THIS website continues to listen to what our readers have to say and has introduced a ‘Wednesday Whinge’ where you can express your feelings on racing industry issues of the past week. Try to keep them objective. Just e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

THE e-mail bag was over-flowing this week with plenty wanting to comment on the outcome of the More Joyous inquiry and most far from happy at the penalty dished up to Gai Waterhouse. We decided to provide our take on the outcome. There are a host of other topics from concerns that the Stradbroke will be converted from handicap to weight-for-age to a host of other topics from across the country and overseas. As usual we focus on our theme of THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY news of the past week.

 

HOW DARE THESE 'LACKEYS' OF RACING IN NSW QUESTION THE FIRST LADY OF RACING

EVERYONE else has had their two bob’s worth, so we at LETSGOHORSERACING decided it was our turn to take a tongue-in-cheek look back at the MORE JOYOUS saga:

HOW dare these lackeys policing the sport in New South Wales question the First Lady of Australian racing?

The indignity of it all – having the Waterhouse family name dragged through the mud – and even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth wondering what they are doing to ‘Her’ trainer.

If the stewards aren’t aware that there is no in-house ‘horse talk’ between Gai, Robbie and son Tom, then someone should tell them so.

What right do they have to question a Waterhouse, especially our Gai after the job she has done boosting the image of racing in NSW and Australia for that matter?

The stigma of it all – and worse still, the fine – even if it was just a slap on the wrist and paled into insignificance compared to the costs of the battery of lawyers that the family engaged.

And to think this all occurred because ‘a drunk’ and ‘a crazy’ owner dared to express an opinion to the racing public on national television with the supposed backing of a all-but-forgotten football hero who couldn’t remember, a would-be-if-he-could-be jockey and, of all things, a brothel-owning punter.

To think their ‘respected’ family name could be ‘dragged through the mud’ by the likes of those sorts of people and all it had done was revive those old terrible jokes about the only thing worse than an ‘out-house’ in Sydney - a Waterhouse. This can all be blamed on tall poppy syndrome.

As for the action of the Racing NSW stewards and its chairman ‘Marshall’ Murrihy  – not only in daring to ask such outrageous questions of the famous family – but then to fine the First Lady the princely sum of $5,500 – well that’s just not on.

‘WE WILL FIGHT THIS FROM THE RACETRACKS TO THE COURTS’

IT might only be a pittance in terms of the fortune the Waterhouse family has made out of racing from their training and bookmaking empires, but that’s not the point.

To pinch a phrase from that great war-time hero Winston Churchill in the face of enormous odds: ‘We shall fight them on the beaches. We shall fight in the fields and on the streets. We shall never surrender.’

The family lawyers will do all in their power – if necessary take it to the highest courts in the land – to correct this wrong and clear the name of the First Lady who believes she has been treated like a ‘third grader.’

Trial by the media was simply unfair. The irony is that the hand that has fed she and her late dad T J for decades would one day come back to bite them in the bum.

Some would argue that if the excuses offered up by Waterhouse for the alleged problems More Joyous was suffering before the race were lame, the fines imposed on her were even lamer considering the millions lost by punters across the land when the mare was beaten out of sight.

As high profile lawyer Chris Murphy commented – it amounted to the cost of a pair of Valentino shoes for the multi-millionaire trainer and raised questions why she spat the dummy and departed the inquiry ‘kicking and snorting.’

LEADING NEWSPAPERS TOOK DIFFERENT SLANT ON COVERAGE

THE critics say it wouldn’t have been a Waterhouse family controversy without a sympathy story from her publicity machine within the Sydney Telegraph racing department.

This was the angle they chose to take after the guilty verdict was handed down:

GAI Waterhouse gave a revealing insight into the emotional toll the More Joyous inquiry has taken on her after she was hit with fines totaling $5500 by Racing NSW stewards yesterday.

"You have treated me like a third-grade person," Waterhouse said. "I have had to put up with abuse, my family has been dragged through the mud and mire, and made out to be 'criminals'.

"I think this (inquiry) has been extremely unfair. If there was anything wrong with the mare, I would have told you.

"I'm not trying to deceive. It is not in my nature."

IT was a different approach taken by the Fairfax Media that has given News Limited quite a hiding when it comes to exclusives in racing issues in NSW and Victoria over the past 12 months.

IN contrast here’s how the Sydney Morning Herald reported the outcome of the most publicized scandal in Australian racing since Fine Cotton:

ONCE known as the sport of kings, the trainer Gai Waterhouse evoked her royal patron as she unsuccessfully defended charges that have made NSW racing resemble the sport of spivs of late.

''Every TV station, every newspaper in the whole world, even the Queen said to her racing manager, 'What's going on with Gai Waterhouse in Australia'?'' Waterhouse angrily told a Racing NSW inquiry.

She savaged the inquiry, the media and most of all John Singleton, the horse owner who rounded on her on April 27 claiming his mare More Joyous could not win the All Aged Stakes at Randwick.

Much of Sydney has since been amused as trainers, jockeys, bookies and assorted hangers-on turned racing into a four-legged satire.

It ended on Monday with Waterhouse attacking the six-member stewards panel as unfair.

''I have been treated like a third-rate person and my family has been dragged through the mud, through the mire,'' she said. ''All these people who have been to the inquiry have had to sit next to the major player and have been inhibited by Mr Singleton. It is shoddy and embarrassing to racing.''

IN fairness PHIL ROTHFIELD did subsequently write in the DAILY TELEGRAPH:

RACING NSW has come under extreme fire for the lenient penalty handed down to trainer Gai Waterhouse in the More Joyous inquiry.

Punters invested - and blew - $4 million on the super mare in the All Aged Stakes, totally unaware Waterhouse vets were treating a sick horse with antibiotics in the lead-up.

The fine was a paltry $5500 for withholding information from stewards - about as damaging and hurtful to a multi-millionaire as being lashed with a lettuce leaf.

 

GAI’S INQUIRY PERFORMANCE BEST SINCE HER ACTING DAYS?

SOME will say the Waterhouse performance on the final day of the inquiry was her best since she tried acting as a career but found she had a brighter future following her dad into the horse training business.

Instead of accepting the $5,500 in fines as a ‘gift,’ she stalked out of the inquiry in her gold designer gym boots, face thunderous, head down, pouting and refusing to say a word.

Worse was still to come. Stewards plan to now widen the More Joyous investigation into her race prior to the All Aged Stakes where she was beaten, some might say unluckily, as an odds-on favorite.

It emerged during Monday’s inquiry that More Joyous was described as ‘lame’ on the Tuesday before the Group 1 Queen of the Turf Stakes, which was run on April 6, three weeks before her poor All Aged Stakes run.

Chief steward Ray Murrihy said it was only when he started to sift through Waterhouse's logbook that he discovered More Joyous was listed as ‘lame’ in the front leg on the Tuesday before the Queen Of The Turf Stakes where she ran at $1.65 and finished a luckless fifth.

She used John Singleton’s riding instructions as the scapegoat for the More Joyous performance in the All Aged. Perhaps it will be the Nash Rawiller ride that will be blamed for the previous defeat.

Apart from the ‘lame’ penalty handed down Murrihy did a good job maintaining his cool in trying circumstances after the Waterhouse lawyers went on the attack maintaining his panel had no right to adjudicate after charging their client.

This was an old chestnut paraded through many racing inquiries by over-paid lawyers who think they are in a court of law and not a domestic tribunal – and Murrihy told them as much.

He gave as good as he got in several toe-to-toe confrontations with Waterhouse who told him:  

‘I had been so badly abused by that man (Singleton), I couldn't think straight. I was so agitated for the day I can't tell you how upset I was and when we got in there it was like a whirlwind going around in my head.’

Murrihy was unmoved and being the glutton for publicity that he is will press on with the More Joyous investigation until he gets the answers that the industry and the punters deserve regardless of whether it ruffles Gai’s feathers or not.

When she was angrily snapping at him: ‘I am a horse woman to my tippy toes,’ perhaps she should have been reminded that without the punters there would be no racing. They didn’t get a fair go that day and Waterhouse should be prepared to shoulder her part of the responsibility for that.

Whether Gai likes it or not, ‘Singo’ has emerged from the More Joyous inquiry as the ‘punters’ pal’ while she will be remembered for her not only her pretentiousness but also giving the impression that she believes the Waterhouse family are The Untouchables of horse racing in Australia.’

 

YOUR SAY ON THE WATERHOUSE SAGA – MOST FEEL THE PENALTY WAS A JOKE

WE received numerous e-mails on the More Joyous inquiry outcome and here are the ones that we have elected to run:

KK of MELBOURNE wrote: ‘WHAT a farce the penalties were that stewards imposed on Gai Waterhouse for failing to report treatment to More Joyous.

She and Robbie would arguably spill $5,500 in high priced wine every week. It didn’t even amount to a slap on the wrist for what she did.

The question I want to ask is this: Did the punishment fit the crime?

In assessing the answer remember this: It was estimated that punters invested $4 million on More Joyous in the All Aged Stakes.

Had Gai reported the problem which she claims doesn’t exist then that money would still be in the pockets of punters. Instead she gets a fine of $5,500. What a joke!

With all due respects to the Murrihy panel and the job they tried so hard to do, they must have been under enormous pressure because of the influence that the Waterhouse family has.

If I was a corporate bookmaker framing a market on what will happen at appeal Waterhouse would be odds-on to be cleared of any wrong-doing.’

And this one:

JN of SYDNEY: ‘I am not certain why Mrs Waterhouse is ‘kicking the cat’.

There seems to be three separate issues that are getting up her nose and causing distress to both her and the Queen.

Firstly, there are two charges that are the centre of the inquiry.

One centres around Mrs Waterhouse not reporting treatment.

Secondly she and or her staff have failed to enter the treatment in a log book in accordance with the rules of racing.

From the little coverage I have read on the charges and the stewards’ decision Mrs Waterhouse is acting in a manner reminiscent of Aidan O'Brien, the Irish trainer who thought he was untouchable when he visited Australia a couple of years back.

Mrs Waterhouse seems to acknowledge that (a) the mare received treatment and further (b) such treatment wasn’t recorded as required by the rules.

