THE intimidation continues with further claims that the Magic Millions Carnival could be lost to the Gold Coast Turf Club over its refusal to accept a $75 million redevelopment because Queensland Racing refuses to divulge full details of the proposal.

The GCTC Board voted to accept the redevelopment deal for the Bundall complex provided it was the major equity partner – but surprise, surprise that does not suit Queensland Racing chairman, Bob Bentley, who insists his body must be the major equity partner.

This time the story in the Gold Coast Bulletin emanates from Lucy Arden and not Builder Bob’s ‘spin doctor’ at the newspaper. But the message is the same under the headline: ‘Gold Coast Turf Club turns down $75 million.’

Since the story appeared today (Thursday, March 4) several e-mails have been received by this web-site similar to the ones posted with the Gold Coast Bulletin. There has not been one in support of the Queensland Racing stance with most ‘seeing it for what it is’ – just another refusal by the control body to provide full disclosure or consultation with relevant parties on  contentious issues involving the future of the industry.

We reproduce the story courtesy of News Limited and the Gold Coast Bulletin, which reads:

‘THE Gold Coast Turf Club Board could be turning its back on the Magic Millions carnival by rejecting a $75 million redevelopment of its Bundall facility.

Gold Coast Turf Club chairman Andrew Eggleston confirmed the Board recently voted to accept the deal with Queensland Racing for redevelopment only if the club was the major equity partner.

"We will not enter into any agreement where we are not a majority stakeholder," he said.

But Queensland Racing boss Bob Bentley made it clear from the time the funding was announced that it would only be injected into the club if QR was the major equity partner.

The Turf Club Board is still refusing to meet Mr Bentley about the funding several weeks after the offer was made -- saying full details of the proposal needs to be put on the table first.

Magic Millions organizers have previously linked the future of the event on the Gold Coast to the turf club redevelopment going ahead.

Turf Club members and trainers yesterday expressed disappointment.

Winning Magic Millions trainer and Turf Club member Gillian Heinrich was frustrated about the lack of a meeting between the two parties and said she was concerned about the impact it could have on the multi-million dollar carnival.

"It would be a sad day to have to go to Brisbane to compete in the Magic Millions," said Mrs Heinrich.

When asked about the future of the event at the Gold Coast if the redevelopment was ruled out, Magic Millions managing director David Chester said: "We will be guided by Queensland Racing.

"Queensland Racing puts $1 million into the Magic Millions Carnival each year. The Gold Coast Turf Club does not put in anything; they charge us," said Mr Chester.

Mr Eggleston said he was not worried about the Magic Millions leaving the Gold Coast with the turf club close to sealing a five-year deal on the event.

Racehorse owner and Turf Club member Daniel Guy said he supported the proposal from Queensland Racing because of the positive impact it could have on the local racing industry.

Father and trainer Bryan Guy said he believed the two parties needed to 'get together and lay their cards on the table'.

Trainer Howard Wilson said Gold Coast Turf Club had nothing to lose with the deal and he did not understand why the club would not meet Queensland Racing.’

HERE is an example of the responses that we received after the story appeared:

‘It’s not hard to see where Mr Chester from the Magic Millions has his head firmly planted. Instead of parroting the praises of Bob the Builder, little Davie should admit that Magic Millions has been receiving Queensland Events money for years that was intended for the GCTC. He forgot to mention that when he said the club doesn’t put anything into Magic Millions. For years the former boss of the QEC had his own table at the sales where he was wined, dined and kowtowed to. He’s gone now fortunately but the memory of his presence lingers on with most of us – unfortunately.’ – Mark Proud – Brisbane.

 

‘How much longer is the racing industry in Queensland going to have to suffer this sickening intimidation and stand-over attitude of QR chairman Bob Bentley. Every-time a club or an official refuses to toe the line he threatens the future of their club. It’s got to the stage where racing in Queensland almost resembles that film, The Stepford Wives. The boys at QR sound the siren and all the good little officials frog-march into line like hypnotized robots. It’s time they showed Bentley and his gang the door before they get total control of this industry’ – Basil Murdoch, Gold Coast.

 

HERE are two e-mails posted on the Gold Coast Bulletin web-site by the same author, George Cattel, a regular contributor, who is far from a fan of Queensland Racing or the way the Bulletin is handling the story:

‘Lucy, look at the Turf Club web page and you will see Queensland racing asked for a meeting four weeks after they refused to answer any questions. And the money is all subject to the three racing codes merging (that no one wants). No wonder Goanna’s popularity is so low. I reckon she could eye ball an ant.’

And another one from the same author: George Cattel: ‘Lucy, once again your one-eyed side of this story is obvious. Instead of talking to the dumped chairman’s wife (WHO IS A HORSE TRAINER) and Daniel Guy another (HORSE TRAINER’S SON) get out to the track on Saturday and canvas all members. You will find that 90 per cent of us are totally behind the Board. We are sick and tired of being walked over by Magic Millions and Queensland Racing .Yes, we want Magic Millions. Yes, we want upgrades. But NO, we are not going to sell out to do it. BUILD A BRIDGE AND GET OVER IT!