Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 10 September 2012; Created: 10 September 2012

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports that Racing Minister Stephen Dickson was a notable absentee from the Far North Queensland Amateur meeting in Cairns because of an ear infection which prevented him from flying.

Fortunately for the club Racing Queensland Chairman Kevin Dixon filled the gap and had a ball. Both Steve and Kevin made it to the Queensland Racing Awards night in Brisbane on Saturday.

Butts also questions how two of the winners at the Racing Queensland Horse of the Year Awards last Saturday night could possibly have been awarded their gongs.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 04 September 2012; Created: 04 September 2012

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS attacks the Queensland Government over its discriminatory licensing laws which prevent under 18-year-olds from attending race meetings but does not apply at other sports.

Butts calls for changes after children as young as two and four were turned away from the Ingham Cup meeting last Saturday. He reckons Premier Campbell Newman should add Licensing to his departmental cut back list.

‘Silks & Saddles’ also reports on a back-flip by the Cairns Jockey Club after their disgraceful treatment of visiting owners and trainers on Cup day. A special area will be set aside for the visitors at the Amateurs. And there are big changes in the air at the Townsville Turf Club.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 27 August 2012; Created: 27 August 2012

IN hiswidely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS warns that unless Racing Queensland starts to consult with country trainers on the new Workers’ Compensation Premiums it could be facing industrial action.

There are legitimate claims that the new Scheme favors the bigger stables and is discriminatory against the battlers. Even worse it appears to have been solely negotiated by RQ with the Queensland branch of the Australian Trainers’ Association which is hardly representative outside the metropolitan area.

RQ Chairman Kevin Dixon and Racing Minister Steve Dickson have been accused of turning their backs on battling bush trainers on this issue but there could be an 11^th hour reprieve if someone can convince these two heavyweights that they should have been consulting with the widespread number of trainers in the state who certainly don’t belong to the ATA.

Here is the Butts column: