Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 21 August 2012; Created: 21 August 2012

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports that the Cairns Jockey Club has changed its stance on visiting owners and licensees after a wake-up call from Racing Queensland.

Butts also questions whether reports are correct that John Nikolic, brother on controversial jockey Danny Nikolic, has been relicensed as a trainer by Racing Queensland after serving a year-long disqualification over the Baby Boom bona fides case.

He also tells of a visit to Tully by three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss last week that left the local TAB broke when he rode two winners at Caulfield on Saturday. There is also a report on the Townsville Amateurs and how it struggles to regain its former glory.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 13 August 2012; Created: 13 August 2012

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports exclusively on the benefits to be received by the Rockhampton Jockey Club for ending its equity sharing arrangement with Racing Queensland.

Butts looks at the positives and the negatives from the Cairns Cup meeting last Sunday. The positives focus on the visit and win by Damien Oliver at his only ride the success of comeback jockey Lacey Morrison in the Cairns Newmarket and the perseverance of connections with Cup winner Cash Attack.

But the downside, experienced not only personally but complained about by many visitors, was the arrogant attitude of Cairns Jockey Club officialdom when it came to refusing visiting owners and trainers tickets to the members enclosure. It has angered some to the degree that they won’t be back. Others are calling for the scalp of the CEO of the CJC.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 30 July 2012; Created: 30 July 2012

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports on the big crowd that turned out in terrific weather for Townsville Cup Day and the one downside which is set to end – the Liquor Licensing ban on under 18-year-olds attending.

Butts speaks with a veteran top trainer who started his interest in racing attending on Saturdays as a child. He also looks forward to the Cairns Cup meeting and warns of the dire shortage of jockeys and trainers in the north.

Here is the Butts column: