Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 04 November 2013; Created: 04 November 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS questions whether the Melbourne Cup is being hijacked by the Poms and whether we need them as badly as some believe to lift the image of the race that stops the nation.

His criticism continues against the UK betting giants who have taken over the off course market in Australia and contribute little in return to the local racing industry.

Butts also questions why Rockhampton and Townsville could not have TAB meetings on Melbourne Cup day considering some of the out-of-the-way venues that attracted same in other States.

Here is the Butts’ column:

Details: Published: 28 October 2013; Created: 28 October 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reveals a worrying situation for racing in Queensland with a spate of positive swabs that have stunned trainers and even caught stewards by surprise.

He also has an update on the racial vilification case in Mt Isa, a report on the state of play in racing in Mt Isa and an ‘exclusive’ on the move by the Townsville Chief Steward to take over in that role at Toowoomba when the new Clifford Park track opens on New Year’s Eve.

Here is the Butts’ column:

Details: Published: 21 October 2013; Created: 21 October 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS looks back on the Commission of Inquiry and the examination of public witnesses.

He also reports on the sad state of affairs in Townsville where the local daily requires the local Turf Club to pay for coverage. How rich is that?

Butts also has column items on the successful rugby league and racing reunion night on the eve of a meeting at Cloncurry and tells how a backwater club on the Burdekin continues to hold hard-working bookies to ransom with a ‘closed ring’ policy that needs changing.

Here is the Butts’ column: