ONE of the most respected identities in racing, the one-time champion Sydney trainer Dr GEOFF CHAPMAN, has weighed into the debate surrounding a proposal by Racing Queensland that would see barriers drawn before acceptances.
Whilst he agrees that nominations of 40 or more for lower class races, like Maidens, would present a logistical nightmare, Doc sees merit in looking to solutions to increasing field sizes and subsequently turnover.
Here are his thoughts:
‘I have been promoting the Cut Away Rail for years now, with a limited response.
However, in this ‘great country’, and in particular the Thoroughbred and Gambling Industries, the MAJOR PROPONENTS, should be interested in a FAIR GO for all.
The Industry is currently suffering from a diminution in gambling TURNOVER, and one of the most severe problems, is that ALL horses don’t have an equal chance, for a Multiplicity of reasons.
Paramount among these, are the question of BARRIERS.
If any horse draws outside six to eight these days, unless they have ‘panels’ on their opposition, they are generally regarded as having not much chance,
because for each horse the wider they are, they are traveling an EXTRA LENGTH, on each turn. And will be FORCED WIDER when making their run in the straight.
Similarly, if they draw ‘inside’, and are slow beginners, they have to be ridden ‘upside down’, or hope for some luck in running—a real precursor to an accident ‘in the run’, and a surefire way to get beaten.
If every horse had an EVEN chance (in theory), then the ‘punters’ would be more inclined to back it, and maybe the ‘best’ horse would win more frequently, particularly in ‘BIG’ races and large fields, eg Epsoms, Doncasters etc.
With the Cut Away Rail, it decompresses the field as they straighten, enabling most runners to get an even shot at the spoils.
A surefire recipe to INCREASED TURNOVER.
