OF all the racing States in Australia, for some unknown reason QUEENSLAND is the hot-bed of rumor mongering and racetrack gossip – perhaps it’s the warmer climate. We will continue to air some of the ‘grievances’ and ‘inquiries’ received in dozens of e-mails to this web-site daily in a regular racing 'BELIEVE IT OR NOT' column.
We will not be intimidated by threatening e-mails from anonymous sources – several of which we have been able to trace and now know the identity of. Some will be exposed in another forum, which will be extremely embarrassing for the authors. We attempt where possible to verify claims made in e-mails. If we publish something found to be incorrect we are willing to follow up with any reasonable response.
The topic that has attracted most interest in the e-mail box this week has been support for an alternative structure for the integrated control body for the three racing codes proposed by Gerard Betros, an associate lecturer and unit leader from the Faculty of Business at the University of Southern Queensland. There has also been a host of e-mails supporting the Gold Coast Turf Club questionnaire to Queensland Racing on plans to upgrade or sell the Bundall complex.
MASSIVE SUPPORT FOR ALTERNATIVE INTEGRATED BOARD STRUCTURE
AT least two dozen e-mails were received supporting the Governance framework and organizational structure formulated by Gerard Betros with the majority claiming it should replace what Queensland Racing Chairman, Bob Bentley, has suggested.
Here are three examples:
‘Aren’t the ideas of Gerard Betros a breath of fresh air but won’t Queensland Racing and the Minister’s Department be keen to sweep his proposal under the carpet before it sees the light of day?
‘If his ideas were circulated widely to the three codes I am sure the industry and stakeholders would strongly endorse the plan. This is a far more democratic process than what Bentley and Lawlor want to fast-track through Parliament without any public disclosure or industry consultation.
‘There is no way that Bentley would be in favor of what Betros suggests – three representatives of the primary participant groups (the breeders, trainers and race clubs), only three representatives from the codes (gallops, harness and greyhounds), one country racing representative and another from the license holders, two chief development co-ordinators to facilitate the needs of owners and punters, and a chief integrity officer.
‘That wouldn’t allow Bob and the Boys from the QR Board to just swing across and get another five-year term without having to stand for election or re-election. Everything they don’t want to entertain is included in the Betros proposal.
‘Surely there has to be some consultation and alternative consideration before Government just steamrolls this legislation through. Has this Government become so arrogant that it doesn’t even listen to industry stakeholders on an issue of this importance anymore? – Jim Taylor, Gold Coast.
Then there was this one from a group of country trainers:
‘I am writing on behalf of a group of long-time trainers at a major provincial TAB venue in Queensland urging our colleagues throughout the State to support any move for a breakaway association to be formed, especially if it is led by Mr Gerard Betros.
‘There is growing disenchantment with the Queensland branch of the Australian Trainers’ Association. Some of us feel abandoned and believe that some officials are too close to Queensland Racing power-brokers like Bob Bentley to be able to fight our case as strongly as they should.
‘Once we had a very strong organization to protect our interests in the Queensland Trainers’ Association. It was truly representative but because of racing politics it lost all recognition from Queensland Racing.
‘Back then Bentley and his Board felt that the local branch of the ATA was more in tune with their thinking and basically only recognized it as representative of the views of trainers in this State. It certainly does not reflect the wholehearted views of many in the country and we are growing more disenchanted.
‘We plan to make the ATA head office aware of our feelings because we know that there are many colleagues in the south-east corner who share our views but are a bit reluctant to say so. I am sorry if our criticism upsets anyone in Brisbane but I can only call it as we see it.’ Name and address supplied but with-held by request.
EDITOR’S NOTE: It is an insult to even contemplate that the ATA Queensland, under the chairmanship of Pat Duff, would abandon the interests of trainers in favor of political points scoring with Queensland Racing. Loyalty has always been Pat’s long suit – I can vouch for that from personal experience.
And finally this e-mail:
‘Anyone who thinks that the Betros blueprint for racing governance has the remotest chance of getting off the ground in Queensland must be living under a rock. And that doesn’t mean that I don’t support most of what he proposes.
‘There might be calls to try and force the issue of Bentley and Lawlor legislating change over-night without any consultation to a higher power in Government.
‘If you think that proposal has any legs just look at Page 15 of The Courier-Mail last Wednesday highlighting those who have saved Premier Anna Bligh’s political career from being torn apart.
‘Have a closer look and you will see that one of those was Bill Ludwig, the union heavyweight and Labor power-broker. He just happens to be one of the five QRL Board members set to sit on the merged three-code Board for the next five years. In the circumstances can you image ‘Captain Bligh’ denying ‘Big Bill’ that privilege?’
‘Meanwhile, the rumor mill is strong that Bob the Builder has expressed displeasure in several forums at the item on your web-site concerning a group of powerful industry stakeholders preparing for a major fight to force the Government to give them some say in what they see is an inevitable takeover of the three codes by the QR chairman.
‘I am told the blood-letting has already started and stand-by for a major scalp to be claimed in the not too distant future. And don’t be surprised if Bob’s old mate, ‘Nifty’ Neville, isn’t playing a major behind-the-scenes role.’ Glen Lucas, Gold Coast.
GOLD COAST MEMBERS APPLAUD STAND BY DIRECTORS ON COMPLEX
FEELINGS are running high among the membership of the Gold Coast Turf Club since Chairman Andrew Eggleston circulated a list of 25 very interesting and awkward questions to Queensland Racing.
GCTC directors want some answers before proceeding with any further discussions regarding the proposal to sell or redevelop their current complex and have been applauded for their stance by a stack of e-mail writers.
Here are a couple of examples:
‘My friends and I did not support Mr Eggleston’s team when their coup was successful at the last Gold Coast Turf Club elections but they have since won us over, largely on the score of accountability.
‘There were all sorts of stories going into the election about how strong the previous Board would be when push came to shove with Queensland Racing and at the end of the day that is largely why they lost power.
‘What has impressed us with Mr Eggleston and his new direction is their willingness to keep members informed on what is going on. They have given us an assurance that we will be instrumental in the decision making process for this most important issue.
‘The bottom line is no decision can be made unless Queensland Racing provides answers to the questions asked. We want real answers not the propaganda that Bob Bentley’s ‘spin doctor’ provides for us in his column in the Gold Coast Bulletin.’ – Name and address supplied, with-held by request.
Then there was this one:
‘In his circular to members, reproduced on your web-site, I noticed that the Gold Coast Turf Club has given Queensland Racing a February 19 dead-line for some answers.
‘I have been told that Mr Bentley from Queensland Racing has already stated that he is not prepared to answer many of the 25 questions that have been asked.
‘Could you check if this is correct and if so what does the club plan to do about? Surely there is a need for full disclosure when the long-term future of the club and so much money is at stake?’ – Sam Cook, Gold Coast.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We will attempt over the next week to secure an answer for you. Chances are Queensland Racing has formulated a general reply. Don’t count on each of the 25 being answered in detail though.
CONCERNS OVER WHERE EXTRA RACE DATES ARE COMING FROM
THE future of racing in the far north has been under a cloud pending the outcome of a legal battle over the Cairns racecourse and involving a major developer.
We received this e-mail and will be attempting to secure some answers:
‘There are reports circulating in the industry in the far north that the court action that threatened the future of racing in Cairns has been settled. Can you ascertain if this is correct?
‘We are told that the matter was settled and involved some payment by the Queensland racing industry. We are also told there has been an agreement that Cairns will get six TAB dates each year.
‘There are also reports that Rockhampton has agreed to a joint venture with Queensland Racing which will see that venue get many additional race meetings as well. We are concerned in the north that these dates will be lost to a club like Townsville?’ – Neil Roberts, Townsville.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We will attempt to get some answers and clarification on this issue. We do know that Queensland Racing has met this week with club officials to discuss a new Sky Channel deal. Reports suggest Bob Bentley wants QR to negotiate an overall deal on behalf of the industry in Queensland. Under expansion plans Sky will cover a large number of additional TAB meetings. Perhaps those being mentioned will fit into that category and perhaps the prizemoney might come from the loot that QR currently has in its coffers.
ANY CHANCE OF GETTING THINGS CHANGED WITH THESE WEB-SITES?
TONY from the Tweed is one of our e-mail regulars and here’s his contribution this week concerning a couple of problems getting up his nose about racing web-sites.
‘Has anyone had a close look at the new UNiTAB web-site? It’s certainly an improvement but call me pedantic, why oh why couldn’t they find a picture of an Australian horse and jockey for the Racing Home Page, not a bloody American.
‘Let’s hope someone also kicks Board member, Bob the Builder Bentley and his Chief Executive ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ Tuttle, up the bum and gets the Queensland Racing website into the 21st Century as well.
‘Ever try to find the Stewards’ Reports, especially for a meeting from a track where the name starts down the alphabet. The silly buggers can’t even put the track names in alphabetical order.
‘Not that Builder or Thomas is probably aware of this problem. There are some in the industry who reckon this pair still think the Internet is something associated with a prawn trawler.’