Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 22 July 2013; Created: 22 July 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports on a possible probe into the nomination of topweight Bid Spotter for the Townsville Cup.

Concerns have been expressed by some trainers and jockeys about the weight implications for runners in the Cup if Bid Spotter does not make the trek north and as of Monday it seemed he had not left Brisbane.

He also reports on the appeal of jockey Dale Missen which was upheld but cost him $27,000 which is hardly fair when it seems the stewards realized from the start they had little chance of winning the case.

Butts also previews Saturday’s Townsville Cup.

Here is his column:

Details: Published: 15 July 2013; Created: 15 July 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS points to the all-tote success story of Hong Kong racing when questioning why Australia needs corporate bookmakers.

He argues that they are destroying the industry, sending their profits off-shore, refusing to bet like the on-course bookmakers are forced to and calls for the establishment of a national tote to combat them.

Butts is also critical of the lack of knowledge of the Racing Minister Steve Dickson and condemns, like many others in the industry in Queensland, the extravagant waste of money on a new track at Toowoomba, suggesting the only ones in favor of the redevelopment live in Dixon Square.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 08 July 2013; Created: 08 July 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports on the untimely and sad end to the racing career of a controversial galloper just when he looked a big chance to win two northern Cups.

He also has a column item on the new sprint star to emerge from Mount Isa; the horrible year that continues for popular jockey Dale Missen; a report on Sunday’s carnival pipe-opener at Cluden and a new set of barrier stalls for the Townsville Turf Club.

Here is the Butts column: