IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published in the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer, TERRY BUTTS, provides his take on the downfall of champion trainer Peter Moody who confirmed to stable owners yesterday that he was walking away from the industry.
Butts makes some interesting comparisons on penalty for cobalt related offences between what has happened in thoroughbred and harness racing in NSW compared to Victoria.
Racing Queensland also issued a Media Release yesterday confirming that control of Mackay Turf Club had been handed back to the committee.
Here is the Butts’ column:
THE TRAINWRECK CALLED COBALT THAT BROUGHT DOWN A LEGEND
I don’t know Peter Moody from Adam – never met him – never spoken to him.
But I do just happen know a few of his good mates – and they vouch for him.
So, I’d safely say he would have to be a good bloke in this world where:
Friends are like autumn leaves – found everywhere.
Mates are like diamonds – rich and rare.
‘Moods’, as he is known by those close to him, might be described as a bit of a scallywag – but one who has never forgotten, in fact cherishes – his upbringing in the bush of outback Queensland.
His legion of mates have gathered and forged a strong display of support in the wake of his suspension over the cobalt affair. At time of writing Moody had just announced he would walk away from training but has not ruled out a return some time down the track – ‘in a year, or two, or more’.
It could not have been an easy decision walking away from an industry that in many ways he has conquered – a career that took the boy from the dust of Charleville to the lush lawns of Royal Ascot – and a myriad of momentous moments in between.
Then the train wreck – Lidari and cobalt.
INEXPENSIVE WONDER DRUG THAT WAS EASY TO OBTAIN AND ADMINISTER
IT was known, for a while as the wonder drug. So easily obtained, so easily administered and far from expensive. And it wasn’t being detected.
It provided a bigger blast than the milkshake that many trainers had been using to advantage in Australia for many years.
One bloke told me cobalt worked out about $30 a shot – but that might have been some dodgy gear that emanated from China. The real deal was the more expensive stock from the US.
And don’t worry it was being used by trainers big and small all over this country until stewards, led by Victoria’s Terry Bailey, put it under the radar, then the microscope, and the fairytale world of Peter Moody and some of his colleagues came crumbling down.
The cobalt saga has wiped out trainers across Australia and caused massive damage to the racing industry and its reputation, domestically and internationally, wrote one leading racing scribe.
NSW stewards were quick to act. The thoroughbred stewards under Ray Murrihy disqualified six individuals last year for more than 50 years collectively
Murrihy was scathing of trainer Sam Kavanagh and Flemington vet Dr Tom Brennan (a Queenslander originally from Thangool), who were both given potentially career-ending penalties.
In NSW harness racing 10 trainers were disqualified from periods ranging from 30 months to 10 years.
Racing NSW stewards later disqualified Newcastle trainer Darren Smith for 15 years – effectively a lifetime.
“During that case, every possible cobalt defence – not a prohibited substance, not performance-enhancing, bioaccumulation and ‘the Sergeant Schultz defence - I know nothing’ failed to sway the stewards,” wrote one scribe.
The Moody case has been highlighted by the trainer’s heated clashes with the stewards, especially Bailey – and also some sections of the media. He once infamously tweeted: ‘Bet TB (Terry Bailey) happy he is not a footy coach. Full support of Board and CEO usually means.’.
To which Patrick Bartley of The Age responded: ‘Perhaps Moody should be happy he is not a footy player, as criticisingthe umpire is not tolerated by the AFL and results in immediate sanctions. Maybe Moody should reintroduce his media ban and extend to it social media. The extra time will help him explain Lidari's cobalt reading of 410.’
Oops!
COMPARISONS BEING MADE BETWEEN MOSES AND MOODY CASES
THEN there was the case of Kevin Moses, former top jockey and trainer of 14 years with an unblemished record, who was disqualified for 12 months for presenting a horse to race with cobalt in its system.
Although the trainer was not charged with administering the substance, Racing NSW stewards said the offence was so serious that it warranted a period of disqualification.
“How, what, where and why has not been established and you have not been charged with administration,” Chief Steward Ray Murrihy said.
“But a cobalt positive brings a certain amount of discredit to the industry”Advertisement
Pleading (as did Moody) that cobalt must have been present in a stable treatment or supplement, did not help Moses’ defence
“The responsibility is with you to know what is in the stable products and to read all the necessary publications,” said Murrihy
Moses successfully appealed his disqualification – then lost it on an appeal by stewards.
Now an appeal by RV stewards is being considered as they believe Moody’s suspension was inadequate – by comparison.
For Moody it is a case of perhaps winning the battle (against disqualification) – but ‘losing’ the war.
And a perusal of racing websites forums indicates that he doesn’t have the sympathy of the rank and file either.
Seems many do not believe a hoof powder could elevate a cobalt reading to more than twice the allowed level of 200, which by the way is twice the tolerance level permitted by authorities in Hong Kong and other racing destinations.
This matter has gone on far too long. It should and could have – at great legal savings – ended at the very first inquiry.
And in hindsight I reckon Moody, the legend and the mate of so many, might agree.
CONTROL OF MACKAY TURF CLUB HANDED BACK TO COMMITTEE
RACING Queensland advised in a Media Release yesterday that control of the Mackay Turf Club will be handed back to the Club Committee from April 4 when Racing Queensland will cease acting as agent for the club.
The announcement reads:
Racing Queensland assumed control of the club on April 29, 2014, after being made aware of the club's precarious financial position. The club had accumulated debts amounting to over $700,000 and sought Racing Queensland’s assistance in resolving the situation.
Over the last 18 months, Racing Queensland has worked with the club to reduce the debt by over $300,000 and Racing Queensland Head of Operations Declan Martschinke said the time was right to hand back control of the club.
“The club now has a new CEO in Ross Prowd and a new committee who are committed towards moving the club forward with some new and innovative ideas to ensure the club's financial prosperity,’’ said Martschinke.
“Racing Queensland management has been working closely with the club over the last six months in preparation for this handover and we are confident that the club is in a safe set of hands moving forward.”
Martschinke and Racing Queensland Club Liaison & Development Manager David Aldred on Monday visited Mackay to continue discussions with the MTC regarding a revised club subsidy model that rewards the club for holding mid-week race days in order to generate additional off-course wagering for the industry through wagering partner UBET.
As part of the club subsidy discussion, Racing Queensland is also working with the Mackay Turf Club on the allocation of race dates for the 2016/17 racing season, including the Mackay Cup.
“Under the proposed model, the club will receive a portion of the UBET revenue as Racing Queensland recognises that it is difficult to attract patrons to the track at midweek race meetings in order to stimulate hospitality revenue,” said Martschinke.
“The RQ management will continue to work with the club and assist when requested to provide guidance and support via the Club Liaison and Development team. This support is available to all clubs throughout Queensland.”
EINASLEIGH EXPECTING 2000 CAMPERS FOR EASTER BUSH MEETING
EINASLEIGH club secretary Kylie Treen is expecting up to 2,000 campers for the 107th running of the popular Easter bush meeting this weekend.
And that does not include a Queensland police contingent of 20 officers plus tracker dogs and even a portable watch house. Overkill?
Einasleigh is offering more prize money than most TAB clubs in provincial Queensland and leading stables from all over the north and north west will be represented.
It has always been a big weekend and with the Copperfield flowing after good recent rain there will be more to do than backing winners on Saturday and watching the broncs and bulls at the rodeo on Sunday.
END OF THE ROAD FOR THE JUNKETS AROUND STATE FOR ‘SHORT HALL’
LAST weekend the Paddy's Day meeting at Gordonvale was one of the best the century old club has staged in years, according to club spokesman Cameron Riches. “It was amazing” he said.
“The meeting attracted a who’s who of northern Australia despite opposition such as voting day, the opening of a new drag raceway in town and a PBR rodeo on Saturday night. Everything seemed to be happening in our little town but we are delighted with the race day,” said Cameron.
And who do you think turned up?
The gallivanting, acting CEO of Racing Queensland Ian Hall, that’s who.
He was possibly on his last fling to the far flung racecourses in the State before stepping down from the role he has controversially held for several months.
His visit wasn’t a total surprise however, said Cameron Riches.
“We heard he was coming – but I didn’t want to announce it publicly in case he didn’t show up” he said.
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..
