AN innovative service on Oaks Day at Eagle Farm – which we believe is a first on a major Australian race track – created much hilarity on Melbourne radio during the week.
LGHR applauds the Brisbane Racing Club for allowing three Fortune Tellers to ply their trade trackside during the Group 1 meeting.
By all reports it proved popular with racegoers who could have their Tarot Cards read recommending horses to back and even what the future might hold for them.
Our spies tell us that among the first to sample the service before racing had begun were BRC Chairman Richard Morrison and his hard working CEO Karl deKroo. They were keen to know when work would start on the new Grandstand at Eagle Farm. Story goes they left disappointed.
Among the first visitors to an on-course Fortune Teller were said to be sidelined Racing Minister Tim Mander and his lovely new partner Amanda Camm. They left with smiles on their faces – perhaps the news was positive that Tim would be back in his Ministerial job in weeks quickly followed by a Whitehaven Beach wedding.
‘Manuel’, the one-time racing media ‘jack of all trades’, now semi-retired goffer for the BRC, was seen sneaking into one of the tents. He wanted to know when the red carpet from the jockeys’ room to the bookies’ ring would be installed again at Eagle Farm and Doomben allowing messages to be relayed under the eyes of the vigilant stewards of the day. He was told ‘pigs might fly’.
Wally Gleeson, the Board Member who continues to prove a thorn in the side for the BRC, was front and centre, desperately hoping that where all else had failed a Fortune Teller might be able to provide a glimmer of hope. We can’t tell you what she said but he came out smiling.
And finally, Larry the Loser, was hoping Lady Luck might shine upon him. The Tarot Card he drew had ‘Wally World’ on the face of it. ‘Does this mean you can tip me a Waller stable winner,’ he asked? The Fortune Teller let out a loud shriek and was last seen running down Racecourse Road.
While we’re talking – tongue in cheek – about innovations for race days, this one isn’t restricted to carnival times and arguably should become a regular feature in Sydney racing.
It’s a Confessional for a Racing Priest which would ideally be erected near the trainers’ area. Members of one big stable would be well advised to visit it on a weekly basis. Can you imagine the number of Hail Mary’s that would be ordered?
