In his widely read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports that the search has begun for the right personnel to run racing in Queensland hopefully steer the industry out of the doldrums.

Butts believes Racing Minister Steve Dickson will support country representation on the new board despite the disappointing revelation that there are no guarantees.

Here is the final ‘Silks & Saddles’ column of the year:

 

 

SEARCH IS ON TO FIND THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO CONTROL RACING IN QUEENSLAND

THE search is on for a committee that will guide the destiny of Queensland’s three racing codes into the future.

A recruitment agency has been appointed and is already calling for candidates to fill three positions on each board, racing, trotting and greyhounds, and another two members who will join the chairpersons of each of those boards to form the all codes board currently known as QACRIB.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson, on his North Queensland trek  last week, told the racing congregations in Townsville and Cairns that it was vital that the right person was nominated as it would be that board - not him - who will be making the decisions.

The Minister copped some flak in both Townsville and Cairns because he would not commit to a country or provincial appointment on the board.

“It is up to you,” he told audiences in both centres, “to choose the right person to handle your affairs.”

 

COUNTRY CONCERN BOARD MAY BE DOMINANTED BY METROPOLITAN APPOINTMENTS

WE can only wait and see the final make-up but it will be disappointing for many if the board is stacked with members from the south east corner.

The agency, Eden Ritchie Recruitment, will handle the applications and make recommendations to the Minister.

It has called for applicants with a passion for racing and appropriate skills, qualifications and experience to fill the positions.

“They will have previous experience as a CEO or General Manager and have demonstrated ability in areas of administration or regulation of racing matters.

“They will also have experience in leadership, business and financial management, marketing, law, judicial process and procedural fairness,” said a spokesman.

The Board cannot include those who are currently on the committee of any race club or racing association or a person licensed by any racing control body.

The new board will make recommendations on prize money, race dates, and any rule amendments for each code.

Nominations close on January 4.

 

RACING MINISTER SEEMS DETERMINED TO ENSURE NO POLITICAL INTERFERENCE

THERE seems to be a genuine attempt by the Racing Minister to remove any suggestion of Government appointments or interference, a policy that scarred the previous racing control board RQL.

But then again it is the Minister, who has the final say, though he has already publicly threatened to act swiftly if he considers a board member to be under- performing.

It is without doubt a refreshing change and everyone must support the Minister, who seems quite serious in his endeavor to improve the plight of those involved in racing, and the reputation the industry that has clearly suffered.

The inclusion of a country-based member on that board is seen by many to be essential. And after his meeting with the racing folk of the north, I think he possibly agrees.

Question is: Who?

 

CITY SUCCESS FOR LAST GIFT A TRIUMPH FOR TOWNSVILLE FARRIER

SANTA came early for North Queensland punters when the Wulguru sprinter Last Gift saluted in brilliant fashion at Eagle Farm last Saturday.

Farrier Jim Fogarty’s brilliant sprinter led most of the way and never looked in danger. He is a credit to his recently retired trainer who persevered with the gelding’s wayward barrier manners and just about everything that can go wrong with a young horse. 

But he never gave up and from day one knew he had a bottler in his yard.

He is on his second campaign down south and his win on Saturday was ample compensation for his previous failure at headquarters. 

Question now will be where to next? - Sydney, perhaps!

That so, he might pass colleague Greg Wehlow travelling in the opposite direction.

Greg says he is heading home after a disappointing southern sojourn with Go Forest Go whicho this time just didn’t want to ‘go.’

And like another bloke I know, the veteran trainer is missing his Tolga home comforts.

“This travelling of horses is a young man’s caper,” said Greg.

And I can’t agree more!

 

IMPACT STUDY SHOWS WHAT CAIRNS AMATEURS CONTRIBUTE TO LOCAL ECONOMY

THIS is my last ‘Silks & Saddles’ column for the year, and thankfully we are able to end it on a much happier note.

Cairns, to which at times we have been a touch ungracious (though the club has come to recognize that licensees and owners are vital industry participants) emerged glowing after the release of an impact study last week.

The Cairns Amateurs carnival, according to the Cummings Research report made a contribution of $13 million to the local economy. That’s a lot of money and the club must feel justifiably proud. 

There was an increase in visitors for the 2012 amateurs of 13.5 per cent and hotels benefited by 16,500 nights. The report also stated the PNG attendance this year was a feature.

Said president Michael Delaney: The carnival is a huge boon to retailers, restaurateurs, and a range of other industries.  It is the pinnacle racing event of the year.

“For more than 50 years we have had the biggest social party and this research shows our biggest economic party continues to blossom.” 

Well done, and with a new track next year it could be even bigger.

 

NIPPY SEYMOUR BACK IN BUSINESS AFTER SERVING ‘UNJUSTIFIED’ SENTENCE

THE other pleasing news is that the Hughenden battler Nippy Seymour is back after serving, what some say was an unjustified sentence over the bandage incident at Julia Creek last November. 

Everyone knows what happened. Nippy’s horse came down during a two-horse barrier trial during which a bandage on his horse came loose and the jockey Corey Gilby was tragically killed. 

The trainer was blamed.

It was claimed the bandage wasn’t stitched or fastened with tape, as required in a race but seldom used in track work gallops. 

There was conflicting evidence too that Nippy’s horse might have clipped the other horse’s heels and fell. 

At the end of the stewards’ probe Nippy was found guilty of negligence and disqualified.

Yet he remained president of the club and general factotum during his disqualification. 

Without him there simply wouldn’t have been race meetings at Hughenden, said one of his many, many supporters. 

He also trucked horses for various other trainers to race meetings in the region without which they would not have attended. 

He did all this while another court appearance awaits him.

Because he was disqualified by Queensland stewards he was then charged with negligence under Work Place Health and Safety provisions. 

It is a serious charge, and due to be heard in a Cloncurry Court in February.

But the other side of the story - that hasn’t been revealed - is that Fubu’s Image, one of the horses Nippy transferred to Murgon trainer Norma King for the period of his disqualification, won a race at Clermont three weeks ago. 

In fact Fubu’s Image was one of the last race rides for young Corey, if not his last.

And at Clermont it was ridden by Corey’s former partner Rhiannon Payne, who after the tragedy at Julia Creek became apprenticed to Ms King.

It was Rhiannon’s first win. And it was on Nippy’s horse. And he was there.

And never believe the story that big men don’t cry.

 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

 

COLUMN COURTESY OF TERRY BUTTS AND THE NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, one of Australia's leading rural newspapers.

TERRY BUTTS can be contacted by e-mailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..