Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 25 February 2013; Created: 25 February 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS questions why Racing Queensland has not been shouting from the rafters the induction of Gold Coast-based former champion jockey Geoff Lane to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Butts, a long-time mate of Lane, points out that the quiet achiever wasn’t interested in seeking any more publicity when he called to congratulate the man who now works part-time as a steward and helps with apprentices although for some strange reason his services not been used as often in recent times.

His column also reveals an invitation from the Townsville Turf Club for Blue Diamond winning apprentice Lauren Stojakovic to ride at the Parry Nissan meeting at Cluden in June and Butts also questions if there are ‘political motives’ and what right an Interim RQ Board has to secretly fast-track plans to spend tens of millions on a new Albion Park grandstand.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 19 February 2013; Created: 19 February 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS predicts the installation of a new Strathayr track in Townsville.

Butts also reports on major problems with the new Cairns track and how when a trainer complained he was told by a committeeman of the local club to ‘f… off’ if he wasn’t happy.

There is also an update on the problem between the Townsville Turf Club, developers and the Main Roads over proposed changes to the Bruce Highway that will impact on Cluden.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 12 February 2013; Created: 12 February 2013

IN his widely read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS warns of a proposed commercial development that threatens the viability of Cluden as the major racing venue in North Queensland.

He also reports on the great run of success being enjoyed by a Mackay trainer; the back-flip on race dates for Caloundra and calls for Bowen to be given a non-TAB meeting on a Sunday to compensate for the proposed Easter Sunday fixture that has rightly not been proceeded with.

Here is the Butts column: