IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS predicts that the Crime and Misconduct Commission is being briefed on areas of concern involving the era of the Bentley Board at RQL.
He also speaks to in-coming RQ Chairman Kevin Dixon about the recreation of the Queensland Country Racing Council with former Aramac Mayor and prominent bush bookie Gary Peoples likely to head up that body.
Here is the Butts column:
CMC BEING BRIEFED ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES INVOLVED RQL UNDER BENTLEY
MANY in our fickle world of racing are beginning to express a sense of frustration that the long promised changes are not coming fast enough.
But rest easy – they are. And be prepared for some fireworks too in the coming weeks as the Government delves into and uncovers more about the somewhat controversial racing regime it inherited at the ballot box a month ago.
The Crime and Misconduct Commission, not generally renowned for its enthusiasm in the pursuit of matters of public interest, is I believe, being briefed on a number of matters. And the workload may not be yet complete.
It is not hard to imagine the enormous task that has been inherited by Mr Dixon after more than a decade of Bentley dictatorship. Well, virtually that’s what it was.
And must say I suppress a giggle when old Bob (and his odd mate) accuse the new Kevin Dixon team of having parallels with the old QTC.
But enough of treading over soiled turf.
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY RACE CLUBS COMMITTEE TO BE RECREATED
NEXT week will see the recreation of the Queensland Country Race Clubs committee.
You might remember this was the body that advised Racing Queensland Ltd of the problems in the bush.
But at that infamous ‘special meeting’ called by the Board some years ago to make Bentley and his cohorts virtually irreplaceable during the Labor Government reign, the Country Racing Board was virtually castrated.
Well, left with no voice in matters that directly affected them.
In its place came the enforcer Bill Ludwig, who to hold his place on the RQL was made chairman of the QCRC as required by legislation.
And we know how much he did for country racing. In a word nothing, according to the country racing chiefs who sat with him at meetings three times a year. He was the three wise monkeys all wrapped up in one.
GARY PEOPLES TO HEAD CUP CRCC AND TIPPED AS NEW RQ BOARD MEMBER
BUT Kevin Dixon, in one of his very first moves since emerging as the new Chairman of RQL has summonsed high profile Aramac identity, Gary Peoples, to a meeting in Brisbane next Monday.
With him will be delegates from all of the eight country racing associations in the State.
“I intend to reactivate the Country Race Clubs Committee. I see it as an essential,’’ said Mr Dixon said.
In my few short discussions with the new Chairman I find that he doesn’t waste words and reeks of determination.
There is also an unmistakable confidence of a man who knows what he is doing, and importantly, is well aware of what is going on around him.
He has identified the major problems ahead – and readily admits it will not be easy.
But you can bet whatever he seeks, and whatever action he takes, will be for what he believes is best for racing.
Next week’s meeting with country clubs is ample evidence of that.
And he has chosen just the right bloke to lead up the new committee. The former Aramac Mayor Gary Peoples is the man who stood up and argued fiercely with the then Treasurer Andrew Fraser over the forced Council amalgamations.
He is not only highly respected in Local Government circles and all areas of the bush, but is a passionate racing man. A son of a highly respected trainer and a brother of Caloundra-based trainer David, Gary has been a bookmaker for 20 years.
There wouldn’t be a country track he hasn’t seen or worked at and is a regular at Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Darwin carnivals. He knows racing from the ground floor up.
GARY PEOPLES RECEIVED PHONE CALL ‘OUT OF THE BLUE’ FROM KEVIN DIXON
GARY Peoples said he had received a phone call “out of the blue” from Kevin Dixon and is looking forward to next week’s meeting.
He has asked all of the associations for their input and says the emails have “kept coming.”
The overwhelming request is for a level playing field among country clubs.
“Why should some race for $6000 and others for $4000? That’s totally unfair and we will seek to have it changed,” Mr Peoples said.
He doesn’t believe there will be any more clubs reduced under the LNP.
“Bentley got rid of enough.
“We don’t want to see any more go under,” said the new Chairman of the reactivated CRCC.
He has also identified “an acute jockey shortage” in country areas as a major concern.
THE BANTAM-WEIGHT FIGHT IN BARCALDINE THAT AMUSED THE DRINKERS
THE publican at Barcaldine reckons it was straight out of the Keystone cops – the fight between two of Barcaldine’s apprentice jockeys, Scott McCullum and up-and-comer, Shane Egan.
According to RQL stewards, who conducted an enquiry and subsequently fined Egan $1000 ($500 suspended for 12 months), the altercation took place long after the last at Barcy that day in a hotel that the publican said he has video footage that prove it didn’t happen at his pub.
“They had already left my pub and were at another premises up the road.
“I believe they were 11 metres apart yelling at each either. “Punches were thrown from that distance. It was a circus,” he said.
But while the long arm of the law in the old shearers’ town was not in the least concerned, RQL stewards 1000km away, obviously were.
Considering he pleaded guilty, it’s a pretty hefty fine, particularly for a kid, and especially when it’s compared to what he could expect if he had been charged and found guilty in a court of law.
OWNER WILL MISS WATCHING STAR TWO-YEAR-OLD CONTEST QTIS PLATE
THE meeting of the country clan next week in Brisbane will rob Atherton delegate Don Sheffler the chance to see his star two year old Sizzelon compete in the coveted $150,000 QTIS Plate at Cluden on the same day.
“Sure I would love to see him run. But there are more important fish to fry that day,” said the likeable Tablelander.
Don has been a long-time racing stalwart and has owned many good gallopers over the years, many trained for him by former Tolga resident Leon Morton, now training on the Gold Coast.
One of the best was Raheen’s Son, an absolute giant of a horse who was always in trouble with the Cluden judges.
He dead-heated one day at Cluden, the print produced after correct weight showed he had clearly won. The judge resigned over it, recalls Don.
But the big incident was the 1986 Townsville Cup when Wangaratta jockey Brian Johns refused to weigh in until he had viewed the photo finish print. The judge had placed him fifth. Johns wouldn’t have a bar of it.
There were heated exchanges between officials and the jockey until the photo finish print was eventually produced. And you guessed it – Raheen’s Son had run third.
Don is hoping a photo print won’t be needed to decide next week’s winner.
Sizzelon has peaked at the right time and is probably the best of all the locals now that Doubtfilly is out.
MT GARNETT CHILLING OUT FOR POPULAR MEETING NEXT WEEK
AND finally don’t forget Mt Garnett is on Friday week (and Saturday) this year. It’s time to dig out the tweeds and woolies and prepare for what is arguably the north’s biggest and best party.
HOOFNOTE: It was a chilly 10 degrees on Monday morning at the Garnet.
COLUMN COURTESY OF TERRY BUTTS AND THE NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, one of Australia's leading rural newspapers.
TERRY BUTTS can be contacted by e-mailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
