Relations soured last Thursday after QRL delivered an offer that was totally rejected by the TTC. It was described as “no way similar” to other QRL agreements with TAB race clubs in Queensland.

In this case, QRL declared it intended to completely take over the asset-rich Townsville Turf Club and stated it was not prepared to enter into an equity partnership deal.

The surprise announcement, sent by e-mail, prompted a whip around by TTC committee members who pledged the financial support to bail the club out of its financial predicament.

“We currently have a cash shortage that was actually caused by QRL when it, without any consultation or agreement, reduced TAB distributions to clubs two years ago,” a source said.

“It has left us technically insolvent. TTC has the assets. However, the State Government has a restriction that requires the facilities to be used only for racing.

“We had an unconditional $10 million contract to sell a slice of vacant unused land. QRL would not approve the sale.

“If it had been settled, we would have ample funds and QRL would have had to deal with us at arm’s length – not with a loaded gun at us,” the spokesperson said.

And now it seems QRL wants the lot.

Was there an ulterior motive behind their refusal to allow the $10m sale?

One must wonder.

Meanwhile, the TTC is adamant it wants a sensible solution that will deliver the best for racing in Townsville. But the matter is far from resolved.

It is expected that TTC and QRL will continue negotiations.

But if there is no suitable agreement, you can bet Government will be asked to intervene. Yes, it’s that serious.

NO HANGOVER FOR ‘JACK’ AFTER BIG DAY OUT AT EINASLEIGH

IT was Atherton trainer Garry (call me Jack) Duncan’s big day out at Einasleigh on Saturday, when he turned up with five runners, won three, had a second and a third, and went home on Sunday more than $20,000 richer.

But it wasn’t all good. Jack thought his best bet was Cockarelli in the Cup. He ran third after jockey Frank Edwards lost his stirrup irons in the race.

And then, long after the last, Jack was moving his truck in the pouring rain. It hooked on to a rope – and down came a family tent.

And next day along came the cops (who took no action), but suggested Jack not leave for home in his truck until all the celebratory fluids had vanished from his bloodstream.

It was a bit of a dampener to a big day, and Jack isn’t sure what to do next with his successful string.

But Oak Park in July looks a safe bet.

And campers be warned – don’t pitch your tent too close to the Duncan truck.

THE BALLARDS COMPLETE A CLEAN SWEEP OF THE CARD AT BOULIA

MEANWHILE, at Boulia, Mount Isa trainer Denise Ballard trained the program – five winners, including the Cup with St Louis Blues.

Three were ridden by son Dan, and two by Keith, to make it a complete family affair.

BARBAROVICH ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL IN TOWNSVILLE

FORMER Brisbane jockey Jason Barbarovich is on the comeback trail.

He rode in barrier trials on Tuesday in Townsville and hopes to be back mixing it with a few of his old colleagues soon.

Jason has been in the north a fair while, but his race-day activities have been restricted to helping other jocks get their mounts into the barrier stalls.

No doubt he will be missed in the role – but he is a welcome addition to the severely depleted riding rank .

COLUMN COURTESY OF NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER and TERRY BUTTS.

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