, because they are answerable to no-one and the big losers are the punters – not to mention the racing industry.
Looking at the situation objectively, there has never been a better time to set a limit of the number of corporate bookmakers (restrict to the respected ones, if there are any left) and force them to operate under a new set of rules.
The Federal Government has pussy-footed around for too long. This is what should happen:
- A total ban on gambling advertising and a closer look at sponsorship by Corporate Bookmakers of racetracks and major sporting teams.
- A restriction to only a handful of the more respected Corporate Bookmakers with the establishment of a National Tote (which would operate under the same guidelines).
- A complete ban on inducements (bonus bets) for racing and sport.
- Punters who are successful to be protected from having their accounts closed simply because they are winning.
In the Racing NSW Strategic Plan there is an initiative to help punters with the introduction of a condition that, where legally permissible, wagering operators cannot suspend or close a punter's account if a complaint has been lodged and an investigation begun. This would allow the punter to continue betting, and not be disadvantaged pending the outcome of the investigation.
The ridiculous downside to this is that the Plan suggests punters be permitted to operate their betting account to make deposits and place bets but would be restricted from making withdrawals until the complaint is resolved by Racing NSW. That is fundamentally unfair and flawed in favor of the Corporates. They have to be kidding!
DOC CHAPMAN WEIGHS INTO DEBATE ON EAGLE FARM SAFETY ISSUES 
FEW of us will ever forget the respected and outspoken Sydney trainer Geoff Chapman, now living in retirement on the Gold Coast, but still a keen follower of all things racing. Dr Geoff has weighed into the debate involving the closure of Eagle Farm for ‘jockey safety reasons’.
Here’s his take:
‘THERE has been much aggravation (from the Jockeys), about Racing at Eagle Farm.
This problem has arisen recently, even though there has been considerable racing there, previously, including while the external building was going on.
The Jockeys have decided that the new construction, some distance from the course, is causing the horses to shy away from that direction, and consequently cause disruption to other riders.
This is not always the horse on the outside, with what one would imagine would be the one most likely to cause the interference.
I would like to dispel this scenario.
As evidenced by many horse experiments, by, amongst other people, Federico Tesio, and others, who conducted many experiments with racehorses.
One of these showed that horses had VERY POOR VISION and could not make out DETAIL BEYOND FOUR TO FIVE METRES. They also, could not see, ABOVE THEIR EYE LEVEL. Also, they were COLOUR BLIND, and could only differentiate between BLACK AND WHITE.
Which is why they have DEVELOPED OTHER SENSES TO A GREATER DEGREE e.g. SMELL AND HEARING.
This is a development affectation so that they can compensate for their lack of vision and SMELL OR HEAR THEIR PREDATORS and thus ensure the SURVIVAL of the breed. When these are attuned, they can induce the “FIGHT OR FLIGHT” response and escape from their predators, if they smell or hear them.
Hence Windy days, make them skittish, unless DOWNWIND (where they would easily smell their predators), and when the herd gallops, e.g. racing, they instinctively “take off”.
It also explains why a lot of racehorses, don't want to lose the security of the pack, and remain constrained in the pack (definitely a non-winning racing proposition!).
This is so that the predator will attack the slowest animal or the one on the outside of the herd.
Hence we utilise these characteristics to our advantage by:
Using WHITE FENCES on properties or running rails, so that the horses can easily identify and avoid them.
Also the outside fences at racetracks if necessary, but NO HIGHER THAN EYE LEVEL, for obvious reasons.
Many horses on spelling farms run into fences because they can't properly see the wire or brown colored wooden rails until they are on top of them.
My point is this.
The present kerfuffle about horses shying away from a construction site some 100-200m away is a complete furphy UNLESS there is a tremendous amount of NOISE from the site.
And I think a few Jockeys might be using it as a bit of an argument for attenuation of interference charges.
If they think horses are affected, then maybe they could use PACIFIERS or BLINKERS.
All of which would allow Racing to proceed at Eagle Farm.
Perhaps an OUTSIDE FENCE, HORSE HIGH, would satisfy the jockeys, or certainly satisfy W.H. & S. worries?
I might also inquire as to why the horses trained there, don’t similarly shy away on the home bend?
Just a few thoughts.
‘RACING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS IN NSW & VICTORIA’ 
THE following was sent to LGHR & my old boss, veteran Sydney turf scribe MAX PRESNELL by respected racing identity PETER MAIR. (By the way Max now has his own website –RACING TO THE MAX – it’s worth a regular read at maxpresnell.com.)
PETER writes:
‘I am thinking that your admirers are still mainly separate groups.
The first part offers links to industry news in Victoria and NSW that may be (should be but won’t be) of general interest. The second part is a couple of personal observations about what is going on and next steps.
Following are three links to media releases about both programming and prizemoney changes in Victoria and RVL's new CEO (Aaron Morrison).
At the end is a link to the transcript of the Rosehill-sale inquiry in NSW on 9 August -- an interaction that attracted attention is within pages 41 to 62.
https://www.racing.com/news/2024-08-21/news-industry-morrison-to-hit-ground-running
https://vrc.com.au/latest-news/all-star-mile-makes-for-a-super-saturday-at-flemington/
AS regards RVL and Victorian racing one can only wonder what is going on. Under financial (and political?) pressure we do not know the full story behind the real movement at the station – expect ‘Regret’ to arrive home soon enough.
As regards RNSW, similar pressures in play are also unlikely to be resolved happily if the sell-Rosehill plan is abandoned, as seems likely. Any guess as to what Plan B might be, but trouble is brewing
As for drawing additional responses, I am thinking the best option is a couple of letters to RVL and RNSW asking policy questions about what seems to be going on.
I will be giving that some thought.
I can never tell if the key industry players are smart or not – they sure talk like politicians, weaving stories that no one can understand.
My mind never wanders far from the idea that it is State politicians who run the game -- which-party rarely matters -- and the-game is about shifting money from the take on profitable city racing to subsidise provincial and country racing that is often not commercially viable on its merits.
Whenever there is 'administrative discretion' in the way money is distributed there are handmaidens corrupting the outcome. Time has taken its toll, it is now looking like more than one ‘Regret’ is about to come home, nationally.’
WHAT’S BEHIND QJA & THOROUGHBRED ALLIANCE FALLOUT?
When ‘BETH HARRIS’ sends us an email we always take note as this contributor is very well-informed, especially if it involves racing in North Queensland. Here is the latest:
‘Did you know the Queensland Jockeys’ Association have removed themselves from the Queensland Thoroughbred Alliance?
Yes, it’s happened.
Apparently some of the other members of the Alliance (trainers/owners/breeders) have then in turn reached out to some members of the QJA Executive Committee seeking clarification on their position and a well-known, long-standing, red-headed riding member of the QJA has subsequently stood down from his elected position.
The Review into the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission ordered by the Government has still not been released publicly but it appears that some sections of the industry have actually seen it.
Queensland Racing – shambles one day, absolute shit-fight the next.’
TIME FOR RACING QLD TO CATCH UP WITH NSW & PAY STABLE HANDS
HERE is the regular contribution from GREG BLANCHARD on the Gold Coast. We thank him for the continued support and the industry should be delighted to have someone prepared to fight for it as much as him.
‘I read how NSW jockeys and stable hands get more pay than any other State.
My take on this is they will consequently get the best jockeys and they realize the need for incentives for stable hands to make sure they stay in the industry.
I spoke to a bloke who has been following racing for nearly as long as me and suggested the biggest problem is not enough track riders here in Queensland who reminded me that it's a problem in other states as well.
The other week I heard an interview with (Central Queensland racing identity) Tony McMahon who said a trainer in Rockhampton had eight horses spelling because there was no-one to ride them if he put them into work.
It’s time for action on this issue as it's getting worse.'
‘TAB AMBASSADOR GRACE CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE OVER BAD TIPS’
EVERY week LGHR receives ‘hate mail’ against tipsters failing to deliver. It started with David Strehlau (aka The Sultan) on rsn.com; then Mark Guest at racenet and this week TAB Ambassador Grace Ramage was caught in the crossfire.
Our critic of Grace had this to say:
“Would Ms Ramage by the TAB Ambassador if she wasn’t the better half of top trainer Ben Hayes?
Surely when it comes to her tipping program on RSN Racing Pulse Grace should be better informed than the results she is delivering.
It’s always a worry for anyone connected with a racing stable – not to mention the wife of a top trainer – when she gets it wrong involving their horses.
On Saturday Grace declared for heavily-backed Dom at the Valley. Sadly, for her, it not only ran fourth but the winner was the stablemate Evaporate at $6.5. You’re either a bad judge Grace or that winner got under the stable guard.
Let’s spare Grace the embarrassment of looking closer at her tips for last Saturday except to say all the Ambassador did was boost the coffers of the TAB from those who followed her.'
‘DEVIL IN THE DETAIL’ AS JMAC SURVIVES SATURDAY SUSPENSION & WALLER MARCHES ON GANG TACKLING THE BIG RACES 
MESSAGE from SYDNEY STEWARDS to champion jockey JAMES MACDONALD:
The BAD NEWS: You are suspended for four meetings for decking a couple of rivals when crossing the finish line in the Silver Shadow Stakes.
The GOOD NEWS: Surprise, surprise, the suspension will not include a Saturday meeting so you can continue to ride the big race winners.
Stewards reported:
ZEITUNG: On jumping was bumped by Ameena, which shifted out. From a wide barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Raced wide and without cover from the 800m. J. McDonald (Ameena) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a) in that after permitting his mount to shift out under hard riding over the final 25m he permitted his mount to shift into the rightful running of Zeitung just prior to the finish line and to shift out further after the finish line, resulting in Zeitung being severely hampered when crowded onto Uno’s Cube. J. McDonald’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Sunday 1 September 2024 and to expire on Saturday 7 September 2024, on which day he may ride. In assessing penalty Stewards had regard to the more significant interference occurring after the finish line.
We’re not suggesting JMac should have got any more than four meetings but question whether it’s a lesser penalty for knocking them down past the finish line than during the race which simply doesn’t make sense. It’s still careless riding until the jock jumps off.
MESSAGE to RIVAL STABLES from champion trainer CHRIS WALLER:
DON’T bother to turn up during the carnival. My plan is to plunder the Black Type races and I’ve got the fire-power to do it – that’s what happens when you have hundreds of horses on your books.
MESSAGE to CHRIS WALLER from the long-suffering punters on SYDNEY racing:
WHEN will one of your favorites win these big races where you have multiple starters rather than a stable second-string? Guess it doesn’t matter to you which one wins, but when you are a battling punter or a form analyst finding that 'one' is sometimes a mission impossible.
MESSAGE to RACING NSW from industry stakeholders:
WHEN one stable provides half the field for the first Group 1 of the season what does the future hold? Second-tier stables continue to be run out of the city. Will it reach the stage one day where Waller has the entire field for a Group 1 rather than just the majority of the runners with the rest made up of also-rans from the Waterhouse-Bott and Cairon Maher barns?
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL WALLER COUP DAMPENED BY STABLE SECOND-STRINGS BEATING FAVORITES 
ANOTHER four winners on a major Saturday card for CHRIS WALLER. Another magnificent training effort and for ours the highlight was the comeback winner of JOLIE STAR in the Group 3 Show County with this rising superstar three-year-old bursting into contention for The Everest.
That was the win of the day, taking nothing away from the superb effort of import Via Sistina to beat stablemates Zougotcha and the heavily-backed favourite Fangirl to provide Waller with the trifecta. It is fair to say Via Sistina, which cost millions, was a superstar before joining Waller.
The downside to Saturday’s racing, which has been swept under the carpet yet again, was the continued pain inflicted on punters by the Waller stable with favourites going down to lesser fancied stablemates.
Fangirl was the main example finishing third to Via Sistina. To be fair her defeat can be forgiven as she got too far back in a race not run to suit.
Medatsu landed some big bets for the stable winning the fourth. Some of the ‘good judges’ were tipping stablemate Unlimited to cause a boilover after an eye-catching and unlucky third over the track and trip second-up. On that occasion he was ridden much quieter but on Saturday without making the punters or stewards aware for some strange reason there was a change of tactics and after working early to race on the pace he not surprisingly dropped out to finish last while barn mate Medatsu stormed to victory.
The eagle-eyed Sydney Stewards, under the chairmanship of internationally experienced Steve Railton, were quick to seek an explanation and reported:
UNLIMITED: Stumbled on jumping. (jockey Tim) Clark reported that he allowed his mount to roll forward in the early stages, in accordance with his instructions. He said that Unlimited travelled satisfactorily throughout the early and middle stages, however, quickly came under pressure and gave ground in the home straight. He said that the manner in which Unlimited weakened in the straight gave him the impression that there must be something amiss with the gelding. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Unlimited to have cardiac arrhythmia for the first time. Trainer Mr C. Waller was advised of the provisions of the Racing Australia Code of Practice under AR88B(2)(b).
(In other words Waller copped a slap on the wrist for failing to advise a change of tactics with Unlimited, something that continually occurs with this stable and needs policing more often as happened here).
Kureder opened favourite for the second in a race where Waller had three starters. The best move was for Strathtay which was heavily-backed from an opening quote of $8 into $3.3 while bookies struggle to attract anything but ‘mugs’ bets on Kurederer which eased to $4.4 and never looked like winning finishing fifth behind Strathtay and Kapakiri. There were no hard feelings from LGHR as STRATHTAY was one of OUR LATE MAIL SPECIALS of the DAY – GO WALLER GO!
THERE appears to be some conjecture over whether favorite SPRING LEE (for the Bjorn Baker barn) should have been allowed to start in the last with some SKY tipping experts suggesting the horse was lame. Here’s what the Stewards reported:
SPRING LEE: Prior to the start Spring Lee was examined by the veterinary officer. After consultation with rider M. Zahra, Spring Lee was passed suitable to race. Raced keenly in the early stages when being steadied to obtain cover. M. Zahra reported to Stewards that Spring Lee proceeded to the barriers satisfactorily and he had not voiced any concern to the veterinary officer who inspected the horse of her own
Those who follow Sydney racing closely say that Spring Lee has a deceptive action and tends to give the impression most days that she is lame. Perhaps the extra distance of the race at Randwick had more to do with her defeat. She was a certain beaten over the lesser trip at Rosehill at her previous start.
LGHR MAKES NO APOLOGIES FOR SORTING POWERFUL STABLE OUT FOR SPECIAL ATTENTION 
LGHR makes no apologies for sorting the powerful Waller stable out for special attention. We don’t have to pussy foot around his form reversals and change of tactics like the mainstream racing media who need to deal with him on a daily basis.
But if you think we are a lone voice on this issue, here’s what one highly-respected, one-time columnist told clients when previewing the Group 1 Winx Stakes:
‘SADLY, for both the future of the industry, and for punters, Waller has six of the 12 acceptors, or 50 per cent of the entire field. Then Maher and Waterhouse-Bott each have two starters. Who would know what horses are fat and which ones are fit? No-one. Any person who could tip a horse in this race, or who could have an investment on this race, has no respect for money, as they are betting blind, given the fact that 11 of the 12 acceptors resume from a spell.
He also referenced the flop of odds-on Barbie’s Sister at Doomben the previous week in his preview to the fourth at Randwick:
After final scratchings Waller has four runners and Maher has 3, so between them they have more than half the field which is totally absurd. Do many idiotic racehorse owners in Australia think that only three people can train racehorses – Waller, Maher and Gollan? All three stables are impossible to follow, and are repeatedly bending punters over and violating them, via their short-priced runners going over, with stewards seemingly useless and powerless to do anything about poor runs. So that your memory doesn’t have to go back further than seven days, last Saturday at Doomben, Gollan’s runner, Barbie’s Sister, could only finished 12 lengtsh fourth of six at $1.6 in Brisbane. Just last Wednesday, these three short-priced commodities of Wlaler’s all got rolled – Mr Vivaci at $2.9 (6th), Influential at $2.45 (2nd) and Imperial Force $1.85 (5th). As for Maher, his $2.3 favorite on Wednesday, Qatars Choice ran 7th and Maher’s only 2 Saturday city winners (before last weekend) in his last 50 starters across all venues have been Running Bay at $15 and A Little Deep $7.5, which most punters would have been unable to find.
Like the LGHR LATE MAIL, the highly-respected and successful form expert we quote above thought UNLIMITED was an UPSET HOPE at $11. If either of us had known it was going to be butchered and there would be a change of tactics going forward, chances are both of us would have tipped the heavily-backed stablemate MEDATSU. But we didn’t because Waller did what he liked and failed to advise the change. LGHR will continue to highlight the inconsistencies in Sydney stewarding until something is done about it.
HAVE ‘CROOKS IN INDUSTRY’ WORKED HARD FOR DEMISE OF QRIC?’ 
WITH the much-maligned QRIC certain to be dismantled when the LNP wins Government, it’s concerning to learn that highly-respected former Deputy Commissioner believes crooks in the industry have worked hard to see the demise of the peak Integrity Body.
Natalie Conner, who insiders say resigned in frustration, has told the ABC that QRIC was ‘undermined by forces within the racing industry after its crackdown on illegal conduct, including the use of stimulants’.
In her first interview since she resigned in March, Ms Conner also told the ABC that QRIC had been left grossly underfunded with a toxic staff culture that saw ‘backstabbing’, ‘nastiness’ and ‘general discontent’ that had festered for years.
In the opinion of most, the QRIC demise started from the time Mark Ainsworth, a former Detective Superintendent who headed the investigation into the Allison Baden-Clay murder, saw the writing on the wall and declined an offer to replace Ross Barnett as QRIC Commissioner. He was the right man for the job.
Racing Minister Grace Grace showed her ignorance of the problems festering at QRIC and only worsened them by making the political appointment of Shane Gillard as Commissioner which proved a total disaster.
Gillard resigned in June and efforts by the ABC to speak to him about the reasons for that were unsuccessful which comes as no surprise. The only ones he wanted to speak to in the media during his controversial tenure in Queensland were News Ltd/Racenet and in the end his supporters there jumped the sinking ship as well.
Even one of Gillard’s few supporters early days, award-winning Racenet scribe Ben Dorries, sunk the boot when he wrote in the past week:
‘WHEN an integrity body is itself being investigated, you have a monumental problem.
And it could be the final nail in the coffin of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.
Racing participants in the Sunshine State lost faith and confidence in QRIC many moons ago.
But the latest allegations from former staff which include bullying and sexual harassment take things to a toxic new level.’
Dorries didn’t mention the fears of the former Deputy Commissioner that the crooks were working hard to undermine QRIC. And therein lies a big problem for the incoming Government.
HISTORY SHOWS RQ RESPONSIBLE FOR INTEGRITY FRAUGHT WITH DANGER
CHANCES are an LNP GOVERNMENT will revert to the old system whereby Racing Queensland is responsible for Integrity (Stewards). As far back as the Russ Hinze era, history shows that system is fraught with danger.
As recent as the Bob Bentley and Kevin Dixon Boards there were accusations of political interference in the work that stewards were doing. One chairman got rid of many good stewards. The other refused an offer from some of the best in the land to come here.
The only way the dismantling of QRIC will work is if the LNP Government appoints an independent panel to police the Stewards – removing any perception of political interference. And they have the right man to do the job on their doorstep in recently-retired Chairman of Hong Kong Stewards Kim Kelly but they need to go ‘cap in hand’ to him sooner rather than later.
It’s refreshing to learn that former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk will be asked to take over as RQ Chairman after the election. But he will need to keep a close eye and ‘read the riot act’ to some of those being touted as Board members. His success will also be governed by who becomes Racing Minister.
The big failure of the Labor Government when it comes to racing has been Integrity. There is a smell about the industry on and off the track with a belief in some quarters that the borders are open to those who want to walk the tightrope with little chance of being caught in Queensland. QRIC under Gillard has been a total disaster. There is little confidence in the Chief Steward Josh Adams or some of his panel especially in the country but we are told he is likely to survive a change in Government.
LGHR could say: Be careful what you wish for when it comes to racing and a change of Government. Just remember the biggest controversies in the Queensland industry occurred under the watch of an LNP Government.
Personally we don’t care. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter. It won’t be the politicians, the stakeholders, the club officials, Racing Queensland or the crooks who decide the final outcome for the sport. It will be the ‘court of public opinion’ – the punters – and if they aren’t happy with what is happening on the track it will be reflected in turnover which will ultimately affect the success of the operation through lack of prizemoney.
RACING NSW SHOULD HOLD INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO LATHAM CLAIMS
QUEENSLAND isn’t the only state that should be addressing serious concerns expressed about Integrity. Like him or hate him, Mark Latham has made some outrageous accusations about racing in NSW that need to be investigated.
Latham has used his position as an Independent Member of Parliament to make a scathing attack under Parliamentary Privilege on Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys.
Latham accused V’landys of ‘impropriety’, ‘dictatorial behaviour’ and a ‘constant pattern of regulatory abuse’ – calling on the racing powerbroker to resign. As expected, PVL immediately challenged Latham to repeat his claims outside the protective privilege of the House.
But Latham’s most explosive allegation was: “Evidence has been presented to the committee that the worst of this dictatorial behaviour is V’landys’ persistent interference in stewards’ inquiries … I’m shocked to learn that the CEO intervenes in active inquiries to benefit his favourite licensed individuals and punish those who are either powerless or refuse to toe the V’landys’ line.”
LGHR is not suggesting for one moment that this statement is correct but it needs to be investigated thoroughly by an Independent Inquiry and not simply swept under the carpet and accusing Latham of being ‘off the planet’.
For too long there has been a dark cloud hanging over integrity in NSW Racing (well before Latham made his accusations) with a perception among stakeholders, racegoers and punters that the big stables have ‘too much start’.
Surely, from an integrity perspective, the Chairman of Stewards for Racing NSW, Steve Railton (or his predecessors), need to clear the air. It’s as simple as this highly respected, international experienced individual saying there ‘is’ or ‘is not’ any interference in the conduct of Stewards’ Inquiries. Anyone in his role in the past should be asked as well.
Latham told Parliament: “Megalomania is a dreadful thing, and it’s really ruining the NSW racing industry. For the sake of a sport I dearly love, I believe V’landys should resign and hand over to someone with the best interests of racing in mind, rather than the relentless pursuit of a toxic power.”
Not unexpectedly V’landys has called on Latham to repeat his allegations outside of Parliament, insisting he had always remained at arm’s length during stewards’ inquiries and there was ‘zero evidence for these baseless attacks’.
“There is no doubt Mr Latham is running an agenda for some very wealthy breeders who don’t wish to be held to account for animal welfare. They have at all times resisted having their horses traced from birth to retirement. They are attempting a smear campaign on steroids,” he said.
“I challenge Mr Latham to say all these things outside Parliament and produce some evidence because there is none. Anyone can say anything in coward’s castle. Because everything he is saying is completely and utterly rubbish.”
As he called on V’landys to resign, Latham said the laundry list of problems had so far been ignored by NSW Racing Minister David Harris, and his predecessors, Nationals ministers Kevin Anderson and Troy Grant.
It’s hard to understand how breeders’ issues over animal welfare would have anything to do with allegations of interference in stewards’ inquiries. The longer the NSW Government, Racing Minister or those responsible for the sport wait to clear the air on this issue, the worse the situation will become for the image of Racing in NSW.
Forget about pumping up the prizemoney, more pop-up races, using ‘spin doctors’ in the media to provide wall-the-wall coverage or attempting to destroy the best racing carnival in Australia (the Melbourne Cup), it’s time to clean up your own backyard Racing NSW – whether the media in that state won’t to accept there is a problem there or not.
CONTINUING THE FIGHT TO OVERCOME LACK OF RIDERS IN THE BUSH 
ONE of my long-time racing mates posed the question the other day of why LGHR & in particular Greg Blanchard from the Gold Coast keep hitting our heads on the wall over a solution to the lack of riders in the bush.
‘Don’t you guys realize that it doesn’t matter who is in Government they won’t do anything about it. The only time it would matter is if this was happening at major TAB meetings in the metropolitan area,” my mate said.
If high profile racing identities (like Tony McMahon from Rockhampton) hitting the radio airwaves to highlight the problem has no effect, one wonders where the solution lies.
GREG BLANCHARD isn’t giving up and nor are we. Here’s his latest contribution:
‘THE on-going problem of not enough jockeys (and track riders) in the bush is also impacting on south-east Queensland tracks.
But opportunity knocks for Racing Queensland. From August 27 until September 1 the Asian Racing Conference will be held in Sapporo, Japan.
This is a great opportunity for Queensland and other states to look at relationships that would help our situation.
The problem continued last weekend when eight horses had to be scratched from Richmond and one each at Gympie, Longreach, Cunnamulla and Bowen because there were insufficient jockeys.’
EVEN ASLEEP-AT-THE-WHEEL’STEWARDS’ PANEL COULDN’T MISS THIS 
LGHR received several inquiries asking why there was no mention in the Stewards’ Report of an alleged incident in the parade ring after the running of one of the races at Doomben on Saturday.
There was mention on SKY of police being on the track before a race but most viewers thought that might have related to preventing some scallywags from jumping the fence on Mecca Day.
Reports suggest connections of a well-backed runner from a leading stable were far from impressed by its poor performance and expressed their feelings to the trainer.
Archie Butterfly at peterprofit.com apparently received the same feedback as us with one contributor suggesting that the trainer of the horse told the owners if they weren’t happy to ‘f..k off and take their steed with them.’
We’ve had a look at a replay and apart from the said horse being slowly away in a race that lacked pace, it was given every chance and couldn’t pick its feet up. It was certainly an out-of-character run for the in-form mare.
The horse in question has so many owners that we’re not suggesting all were unhappy with the run but it seems some were. Stewards had to be asleep at the wheel not to have been aware of the commotion that took place.
That poses the questions:
Why did they not inquire into the incident and ask those involved what were their concerns?
Had it been a smaller stable would there have been an inquiry?
Is the mare in question still in the leading stable? If not, who will prepare her in future?
Most importantly, if stewards were doing their job of protecting the interests of punters, why did they not ask some questions about the poor performance of this favorite?
Just another reason – in our opinion – that the current Chief Steward isn’t up to the job!
BORDERTOWN BLUES – ANOTHER SA RACING DIABOLICAL SHAMBLES 
IF you thought things were bad in Queensland racing where the tracks in the south-east are a diabolical shambles, spare a thought for the stakeholders in South Australia.
Racing SA has been forced to apologize to participants involved in Sunday’s race meeting at Bordertown where the seven-race card was abandoned by stewards when most had already been on course for hours.
A plane carrying officials, including Racing SA stewards, was late to depart Adelaide due to thick fog, so the meeting was initially delayed before the decision to postpone the program was taken almost two hours after the first race was scheduled to be run.
A routine track walk didn't take place on Saturday as the district steward was on leave, so the concerns with the track were not identified until jockeys arrived one hour before the scheduled start of the first race on Sunday.
It is the third time since February that a meeting in the state's south-east has been postponed or abandoned after scratching time on race day. Racing SA has promised a Full Review of the debacle.
Racing SA CEO Vaughn Lynch said: “I would like to offer the industry a sincere apology for the events pertaining to Sunday's abandoned meeting at Bordertown. The decision not to race was the correct one given the state of track after heavy rain.
“However, Racing SA should have made this decision earlier, in conjunction with the club, to ensure that participants were not inconvenienced. Communication with industry during the day was not acceptable. We have commenced a full review of the internal processes both prior to a race meeting and on the day of the race meeting to ensure that this circumstance does not re-occur.”
Too little, too late mate! The geographical isolation of Bordertown meant a long float trip for many of the runners. There was no compensation for owners who had to foot the cost without any chance of a return. In contrast stewards had a nice day out at full pay without having to do much work.
But it’s typical of South Australia racing where the majority of punters have little confidence in the product on or off the track. The rocket scientists running the joint are now a furlong in front of their colleagues in Queensland – and that’s a major achievement.
Once again in the Sunshine State, racing on Sunday was transferred to the Poly track at Corbould Park – just take a look at the turnover – it was disgraceful. Perhaps they should have transferred the Monday Ipswich meeting to Sunday. And if we get any more rain, what happens on Wednesday – surely, as one contributor suggested, they wouldn’t dare transfer that meeting to the Poly.
This has all been caused by another debacle at Eagle Farm – thank God for Doomben. And is there any word yet on whether the Gold Coast will return to turf racing before the Olympics are held in Brisbane?
WEEKEND FEEDBACK FROM THE PUNTING BRIGADE
‘BARBIE’S' IS BETTER THAN THAT – IT CAN’T JUST BE HEAVY TRACKS 
‘WHY did the powerful Gollan stable even bother starting Barbie’s Sister when the track was so heavy at Doomben?
Wasn’t it obvious she didn’t like those conditions after her failure in Sydney?
Yet the mugs backed her into $1.60 believing Barbie’s would bounce back after she trialled well in the heavy only to get burned again.
Apparently the horse is off to the spelling paddock. Good move as regardless of the state of the track, she is obviously lengths better than her current form indicates.’
‘WALLER, WALLER, WALLER – SPRING IS IN THE AIR FOR TOP STABLE 
‘THOSE of us who believe there should be a limit on the number of horses the powerful stables are allowed to have are in for a long Spring.
Waller cleaned up with four winners at Rosehill on Saturday and two of those – newcomer Autumn Glow and Gatsby’s – look outstanding prospects.
And the stars of his stable are only at the trial stage. We’ll need a bucket of water as the Spring countdown continues to control his ‘fans’ at SKY.
Of course the focus was on the positives last Saturday. Little mention was made of the massive form reversal win of Kazou which overcame a slow start to score an enormous win. No mention in the Stewards’ Report that at its previous start she pulled up lame when last of 12 at Rosehill only a fortnight earlier.
That’s just par for the course in Sydney racing and what most punters have come to expect from the Waller stable. He’s such a great trainer that he can just turn their form around almost overnight without a question being asked. Spare a thought for those trying to do the form – the Waller horses are mission impossible to follow.
And then we have Cadetship which wins impressively when resuming for Waller and couldn’t pick its feet up on Saturday. The Stewards’ Report it was badly crowded on jumping away and that Tommy Berry said the five-year-old didn’t feel comfortable in its action and as a result became detached from the field.
Why then did they not order the horse to trial satisfactorily before racing again? It doesn’t make sense!’
TALE OF TWO TIPSTERS – MARK THE HERO & JOHN THE VILLAIN 
ONE of our contributors wanted to point out ‘a tale of two tipsters’ from Saturday’s racing.
Mark Hunter, part-owner of the promising Rhapsody Chic, tipped Rise At Dawn to win the second at Caulfield. He was on a belting to nothing – and Rhapsody Chic was unlucky – but the heavily-backed Rise At Dawn got the chocolates and in the eyes of the punters, Hunter was a hero.
Over in South Australia, racing.com continues to beat the drum of their star tipster, John Kelton who had a well-fancied runner on Saturday at Morphettville Parks. Kelton threw punters into the five-year-old, which was desperately unlucky at Murray Bridge but it went like a mule.
On this occasion the SA Stewards weren’t asleep at the wheel and reported that Cullen Skink lost a plate in running and jockey Ben Price reported never travelled and when asked for an effort failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing. Perhaps stewards should have ordered the horse to trial before racing again but they didn't.
Speaking of tipsters, those who subscribe to Tom Waterhouse bit the dust on his two Best Bets – Dawn Service trained by 'mummy' in the first at Rosehill and Amor Victorious later in the card. Both ran second. In his round-up Tom explained: ‘Little consolation, but the winners of both those races will be well worth following through the spring.’
And if you followed Racenet’s tipping ‘genius’ Mark Guest on Saturday, here were his tips at Caulfield:
His top tips Kuroyangi (4th at $2.5 FAV) & Sandpaper (4th at $8.50). And his Value Bets: Moor Mumm (6th at $11), Vagrant (8th at $26) & Aegon (4th at $16).
One of our readers suggested: ‘You pay for the Guest tips as part of the Racenet subscription. Just a suggestions but why doesn’t he tip in Sydney where I believe he is the manager of James McDonald who rode five winners at Rosehill on Saturday? Maybe that would be an easier task for him’.
BREEDERS’ BOSS DEFENDS BLACK CAVIAR’S OWNERS – CRITICISM MISPLACED 
THOROUGHBRED Breeders NSW president Hamish Esplin has defended the owners of Black Caviar after social media posts suggested they had sacrificed the champion mare’s wellbeing in the pursuit of an intensive breeding program.
ADAM PENGILLY & CHRIS ROOTS report for FAIRFAX MEDIA that Black Caviar was humanely euthanized on Saturday, just hours after giving birth to a Snitzel colt, because of laminitis – inflammation of soft tissues that attach the foot to the hoof – which had stopped the blood flow to her feet.
Some questioned on social media if she had received the best possible care. After retiring from the track in 2013 with a perfect record of 25 wins from 25 starts, Black Caviar gave birth to nine foals in 11 years. She didn’t have a foal in the 2022 season, when she was given a year off. She died a day before her 18th birthday.
“The amount of expense, time and effort, and structures that go in place dedicated to purely keeping these animals healthy is mind-boggling,” Esplin explained.
“I would estimate that close to 100 per cent of every dollar spent by a breeder, like the owners of Black Caviar, post-racing would be spent purely trying to keep the animal healthy and fit. They want them to live a long and healthy life for as long as possible.
“It’s true they’re very valuable animals and their progeny can be very valuable, but case in point with the owners of Black Caviar, they decided not to sell any of their bloodstock. A criticism they’re in wholly for the money is misplaced, in this case.”
Black Caviar’s owners – the Madden, Hawkes, Wilkie, Taylor and Werrett families – remained close to the champion after she finished her racing career and would gather a couple of times a year at a Scone farm to see her together.
They would remember her deeds on the track, and the great mare would come and nuzzle up to each of them. They were intimate moments that reinforced the bond between horse and human.
Black Caviar was the only mare on the property that did not need an identification collar. Everyone knew who she was. When she developed mastitis – a bacterial infection of the milk ducts dangerous in horses as it often develops into laminitis – last week, she was rushed to Scone Veterinary Hospital. Mick Malone, the man who cared for her after she stopped racing, never left her side.
Malone and those closest to her are shattered at the loss of the great mare who was like a member of his family.
“Because of the way their bodies are structured, they are on their feet for the better part of most of the day, and blood flow is critical to the foot,” Esplin said. “Laminitis is one of the most common ways animals die. You wouldn’t want any horse to suffer that condition.”
It was a desperately sad ending for Black Caviar. But she will be remembered for her perfect record on the track often overcoming injury, more often simply being the supreme athlete that couldn’t be matched.
Big winning margins showed the gulf in class between the mare and her top-class rivals, who would go on to beat the rest by big margins once she retired.
Hay List would win three times at Group 1 level, including a weight-carrying record in the Newmarket, while Buffering took five Group 1 races after Black Caviar bowed out, including an Al Quoz at Dubai.
She went from Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane and Adelaide as she became a national treasure and kept winning, before her memorable conquest of Royal Ascot in 2012.
Her win in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes was the narrowest of her career but the runner-up that day, Moonlight Cloud, won five group 1 races, including her next start in France by five lengths. Black Caviar mightn’t have been at her best in front of Queen Elizabeth, but she willed herself to win.
“She saved me,” said jockey Luke Nolen, who had dropped his hands on her in the final climb to the finish.
Her best in Australia was devastating. It came on her first trip to Randwick for the TJ Smith 2011, where Hay List was waiting. His trainer, John McNair was convinced he had her measure.
“I got up that morning thinking, ‘This is going to be the day’. He was flying,” McNair said. “I have never had a horse close to him. I have never seen a horse like her.”
Hay List skipped four lengths clear coming up the Randwick rise and McNair’s vision seemed set to become reality – until the big mare started to chase.
“I felt her coming and heard the crowd roar, and then she just went past me and away from me,” jockey Glyn Schofield said. “I didn’t think that could happen the way Hay List was going.”
In her peak years, the nation stopped when Black Caviar ran. She was that special – one of a kind. Winx would come along a couple of years later and break some of her records, but she never had Black Caviar’s aura of invincibility.
“I don’t know how I would have coped if Winx had stayed unbeaten,” trainer Chris Waller once said. “It is pressure only Peter Moody and his team know.”
Moody probably summed it up best on her retirement. “She’s been a great shining light for our industry and my career,” he said. “[So] let’s stop now before something can go haywire.”
ABC REPORTS THAT QRIC IS FACING SECRET PROBE BY EXTERNAL INVESTIGATORS 
QUEENSLAND’S embattled Racing Integrity Commission is facing a secret probe from external investigators, with former staff making allegations of bullying, sexual harassment, suspect hiring practices and excessive expenditure, the ABC has confirmed.
An ABC investigation by RORY CALLINAN reports that concerns have also been raised about the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) sending retired greyhounds to a laboratory to be used for blood harvesting and allowing owners to send retired dogs to a university for experiments.
But the Commission's former Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner has rejected most of the allegations, instead claiming the agency had been undermined by forces within the racing industry after its crackdown on illegal conduct, including the use of stimulants.
In her first interview since she resigned in March, Ms Conner also said the Commission had been left grossly underfunded with a toxic staff culture that saw "backstabbing", "nastiness" and "general discontent" that had festered for years, and that she had lobbied to improve greyhound welfare.
Racing Minister Grace Grace last year ordered a Review into the QRIC, which is responsible for overseeing the welfare of racing animals in the state.
The review, conducted by KPMG, was in response to concerns raised about the efficiency, culture and management of the organisation, including cost blow-outs and high staff turnover.
QRIC's commissioner Shane Gillard resigned in June. Efforts to contact him have been unsuccessful.
The review, which cost $510,000, was completed in May but is yet to be released despite calls for its publication from the industry and the state opposition.
The ABC has confirmed that the state government has now ordered a new investigation related to allegations by former staff.
This workplace investigation is being undertaken by McGrathNicol.
The QRIC has declined to comment on the investigation, which is being led by McGrathNicol investigator Mark Wheatley, a former Federal Police officer and anti-corruption expert, who has been interviewing former and current staff over the past two months.
Staff have been told not to discuss the investigation.
FORMER staff members spoken to by the ABC, who have asked not to be identified, have alleged that while at the agency they raised concerns about bullying and other issues that were never appropriately addressed.
One allegation raised by former staff related to the bullying of a vet.
This allegation involved claims the vet was badly bullied and even threatened by another staff member who raised his fist at him.
The senior staff member accused of the fist-shaking incident has denied this occurred.
Other allegations included staff being given unachievable tasks or put in situations which were designed to make them fail.
Another claim was that during one hiring process, staff were allegedly told they could not hire existing employees who had applied despite their eligibility.
"There were a number of reports to the CCC (Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission),'' said one former staffer.
Former staff members also raised issues around the handling of alleged sexual harassment including a case where a male employee was alleged to have been running his hand up a female colleague's leg in a work setting.
The former staff members alleged it had not been properly investigated.
Staff alleged other HR matters were regularly mishandled including one incident involving an employee who had been running a private side business selling bondage equipment.
The side business was being promoted online with photos of a current QRIC staff member and a former QRIC employee posing in her underwear modelling for the business.
Staff became concerned about privacy issues and potential sexual harassment when a senior manager revealed the existence of the business in a meeting, showing photos of the former staff member modelling on the site and making comments about the situation.
A former QRIC employee said that the matter should not have been aired in a meeting and should have been better handled by HR.
BULLYING being a major issue at the agency was also raised in a case filed to Queensland's Industrial Relations Commission last year by QRIC's former principal advisor for culture and capability, people and safety, Emma Davies.
Ms Davies alleged her QRIC contract was not renewed within days of her raising concerns about staff being bullied, according to documents obtained by the ABC.
Her complaint stated that she had warned management about colleagues showing "signs of a high level of psychological distress", and believed they were being bullied and harassed by management.
She also expressed concern about an internal email that she believed threatened disciplinary action and was not appropriate.
Just days later, she alleges she was given a letter notifying her of a change in business requirements which meant that her temporary employment was completed, according to the complaint sighted by the ABC.
The matter is believed to have been settled, and Ms Davies has declined to comment.
SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH SPECIAL LGHR LATE MAIL OFFER 
IT’S that time of the year when we have a special offer for those considering subscriptions to the LGHR LATE MAIL.
Our Spring into Summer Special is available now and costs only $150 for all the big racing in Sydney and Melbourne (during the entire Cup week carnival) as well as the Brisbane and Perth summer carnival and finally the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast.
At a cost of $5 a week there is no better value and the results of the LGHR LATE MAIL are as good, if not better than, most of the major tipping services who cost one hell of a lot more to obtain.
If you are interested in this offer please send a text to 0407175570 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
IS A ROYAL COMISSION NEEDED INTO THE PROCESS SURROUNDING SALE OF ROSEHILL – ANSWERS NEEDED TO SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS? 
PETER MAIR, a one-time Punters’ Representative at Racing NSW, had this to say after sitting in on the proceedings in Parliament House last week involving the proposed sale of Rosehill:
‘A couple of those questioned were straight shooters. Most of the rest, the more important players, were fast-talkers speaking very fast. Very fast, about a process that can only be described as a shambles from the start and likely to be ongoing until a Royal Commission opens the can of worms.’
Mair went on to write:
‘I would be interested in having a professional, insider, industry take on some observations on the 'business of racing'.
As background, one of the issues arising from the sell-Rosehill-saga is the prospects for funding of racing at current levels of betting turnover given the present industry commitment to the number and distribution of races run and prizemoney paid out.
The transcript of Friday's hearing will show the 'actual' numbers being tossed around but RNSW said turnover was down 'some 16%' and there is a need to 'boost industry revenue' to keep the show going.
One element in RNSW plans is/was, apparently, using the proceeds of sale of Rosehill to fund the current level of activity in NSW. [This intention implicitly involves RNSW taking 'part' of the proceeds of a sale that the ATC considers would belong to it -- stand-by for who-gets-what to be discussed.]
Not explained was whether the 'capital' recovered from the sale would be just run down as current outlays or a 'capital trust' would be established and the funding would come from the earnings on its investments.
That said, as things stand, it seems Rosehill will remain a racetrack and rail access will still be a short walk from the light-rail station at Camelia (shown on maps as Rosehill Station).
So, in broad terms, there is a need for some rethink of the way the business of racing is being conducted (probably nationally).
This brings me to racing business being done today & he made special reference to meetings at Dubbo, Wagga and Echuca (on the same day last week).
A lot of money, some $800,000, was paid out over 24 races. It is reasonable to ask 'how much of that was recovered from levies on betting turnover' and if, as looks likely, there was a substantial net-cost to the industry-- where did that money come from and for how long is such net-cost racing sustainable?
These current-cost issues are additional to the financial problems with maintaining industry infrastructure of a standard conducive to good racing.
In broad terms it seems to me that the business of racing might sensibly be reviewed -- the sooner the better.’
‘IS THERE NEED FOR CLARIFICATION FROM STEWARDS ON CLAIMS? 
THE scathing attack on Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys by Independent MP Mark Latham would have had more impact on stakeholders and industry observers had he not used the Cowards Castle of the NSW Parliament.
Latham accused V’landys of ‘impropriety’, ‘dictatorial behaviour’ and a ‘constant pattern of regulatory abuse’ – call on the Racing Powerbroker to resign. PVL immediately challenge Latham to repeat his claims outside the protective privilege of the House.
“Megalomania is a dreadful thing, and it’s really ruining the NSW racing industry. For the sake of a sport I dearly love, I believe V’landys should resign and hand over to someone with the best interests of racing in mind, rather than the relentless pursuit of a toxic power,” Latham told Parliament.
He claimed an on-going Parliamentary Inquiry into the proposed development of Rosehill Racecourse revealed critical problems of “nepotism, regulatory abuse … and a lack of financial accountability”.
“Those who work there describe Racing NSW as a toxic workplace plagued by intimidation, favouritism, electronic surveillance and constant decision-making and interference by the CEO,” Latham said.
“Evidence has been presented to the committee that the worst of this dictatorial behaviour is V’landys’ persistent interference in steward inquiries … I’m shocked to learn that the CEO intervenes in active inquiries to benefit his favourite licensed individuals and punish those who are either powerless or refuse to toe the V’landys line.”
Surely, from an integrity perspective, the Chairman of Stewards for Racing NSW, Steve Railton (or his predecessors), need to clear the air. It’s as simple as this highly respect, international experienced individual saying there ‘is’ or ‘is not’ any interference in the conduct of Stewards’ Inquiries. Anyone in his role in the past should be asked as well.
Not unexpectedly V’landys has called on Latham to repeat his allegations outside of Parliament, insisting he had always remained at arm’s length during stewards’ inquiries and there was zero evidence for his baseless attacks.
“There is no doubt Mr Latham is running an agenda for some very wealthy breeders who don’t wish to be held to account for animal welfare. They have at all times resisted having their horses traced from birth to retirement. They are attempting a smear campaign on steroids,” he said.
“I challenge Mr Latham to say all these things outside parliament and produce some evidence because there is none. Anyone can say anything in coward’s castle. Because everything he is saying is completely and utterly rubbish.”
As he called on V’landys to resign, Latham said the laundry list of problems had so far been ignored by NSW Racing Minister David Harris, and his predecessors, Nationals ministers Kevin Anderson and Troy Grant.
The controversy – which is doing the image of NSW racing no good at all – has flowed over to the Rosehill inquiry where top trainer Gai Waterhouse has blamed Racing NSW for driving the potential Rosehill sale and excoriated the organisation’s Board members.
“No one would know who they are because they don’t attend the races. You never see them. They’re a headless group of people, poor things,” she said.
Rosehill is owned by the Australian Turf Club, which said it was responsible for instigating the unsolicited proposal to sell the track. Premier Chris Minns and ATC chairman Peter McGauran announced the proposal at a press conference late last year.
Under that plan, up to 25,000 new homes would be built on the 60-hectare site, along with an additional station on the Metro West line, which is due to be completed in 2032. However, ATC members would need to agree to sell the prized asset, and Minns has acknowledge it is ‘not a done deal’..
During the Parliamentary Inquiry into the ATC proposal to sell Rosehill to residential developers, V’landys claimed that “cheats” and “undesirables” were “using the inquiry to undermine” him and Racing NSW.
“I’m aware of an email that’s going around that’s basically saying: ‘This is your chance to get rid of V’Landys, so make up whatever you can, put a submission in’.”
V’Landys accused Latham during the hearing of trying to “bully” and “smear” him with “zero evidence”.
The sooner they bring on The Everest and attract some positive publicity the better things will look for Racing NSW – and that’s despite all the ‘spin doctors’ they have in the Racing Media.
CONTROVERSIAL TABCORP MOVE TO SHUT DOWN ON-COURSE TOTE TERMINALS ACROSS VICTORIA
RACING clubs across Victoria are bracing for the Gillon McLachlan-led Tabcorp to start shutting down on-course tote facilities at the end of the spring carnival.
DANNY RUSSELL reports for FAIRFAX MEDIA that in a blow to punters and years of tradition, the gambling giant is looking to cut back face-to-face terminals at tracks in all three racing codes as it strives to keep pace with corporate online rivals such as Sportsbet and Ladbrokes.
Smaller race clubs spoken to by THE AGE are expecting to be given the option to fund staff at tote windows or lose the service altogether beyond November 30 – an option that greyhound, harness and country gallops tracks say they cannot afford.
Tabcorp’s historic joint venture and profit-sharing partnership with Victorian racing’s three codes finishes on August 15, bringing to an end a number of long-term commercial contracts.
As a result, Tabcorp is no longer obligated to provide minimum services – such as staffed tote windows – at any of the state’s race clubs.
The gambling company is also renegotiating its sponsorship of RSN 927 in a move that could have a significant impact on the day-to-day operations of the industry-owned radio station.
Two sources not authorised to speak publicly said that Tabcorp had withdrawn its $3 million yearly funding, and in its place offered a four-month partnership extension at a reduced rate.
A Tabcorp spokesperson said the company had presented RSN 927 with a revised offer and was waiting on a response.
Racing Victoria acting chief executive officer Aaron Morrison said a revised partnership “may or may not have the exclusivity attached to it that it historically has”.
“Other wagering operators may come into the frame, but that is subject to the ongoing discussions with Tabcorp,” he said.
McLachlan was long touted as the next chairman of an unsettled Racing Victoria Board before he withdrew his nomination in June to become the new managing director and chief executive officer of Tabcorp. He officially started in the position on Monday.
Because most recreational punters now bet on their mobile phones, face-to-face on-course operations have long been seen as a loss-making channel for Tabcorp, despite being one of the few options for gamblers to place cash bets.
Tabcorp initially intended to revise on-course operations from August 15, but agreed to extend the deadline until November 30 to allow further negotiations with racing’s three codes.
The developments come as Racing Victoria board looks to appoint a new chief executive officer from one of four candidates as early as Friday.
The candidates are Morrison, former Australian Turf Club head of racing and wagering James Ross, Royal Ascot director of racing and public affairs Nick Smith, and Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Aushorse chief executive Tom Reilly.
Morrison, who is also RV’s chief commercial operator and chief financial officer, has been at the forefront of discussions with Tabcorp and race clubs about life after the joint venture.
“Our clubs are aware that we are in dialogue with Tabcorp regarding a suitable future service model that recognises the significant changes in the wagering market,” Morrison said.
“Ultimately, any future model needs to balance changing customer behaviours and a desire for efficiencies, with a unique opportunity to attract and service on-course customers across all three codes.
“We are approaching things in the spirit of goodwill to achieve the best outcome for all stakeholders. Tabcorp are working cooperatively with us, and we’ll continue our discussions over the coming months to achieve a sensible outcome that doesn’t undermine Victorian racing.”
In December, Tabcorp announced it had retained the sole rights to operate betting in Victoria’s TABs, pubs and clubs for the next 20 years, in a deal with the Victorian government worth more than $860 million.
For that reason, two sources not authorised to speak publicly told this masthead that Tabcorp would want to maintain its on-course presence at metropolitan tracks as well as big regional race meetings such as the Warrnambool May carnival and Geelong Cup.
But Melbourne Racing Club and Moonee Valley, which have partnerships with corporate bookmakers Sportsbet and Ladbrokes, will have the option to stage race days without oncourse TABs.
Harness racing and greyhound tracks are already looking at reverting to on-course bookmakers as a way for racegoers to have cash bets. Tabcorp’s electronic betting machines no longer accept cash, but only dockets purchased from a TAB operator.
*Melbourne Racing Club is in a state of leadership flux with chairman Matt Cain announcing on Wednesday that he is retiring from the board at the club’s annual general meeting next month.
Cain’s departure follows the resignation of chief executive officer Josh Blanksby, who steps down at the end of this month.
Cain’s resignation will create a vacancy on the MRC committee at a time the club is still working through the future of Sandown racecourse.
A COUPLE OF SURPRISES IN OUR ‘MAGNIFICENT SEVEN’ BUCKET LIST 
WITH another super successful Darwin Cup run and won before a big crowD to start the new season we thought it might be timely to conduct a survey of what major meetings racegoers have on their bucket list.
The group we chose love to ‘get away and go racing’ and there few surprises among their selections apart from the fact that Sydney’s major drawcard The Everest rated a lot further down the list than we expected.
LGHR asked participants to nominate their MAGNIFICENT SEVEN ‘bucket list’ meetings or carnivals and to provide a reason why their choices were so high or so low on the list.
It came as no surprise that MELBOURNE CUP week specifically the CUP and Derby Day were top of the list. The Cup has its critics but most believe the four days of the carnival will continue to survive attempts by NSW to destroy its quality.
Surprisingly, second on the ‘bucket’ list was the Magic Millions Carnival where the surf meets the turf every January. Those surveyed obviously don’t care that this is sales-related and enjoy watching millions paid for yearlings despite the fact that the taxpayers (courtesy of Tourism and Racing Queensland) are pouring more profits into the pocket of one of Australia’s richest men.
Third choice was Cox Plate Day – from a purists’ perspective the best day of horse racing in the land but also popular with those who like the amphitheatre of Moonee Valley and the combination of day and night meetings which may eventually be races exclusively under lights.
The Everest came in No 4 – some of those surveyed blamed the reason for the biggest day in Sydney racing not rating second to the Melbourne Cup on its outrageous prizemoney and the concept of the race. They claimed the same horses would go around on a big carnival day in Sydney for a 10th of the money being offered to slot-holders. It was also highlighted that no matter how much the stakes increased The Everest Day would struggle to attract a crowd of half that which attends the Melbourne Cup.
Golden Slipper Day rated 5th on the bucket list – the world’s richest two-year-old race. Where else would you see a former Prime Minister and one of Sydney’s richest men rolling around on the grass in the enclosure after their horse won the big race? But those keen to attend Slipper day had better get in before they sell Rosehill and it will take a ‘cut lunch’ to get to the replacement venue.
The Warrnambool Grand Annual came in 6th – thousands attend this three-day combo of jumps and flat racing in early May at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. The Grand Annual over 5550m, run in open paddocks over 33 obstacles, is the longest Steeplechase in the World.
The Darwin Cup Carnival was No 7 and has been run at Fannie Bay Racecourse since 1956. It has continued to grow in popularity and attracts many visitors from Victoria determined to enjoy the warmth of the Top End during the cold winter in the south. If there is a drawback the oil and sand surface of the Darwin track is not everybody’s cup of tea.
FNQ AMATEURS ON THE OUTER & JERICHO CUP DAY MORE POPULAR
TWO surprises that fell short of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ List were the Far North Queensland Amateurs – no longer the drawcard it once was and one of the country’s newest features, Jericho Cup Day at Warrnambool.
Approaching the end of the First World War the Australian Light Horse was planning a major offensive against the Turkish Empire. In order to lull the enemy into believing nothing unusual was afoot, a race meeting was organised on the eve of the assault. The main race was called the Jericho Cup over three miles through the desert sands. The winner was Bill The Bastard, probably Australia’s Greatest War Horse.
To commemorative the 100th Anniversary, our country’s version of the Jericho Cup was run for the first time in 2018. The meeting with a difference has been run every year since in front of bigger crowds in memory of Bill The Bastard, the Australian Light Horsemen and their magnificent mounts – The Walers 1914 to 1918.
No doubt some of our readers will have different views to those surveyed above. Like everything in racing it’s opinion-based and hopefully thought provoking.
HERE’S HOPING FOR NO MORE FALSE STARTS AT MAJOR TRACKS 
SPRING is in the air for racing at major tracks in south-east Queensland and here’s hoping the industry won’t be disappointed with another false start.
Eagle Farm hopes to have the safety issues which has seen jockeys refuse to ride there rectified in time for a return to racing on Saturday, September 14.
The mesh covering on the construction site will this week begin to come down, while the Brisbane Racing Club, Racing Queensland, the Queensland Jockeys’ Association and the Australian Trainers’ Association have agreed to construct a sightscreen around the outside of the troublesome part of the track.
The Gold Coast Turf Club has pencilled in Saturday, September 21, for the return to turf racing highlighted by the Pink Ribbon Cup. They have programmed a twilight meeting a fortnight later when for their first meeting under lights.
Racing Queensland has advised participants of the following changes to programming:
- Friday, August 23 – was Doomben, is now Ipswich Turf Club;
- Saturday, August 24 – was Eagle Farm, is now Doomben;
- Wednesday, August 28 – was Doomben, is now Sunshine Coast Turf Club;
- Saturday, August 31 – was Eagle Farm, is now Doomben; and
- Wednesday, September 4 – was Eagle Farm, is now Sunshine Coast Turf Club.
As a result of these changes, and to allow sufficient time for a course renovation to be completed at the Ipswich Turf Club, the race meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 12 will be transferred to another venue, to be determined later this week.
Due to the additional race meetings being added to the Sunshine Coast Turf Club, consideration will be given in the coming weeks to transferring either the September 1 or September 8 meetings to the Polytrack if appropriate.
WHEN WILL RQ LEARN TO DISPENSE WITH TAB MEETS ON THE POLY? 
MEMO RQ:
THE long-suffering punters who still bet in south-east Queensland do not consider it ‘appropriate’ to transfer TAB meetings to the Polytrack at the Sunshine Coast. Like the Gold Coast this surface is not considered up to standard to bet on (and in some cases race on).
One prominent trainer, who for obvious reasons preferred not to be named, sent us this email regarding Sunday’s switch to the Poly track at the Sunshine Coast:
‘Because Eagle Farm can’t be raced on, Saturday’s primary meeting in Queensland will be run at the Sunshine Coast which officials claim necessitates the move to the Poly on Sunday. It was never a problem racing on the turf on Friday night and again on Sunday afternoon but all of a sudden the main track can’t handle two meetings in a row. Many trainers (with the exception of the Kendrick stable which cleans up) don’t want to race on the Poly and punters certainly aren’t interested in betting there. Why couldn’t they have transferred Sunday’s meeting to another venue? I guess because about the only options would have been Beaudesert or Toowoomba.’
If these problems with our major tracks are not overcome by then, the baton will be passed from the Labor Government to the LNP which is odds-on to takeover in October. It’s Russian Roulette for racing in Queensland depending on who becomes the new Racing Minister.
The more things change the more they stay the same!
SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH SPECIAL LGHR LATE MAIL OFFER
IT’S that time of the year when we have a special offer for those considering subscriptions to the LGHR LATE MAIL.
Our Spring into Summer Special is available now and costs only $150 for all the big racing in Sydney and Melbourne (during the entire Cup week carnival) as well as the Brisbane and Perth summer carnival and finally the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast.
At a cost of $5 a week there is no better value and the results of the LGHR LATE MAIL are as good, if not better than, most of the major tipping services who cost one hell of a lot more to obtain.
If you are interested in this offer please send a text to 0407175570 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
TIME FOR BUCK-PASSING TO STOP ON WAY TO RECTIFY SHORTAGE OF BUSH JOCKEYS: FRUSTRATION FOR TRAINERS, DISINCENTIVE FOR OWNERS 
THE long-running shortage of jockeys at bush meetings in Queensland has reached the stage where unless the Government or the Control Body are prepared to do something about it the industry is going to suffer (it alredy is).
The problem was highlighted at Yeppoon on Saturday when up to an estimated 20 horses missed a start because trainers either did not accept or were late scratchings because they could not source a rider.
The blame game has been played for far too long for this anomaly, which has frustrated trainers in recent years and proved a disincentive for owners thinking of investing in thoroughbreds to race in the bush.
The buck-passing started in the days of RQ CEO Brendan Parnell, who was accused of sweeping the problem under the carpet. It was easy to blame red tape for preventing overseas riders from coming to Queensland (there are hundreds that want to in Asia).
That still seems to be a drawback which suggests not enough pressure is being put on politicians – State and Federal – to rectify the situation. There’s a State Election approaching in Queensland and there is no better time for the industry to ask the LNP to do something about it as Labor Racing Minister Grace Grace has had long enough and has done next to nothing.
Perhaps the likely new Premier David Cristofulli and his Shadow Racing Minister Tim Mander should be reminded of the ‘Joh Days’ when what Yeppoon wanted, Yeppoon got. In 1980 the Bjelke-Peterson Government supported wealthy businessman Yohachiro Iwasaki's vision to develop a major tourism destination there with taxpayers funding the multi-million dollar construction of a super highway from Rockhampton to the Resort.
Greg Blanchard, now based on the Gold Coast, but a keen follower of bush racing, has for too long been a voice crying in the wilderness for RQ to do something to correct this shortage of jockeys problem.
Tony McMahon, a highly-respected long-time racing participant in Central Queensland – both on (as a trainer) and off track (as a turf columnist), last week weighed into the debate when he wrote:
Locally racing resumes at Keppel Park, Yeppoon on Saturday which is a joy to the ears of raced starved Capricorn Coast followers. The Yeppoon Turf Club hasn’t raced at Keppel Park since Derby Day races last November. Regrettably, after all the toils of the dedicated voluntary YTC committee and loyal followers, the club’s April meeting was cancelled becoming the victim of wet weather. Such is not the scenario on Saturday where holidaymakers and locals alike are sure to flock to the Keppel Park racecourse which is so appealing.
The YTC was delighted with the entries last Tuesday when 58 horses were entered and equally thrilled with the final acceptances of 53 horses to start. However, I can imagine their disappointment when trainers could only muster eight jockeys to ride at the meeting. Believe me the trainers tried sourcing jockeys from all over Queensland. Apprentices Shae Neilson (Mackay), Jamie-Lee Devine (Thangool) and Tom Orr (SEQ) will make the trip. Earlier today (last Friday) little known SEQ based apprentice jockey, the 4kg claimer Claire Ramsbothan, answered an SOS from Mackay trainer Joshua Manzellman. That prevented five more scratchings. As well jockey Adam Spinks comes from Brisbane while locals Tash Chambers, Chris Mc Iver and Colin Lennon make up the “Magnificent Eight.” As a consequence of the severe shortage of jockeys (I’ve said for ages they are as scarce as hen’s teeth) to service Saturday country race meetings in Queensland some 15 horses are likely to be scratched from Keppel Park because of “no jockeys available”.
Imagine if you were an owner of any one of those 20 horses just how you would feel? Gutted that’s how. This on-going problem has been exacerbated somewhat for the Yeppoon meeting through circumstances completely beyond the control of the YTC. For instance, Warwick Satherley is suspended for a week while Ashley Butler is riding at Townsville. Brooke Johnson is on the injured list as are Adam Sewell, Natalea Summers and apprentice Olivia Kendall. Mackay’s Jade Doolan is very sadly through injury unlikely to ride again while Nicky Seymour has retired and is expecting her first bub. As well former Rocky apprentices Erin Molloy and Nicky Olzard have transferred their indentures from that city. It is quite possible I have missed one or two others including Rocky apprentice McKenzie Apel who has not ridden since Mt Isa a few weeks back. There are nine race meetings programmed in Queensland this Saturday and from what I can see Yeppoon does not have this jockey shortage all to its own It is very concerning.”
The problem worsened for Yeppoon on Saturday when apprentice Tom Orr was taken to hospital after the first race reducing the number of available riders to seven and that was the capacity field for each race on the card.
The Stewards’ Report suggests there were seven late scatchings but taking into account those stables that did not accept knowing there would be no rider available the number could be as high as 20.
Here are extracts from the Stewards Report on the day at Yeppoon:
The following horses were declared late scratchings due to no available riders
Race 1 - ENTERPRISE MOUSSE @ 8:15am – No available rider
Race 1 – THE QUICKENING @ 8:15am – No available rider
Race 1 – TOHUKU @ 8:15am – No available rider
Race 3 – CYBER JAM @ 8:15am – No available rider
Race 3 – DAWN REBEL @ 2:05pm – No available replacement riders
Race 5 – TYCOON BABY @ 2:05pm – No available replacement riders
Race 5 – TORQUE ESPAGNA @ 8:15am – No available rider
Race 3: – CYBER JAM @ 8:15am
MISS SHALLA @ 2/8 4:01pm – Stewards approved the early scratching with no rider available due to the limited number of riders at the meeting and the time that trainer W Winters would have to leave his stable address in order to arrive on time to the course with limited chance he would gain a jockey.
Race 5: – TORQUE ESPAGNA @ 8:15am
Due to the lack of riders at today’s meeting stewards extended leniency in relation to the late declaration of riders.
LOVE ON DISPLAY – Apprentice T Orr was permitted to not claim his full allowance as there were no other riders available. However, Mr Orr was subsequently reprimanded under AR 143(14)(a). When considering penalty stewards were mindful of his unblemished record in relation to this Rule and his guilty plea. The horse raced wide throughout and fell approaching the 300m dislodging apprentice T Orr. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any apparent abnormalities. Nonetheless, stewards advised trainer L Manzelmann that LOVE ON DISPLAY would require a veterinary certificate prior to racing again. Stewards intend to open an inquiry into the circumstances of LOVE ON DISPLAY falling approaching the 300m at a time and date to be fixed.
Following the running of the race apprentice T Orr was assessed by QAS officers and was showing signs of a concussion. He was transported to hospital for further observations. Mr Orr was advised that under the concussion protocol he would be stood down from riding for a period of 12 days. He was also advised that he would require a medical certificate and is to complete a COG test prior to returning to riding again.
Race 4: As apprentice T Orr was stood down from the remainder of his rides trainer L Manzelmann made application to stewards for apprentice S Nielson to replace Mr Orr on CHICKERARTIE and for Ms Nielson to be replaced on DIASONIC by jockey Colin Lennon as he was the last rider available. He made this application as he would have preferred an apprentice to ride CHICKERARTIE. Due to the lack of jockeys at the meeting stewards approved the request and the rider changes were disseminated by the race day broadcaster.
CHICKERARTIE – Apprentice S Nielson was approved as the replacement rider by stewards. DIASONIC – Jockey C Lennon was approved as the replacement rider by stewards.
Race 5: TYCOON BABY – Declared a late scratching at 2:05pm as there was no rider available to replace injured apprentice T Orr.
Greg Blanchard reports that apart from the seven left without riders at Yeppoon, the same occurred for three others at Tambo and one each at Roma and Corfield. He suggests the number was actually a lot higher at Yeppoon because trainers realized beforehand that no jockeys would be available. Of the 58 horses nominated for the meeting only 36 gained a start.
This situation cannot be allowed to continue. New RQ CEO Jason Scott, unlike his predecessor Brendan Parnell, tackles problems head-on. The first thing that needs to happen is political pressure to breakdown the red tape and enable Queensland to draw on the big number of young overseas riders keen to extend their careers here.
But that will take time and in the interim perhaps when it is obvious that insufficient jockeys will be available for these meetings RQ needs to subsidise replacements from other centres to travel to the bush (similar to the deal that was done for major NQ centres).
Programming is another area that needs to be looked at. There were nine race meetings programmed in Queensland last Saturday. These centres are entitled to race but is nine too many on the one day – especially when it was Townsville Cup day.
Words can’t explain the frustration confronting bush trainers doing their best to ensure owners get a start with the horses they are being paid to prepare. But spare a thought for the industry in the bush as well – will owners continue to invest in horses to race there when it’s hard enough to get one ready to win without worrying they will have a jockey to ride it?
MEECH CREATES A NEW MILESTONE FOR AUSTRALIAN LADY RIDERS 
AT the risk of being proved wrong, LGHR believes that LINDA MEECH is statistically the most successful Australian-based female jockey after taking her career wins past the 1900 mark on Saturday.
Meech, who landed a treble on Chimed, Sleep Deprived and Adrett at Hamilton, started her apprenticeship in Queensland then moved to NSW before settling in Victoria.
Born on a farm in New Zealand, Meech in 2013 became the second woman after Clare Lindop to ride 1000 winners. She won her first Group One on Plucky Belle in the Coolmore Classic in 2015.
In 2019 Meech was the first female jockey to win the Victorian premiership claiming 145 wins from 755 rides. She also has a Trainers’ License (winning her first metropolitan race recently) but rates her biggest win, giving birth to son Anthony Wilbur with then partner and trainer-jockey Mark Pegus.
As far as LGHR can ascertain the only other Australian-born lady jockey to ride more winners was Elizabeth ‘Mother’ Berry who rode an amazing 4200 winners in the late 1800’s, the first of those at Moonee Valley when aged 10.
At 13 she started riding professionally disguised as a man under the name of Jack Williams. ‘Mother’ Berry rode in Australia, the United States, South Africa and the United Kingdom. She died in the US in 1969 at the ripe old age of 114.
Julie Krone, regarded as the best American female jockey of all time, rode 3704 winners (including a Belmont Stakes and Breeders Cup) before her retirement in 2004. Colleague Rosie Kapravnik, the first female to ride in all three legs of the American Triple Crown, rode 1878 winners before retiring in 2105.
Before her retirement in 2018, Clare Lindop rode 1434 winners while Jamie Kah, the first female to beat the men in the Melbourne Metropolitan Premiership, has ridden 1268 winners. Kathy O’Hara has ridden 1062 winners and Melbourne Cup history-maker Michelle Payne 772.
But the list of Australian women who have pioneered and will be remembered as major achievers in the riding ranks also includes (with apologies to those we have missed): Pam O’Neill, Linda Jones, Bev Buckingham and Bernadette Cooper.
Perhaps we should also mention the controversial Wilhelmina ‘Bill’ Smith, born in 1887, the daughter of English immigrants who settled in Perth. At the age of 16 she ran away from home and dressed as a man got a job on a boat ending up in Cairns.
She had a day job at the Cairns Brewery and in the then male-dominated world of racing also worked as a stablehand before becoming a jockey and trainer, riding under the pseudonym of ‘Bill’ Smith. She rode hundreds of winners in North Queensland and it wasn’t until after her death at the age of 88 that she was a woman.
Back to where we began and Linda Meech, born in 1980, still has more years of riding ahead if that is the career she chooses to continue with. She is riding so well that who knows what her current tally of 1903 will eventually reach.
TRAINING LEGEND OF NQ NEARING THE END OF AN AMAZING CAREER 
WITH the amazing career of North Queensland training legend Errol Sewell drawing to a close it would be fitting if the ‘Cups King’ was recognized on the 150th anniversary of the Townsville Turf Club.
A race will be run in Sewell’s honor tomorrow (Saturday) on Cup day which is fitting as he has won the big race five times. Perhaps when the club celebrates its major milestone in October, Errol will be among those recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sewell (photograph courtesy of CAIRNS POST) is one of the best known and longest serving trainers in North Queensland. He has enjoyed success in all the big races and for a long time, he and jockey son Darin were virtually unstoppable at Cluden.
It’s almost as hard to get a ‘tip’ out of the wily old trainer as it is to learn his age. We suspect he is in his 80’s and still going strong – with the help of family and friends – but will take time out to be a guest of the TTC in the Members’ Lounge on Cup Day.
The Rangewood trainer has been described as ‘the Bart Cummings' of the Townsville Cup. His one-time stable star Party King won three straight Townsville Cups from 2000 to 2002. Sewell also won the Cup with Super Cavalier (1981) and Crewshade (1984).
“You never dream of getting three in a row. You might get one or two. It was unbelievable,” Sewell told the Townsville Bulletin at the time.
He also achieved the rare feat of wining the Cairns Amateur Cup as both a jockey and trainer. Originally from Charters Towers, Sewell booted home 1976 Cup winner Tropical before turning his hand to training. He also won it in 1984 with Crewshade.
Not even a broken femur after he was kicked by a horse, or a broken hip slipping in a horse float, dimmed his enthusiasm for training. “I was into driving trotters when I first started and went from there to racing,” he told the Cairns Post.
“I’d done a lot of work with the shows before I went into racing. I followed the horses because I loved them. “I was also an amateur jockey and you knew what your horse was going to do because you were riding him yourself, but you rely on your jockey now.”
And he shared one of his secrets back them: “You can do anything with your horse if you give them a ginger nut (biscuit),” Sewell said. “I just like the animal. They’re a friend, I enjoy their company.”
Townsville Turf Club Chairman Geoff Weeks was quick to clarify why the Cup Calcutta was moved this year which has attracted some criticism.
‘The Calcutta on Friday is at Metropole. We are taking it off site this year to try something different. This option does save us labour costs of set up, then break down, and reset for carnival day on the Saturday.
“What I would contribute to this decision is community businesses share in the economic benefits and impact of the Cup Carnival. I'm sure you will see future race week sponsorships from the Metropole Hotel which is the ‘race name’ sponsor of the first on Cup Day – the most expensive sponsorship fee.’
THE Ricky Vale-trained NAMAZU (Ashley Butler) is favorite for the TOWNSVILLE CUP from Fortified (Lacey Morrison) Warp Speed (to be ridden by Michael Cahill).
NORTHERN PRIDE, to be ridden by record-breaking NQ jockey Lacey Morrison is favorite for the CLEVELAND BAY HANDICAP ahead of Tiger Legend (Nathan Day) and Smart Image (Ashley Butler).
Hopefully with Doomben and Gold Coast also racing on Saturday, SKY will see fit to broadcast as many races (especially the features) from Townsville on their main channel.
EDITOR'S NOTE: As a young turf scribe working for the Townsville Bulletin I had the privilege of getting to know Errol and son Darin well. Many moons down the track and few stakeholders in racing have left a bigger impression on me. Not only were they successful but absolute gentlemen to deal with.
CLEAN SA RACING UP BEFORE WORRYING ABOUT BROADCAST DEALS
RACING.COM has announced this week it will continue to broadcast South Australian racing for the next two years.
What’s second prize?
Apart from carnival time – when interstate invaders chase the big prizemoney – punters are terrified to bet there. Massive form reversals, accusations of team riding and a lack of confidence are being blamed.
Just look at yesterday’s midweek meeting at Balaklava. Apart from the fact that only one outright favorite was successful, it was the outcome of Race 6, won by Nisko Tu that angered those punters who still bet in SA.
Nisko Tu started at $26 but on exposed form should have been a $260 chance. Coming into the race it had run last of 13 at Strathalbyn, 9th of 12 at Mt Gambier, last of 14 at Murray Bridge and 13th of 14 at Murray Bridge. It would have been hard to pick with a pin but it bolted in.
Stewards reported that they questioned trainer David Huxtable about the improved performance of Nisko Tu. He explained that he had varied its training by increasing its workload since its last run in an attempt to have it fitter, and had also removed the visors and nasal strip from its gear. He added that given the changes the stable had hoped for an improved performance but had not supported the horse in betting.
They would have been ‘asleep at the wheel’ not to ask some questions after Terry McAuliffe, Racing.com host of the day and no bigger supporter of SA racing, made no secret of his surprise at the form improvement of Nisko Tu. He also referred to a text received from one of the leading form students in the State, James Jordan, concerning the result which McAuliffe inferred was 'too hot' to read on air.
Punters have no confidence in the product in South Australia and even less in the stewards policing racing there. Those still prepared to bet there say what happens in Brisbane and Sydney racing doesn’t even qualify for a weekly whinge in comparison.
TOP TRAINERS SPITTING THE DUMMY ISN’T WINNING ANY FRIENDS 
TOP trainers can spit the dummy all they like unless a majority of jockeys are confident it is safe to ride at Eagle Farm they should continue to withdraw their services.
If a solution to the problem can be reached – and that is starting to look a longshot – then those jockeys who still have some concerns should simply not ride at the supposedly premier track.
There is no room for standover tactics by anyone in this extremely serious situation. Safety remains paramount regardless of whether Racing Queensland or the Brisbane Racing Club feel they have a resolution to the issue involving the construction of an apartment block on the home turn. The jockeys have the final say!
It is easy to understand the frustration of champion trainer Tony Gollan and 12-time Group 1 winner Rob Heathcote and it is not surprising to see the latter resign from the Australian Trainers’ Association which many others questioning the failure of that body to act strongly enough on their behalf on several issues for some years.
There is no return date set for racing at Eagle Farm but this week’s meeting of jockeys during the trials which caused a flare-up with top trainers discussed a series of potential remedies.
The Murdoch Media reports that Gollan was livid that a trial morning was chosen for the latest meeting between jockeys, Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott and Queensland’s Chief Steward Josh Adams. It apparently resulted in a war of words between Gollan and veteran jockey Jim Byrne.
And has anyone in authority – QRIC or Racing Queensland – asked the Chief Steward to explain why he did nothing about complaints from jockeys for months on this issue? It’s evidence once again that Josh Adams isn’t up to the job and should be sacked.
It would be nice to hear what the LNP – set to take Government in a few months – thinks on the issue or – as many are saying – are they too close to the fiefdom at the Brisbane Racing Club to want to rock the boat. The more things change the more they stay the same.
On the meeting held during the trials on Tuesday with the jockeys, Gollan told the Murdoch Media: “I just felt it showed very little care or understanding of the rest of the industry, we (trainers) are annoyed and disappointed at the situation which could have been handled outside of these hours.
“To my knowledge some riders are more than happy to ride, and there’s a certain faction who either don’t want to ride the way things are or they feel like they haven’t had a voice or been heard.”
FIX TO FARM SAFETY CONCERNS FAR FROM STRAIGHTFORWARD
THE fix for the Eagle Farm building situation, which has caused jockeys’ to refuse to ride there, is far from straightforward and nor is the solution.
Changing the colour of a substance used in the construction of the building from black to blue also presents as many questions as answers. The CFMEU has apparently advised this can only be done one floor per week, potentially taking four months to complete. Why?
Scott said the “time for talking was done” over the Eagle Farm drama. The RQ CEO is extremely popular for his communication skills and how he gets things done. Perhaps those have been misunderstood by some who are saying he needs to be careful ‘putting the gun at the head of the jockeys on a safety issue.’
“Racing Queensland and QRIC would like in the next 48 hours a log from the jockeys explaining what they need us to provide and do for them for them to offer their services to ride at Eagle Farm again.”
One would have thought the answer is simple: Make the track safe for racing. And there’s no band-aid solution to that. Finding an amicable solution is just another problem for the basket case that is racing in Queensland.
TOWNSVILLE RACING DESERVES A STAND-ALONE DATE FOR CUP DAY 
THE issue of whether Townsville should program its major race meeting of the year on a Sunday has again raised its ugly head.
The Townsville Cup – Cleveland Bay double will be run this Saturday at Cluden Park but as a support fixture to Doomben where there are no feature races just two Open Handicaps.
That means any log-jam during the afternoon and good old reliable SKY Channel, which treats Queensland racing like crap, will quickly dispense with a Townsville race to SKY2, hopefully that won’t include one of the features.
Townsville hosted a successful Sunday card last weekend featuring the Lightning and Guineas. Officials claim racegoers don’t want the Cup run on a Sunday because they have to go to work on Monday. There are plenty of major Country Cups run in Victoria on a Sunday but it doesn’t seem to worry fans there.
Then we have the situation at the Sunshine Coast the following weekend where the club has inherited the Saturday meeting because of the Eagle Farm closure meaning the Sunday fixture has been transferred to the unpopular Poly track.
Programming suggests the other problem child of Queensland racing, the new multi-million Gold Coast track will be back racing on the turf the first Saturday in September. Time will tell.
PIKE LEADS THE WAY IN THE AUSTRALIAN JOCKEYS’ PREMIERSHIP
ONCE again West Aussie Willie Pike has won the Australian Jockeys’ Premiership from Queenslander Jimmy Orman and Victorian Damian Lane.
Nearing the end of the season Pike had landed 172-1/2 winners of nears $8.9 million from 680 rides. Orman had 160-1/2 from 854 and Lane 155-1/2 from 749 rides.
James Macdonald was 10th on the list with 119 winners from 486 rides while Blake Shinn was fifth (144 wins from 693 rides).
Pike had the best strike rate at 25.4% from James McDonald 24.5%, Aaron Bullock (NSW) 21.3%, Blake Shinn & Damian Lane 20.8% and Queenslander Ryan Wiggins 20% (111 winners from 555 rides).
With strong suggests JMac will be lured to ride in Hong Kong on a permanent basis in the not too distant future, there is talk that a high profile Victorian jockey (perhaps Blake Shinn) has been testing the water of opportunity with leading Sydney stables. Shinn has been flying in Melbourne but the jockeys ranks there are arguably much stronger.
WHEN WILL RACING QLD ADDRESS LACK OF BUSH JOCKEYS PROBLEM?
REGULAR contributor GREG BLANCHARD has kept us up to date on the on-going problem of insufficient riders being available enforcing scratching at bush meetings in Queensland.
Last month I mentioned there were 28 scratchings due to no riders. Here are the stats for July.
July 27: Julia Creek 6, Atherton 3, Longreach 1.
July 20: Thangool 3, Gympie 1.
July 13: Gold Coast 1 (can you believe a metropolitan meeting not having sufficient riders available?), Ilfracombe 2, Roma 1
July 6: Bluff 2, Charleville 3.
That gives us a total of 23.
When is someone in authority or a politician going to have the guts to say ‘we need to look to Asia as part of a sustainable future’? New Zealand worked that out years ago.
SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH SPECIAL LGHR LATE MAIL OFFER
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IS DOMINATION OF THREE STATES IN EASTERN STATES BY THREE STABLES THAT HEALTHY FOR RACING – ESPECIALLY THE PUNTERS?
AS the curtain falls on another season of Australian racing, the question has to be raised whether it is a healthy situation to have such domination by two major stables.
The same applies in Queensland where Tony Gollan has again finished a furlong in front of his nearest rivals. Stuart Kendrick, courtesy of a windfall on his home track at the Sunshine Coast, was second on the national tally.
Ciaron Maher and Chris Waller with earnings of more than $51 million finished more than $20mn ahead of their nearest rivals Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott & Godolphin’s James Cummings with $30mn in stakes.
Maher and Waller had more than 2000 starters each for the season over 800 in front of their nearest rival Annabel Neasham. Maher currently has 342 winners for the season and Waller 291. Neasham had 184. It was also a good season for Team Hayes with 199 winners and almost $17mn in prizemoney.
Waller dominated the NSW scene easily beating Waterhouse-Bott, Neasham, Kris Lees, Bjorn Baker and James Cummings. Whilst he had 194 winners for over $37mn in stakes, the return on investment from his 1372 starters was a miserable -12.6% for punters who followed the stable.
The best strike rate, however, didn’t belong to any of the top stables. Matt Dunn, now training solely out of Murwillumbah, has a 25.5% strike rate due largely to his domination of the Hi-Way races.
If you combine the winners Maher enjoyed in Victoria when in partnership with now Hong Kong based Dave Eustace, the stable netted 217 winners for over $27mn in stakes. His nearest rival was Team Hayes (185 winners for $14.6mn), Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr then Anthony & Sam Freedman.
Tony Gollan again dominated in Queensland (187 winners for $10.5mn) from Stuart Kendrick (119 & $4.7mn) while Grant & Alana Williams were the most successful in Western Australia with 108 winners netting $6.6mn in stakes.
Statewide in South Australia, Richard & Chantelle Jolly finished in front with 74 winners and $3.6mn stakes from Will Clarken-Nikki O’Shea (64 winners for $2.8mn) who snared the metropolitan premiership on the final day of the season. Philip Stokes, courtesy of stables in South Australia and Victoria, nears the end of the season with 107 winners and $7.5mn in prizemoney.
In NSW, Waller finished with 148 winners, 60 in advance of the next best Waterhouse-Bott, Cummings, Bjorn Baker and Joe Pride. Interestingly, the Maher stable in NSW netted 34 winners.
TOP STRATEGIES TO SUCCEED WHEN BETTING ON HORSE RACING
HORSE RACING, which is also known as the “Sport of Kings”, is a blend of tradition, speed and strategy. This game originates from the ancient civilizations where it was not just played as a sport, but it was used to test the excellence and prowess among riders. In today’s world, horse racing is a premier event where spectators come from every division.
The popularity that it has gained it is not just because of the love of the people for the game but it also includes horse racing betting. Placing a bet is not just a wager we are investing, it’s also about knowing the animals, jockeys, tracks and other factors which can affect the outcome of the race.
This appeal of racing and betting practice depends on the availability of betting options. Even if you’re a casual observer or you’re a seasoned punter, there’s something for everyone. But which we enter in the world of Horse racing betting, it is imperative to approach towards it with respect and understanding of the strategies.
In the next section, we will explore some of the top strategies which can be useful in betting on a horse race. We will also try to break down some jargons and how to navigate the odds.
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS: KEY JARGON EXPLAINED
Before going further, one should be aware about some of the jargons from the betting world as well as from horse racing. “Odds” represent the likelihood of an outcome which is directly related to payout. The “favorite” is considered as the horse which is most likely to win. “Longshots” are the horses which are less likely to win but at the same time they will offer higher payouts if they win.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ODDS
Odds should not be considered as simple numbers. They are the chances of a horse winning the race. The odds change rapidly during the game as it is also based on the number of people betting on the horse as it will lower the odds. In simple terms, if you place a bet on a favorite then you will have a smaller payout but higher chances of winning. On the other hand, if you place the bet on a longshot, then the risk is high but the payout is even higher.
STRATEGY 1: RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
Your homework matters a lot in horse race betting. You should undertake your own research on the performance history of the horse and under what conditions they perform better, how they are trained and what’s their background (or form).
The performance of a jockey should not be forgotten with the similar insights. This approach can uncover potential winners and determine the chances of winning for the horse.
STRATEGY 2: BETTING TYPES & THEIR USES
There are different types of bets used in horse racing. Apart from the normal “win” bet where we are betting on a horse to win, there is a “place” bet and “show” bet. A “place” bet is betting if the horse will finish first or second and “show” is first, second, or third. There are other bets like "exactas," "quinellas," or "trifectas" which includes predicting the exact finish order, or top two or more horses and they also offer a higher payout as it requires precision.
STRATEGY 3: MONEY MANAGEMENT
Money management is always a critical element in betting. One should always set a budget and stick to it which can help you refrain from placing a bet for more than you can afford. Normally, you can place bets by setting a fixed percentage of your total betting budget.
STRATEGY 4: DIVERSIFICATION
A common strategy that can be useful is to diversify your bets. This can spread the risk associated and increase your chances of success. This is similar to investment diversification in stocks to mitigate loss and capitalize winnings.
STRATEGY 5: EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY
In the current world of technology, data is seamless. One can also use online resources, betting apps and some databases to enhance your strategy. They can offer up-to-date information on horse statistics, race conditions and sometimes even predictive analytics and providing a competitive edge in making better decisions.
STRATEGY 6: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT
No doubt, the horse race bets require knowledge and strategy but it also requires control over your emotions. To remain in discipline is an art and you can avoid impulsive decisions based on your recent losses and wins.
TO CONCLUDE...
The world of horse race betting demands more than your passion. It requires mindset, understanding and discipline. We have uncovered different approaches which can contribute to your success and can help you use the jargons appropriately.
Apart from the strategies like effective money management and leveraging technology, approaching Horse racing betting in a responsible and informed manner cannot be overstated. As the bettors refine their strategies and deepen their understanding, they also contribute to the culture of horse racing.
Embrace the challenge, enjoy the overall process and may your passion to the Sport of Kings bring you not just financial rewards but deeper connection too with horse racing.