Mrs Waterhouse is making a big scene over her ability to train horses being challenged and the fitness of More Joyous on the day.

What she is going on about has nothing to do with the first two points that make up both charges.

Her pride has taken a battering, nothing else.’

 

And finally this one from:

SG of BRIBANE: IT came as no surprise that another case involving a Waterhouse runner would be raised in the More Joyous inquiry.

Similarities were raised between the More Joyous situation and that of another Waterhouse-trained galloper, Swift Alliance, in the lead-up to the Stradbroke Handicap three years ago.

Racing Queensland stewards charged Waterhouse with failing to report the treatment of a hoof problem and fined her the lowly sum of $1,000 which was subsequently quashed on appeal.

No doubt in her appeal against the $5,500 in fines over the alleged failure to advise of treatment to More Joyous the Swift Alliance case will get a good airing.

Here we go again. The failure of the racing legal system in Queensland to work – the fine was a joke and so was the appeal result in the eyes of many – could help good old Gai escape what some believe Sydney stewards should have suspended her for.

 

HYPOCRISY IN NEW BETTING LEGISLATION WHEN THERE’S NO LAST RACE AT THE CASINO

THE proposed Government restriction on the promotion and advertisement of live sports betting odds has captured plenty of media space in the past week.

This was prompted more by the rugby league fans annoyed by the presence of bookmaker Tom Waterhouse more than the in-the-run live betting on racing which has cost punters – big and small – a fortune.

There was good for thought in an interesting e-mail we received from FJ of the GOLD COAST who posed the question:

‘HAVE these do-gooders who are complaining about live sports betting odds and the challenge it is to convince families to warn their children of the perils of gambling stopped to think about the casinos.

At least at the football there is a time limit on the action and there is always a last race at the gallops, trots or dogs. But the same can’t be said for the casinos.

Punters with sufficient funds – and the ability to replenish supplies at a conveniently located hole in the wall on the premises – could, if they wished, bet 24 hours a day. There is no last race or final siren at the casino.

No clocks, no barriers, no do-gooders whining about the perils of gambling – just the ability to play as long as you like or until your money runs out.

One could probably argue the same about the pokies. But there is never a call to control casino gambling. In fact some Governments are keen to build more of them.

What sheer hypocrisy.’  

 

SOME CALL IT AN EMBARRASSMENT BUT AT LEAST RACING IN NSW IS TAKING ACTION

WHILST the horse at the centre of a major drama in NSW country areas has fled the scene to Queensland, those involved in the case might be wishing they were with him.

Here’s a report of yet another embarrassing case for racing in NSW:

TWO licensed persons, including Tamworth trainer Cody Morgan, have been charged by NSW police for allegedly administering performance-enhancing drugs to Prussian Secret.

Police will allege that Morgan, 29, and a 47-year-old man were caught ‘drenching’ Prussian Secret before the Gunnedah Cup earlier this month.

Under legislative changes to the Crimes Act introduced in State Parliament last year, licensed persons can be charged by the police for various breaches of the Act and if found guilty, face possible imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Police from Strike Force Trentbridge - formed to investigate allegations of race fixing in NSW - charged Morgan with conduct corrupting the betting outcome of an event and using corrupt conduct information to bet on a race.

Morgan's alleged accomplice was charged with conduct corrupting the betting outcome of an event, possessing an unauthorised firearm and possessing an unregistered firearm.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys supports the police scrutiny of the sport as an added protection for punters and race fans.

"If a possible jail sentence of drenching a horse isn't a deterrent, I don't know what is," V'landys said.

"The changes to the Crimes Act will be a major boost to one of our primary objectives at Racing NSW that everyone is to be on a level playing field.

"In particular, we want to protect the small punters who as a group provide the majority of wagering on our industry."

EDITOR’S NOTE: Perhaps it is time for the Governments in other states – especially Queensland where reports of horse drenching are rife – to legislate serious treatment of horses as a crime with major prison terms confronting those who are found guilty of these offences. Now that a former Police Commissioner in Jim O’Sullivan has been appointed as Racing Integrity Commissioner in Queensland he should be pushing for greater police scrutiny of the sport.

 

NSW POLICE SPECIAL TASKFORCE INVESTIGATING RACE FIXING IN ALL CODES

THE NSW Police Special Taskforce TRENTBRIDGE on Monday charged two persons and executed a search warrant in the Tamworth area, in relation to events that have occurred in the NSW harness racing industry.

Taskforce TRENTBRIDGE was established by the NSW Police to investigate race fixing within the NSW harness racing industry.

This taskforce has worked closely with HRNSW’s Manager Integrity & Chairman of Stewards Reid Sanders over the past months and today’s events are a result of that partnership.

HRNSW commended the NSW Police for conducting this investigation and will continue to work closely with them in the future.

The developments send a strong message that HRNSW is committed to ensuring the highest level of integrity within the industry and to increase public confidence in the sport. HRNSW has become a leader in integrity matters and continues to develop strategies to maintain that position.

HRNSW will not name the persons involved or make any further comment until these matters have been put before the courts

 

LATEST SCUTTLEBUTT FOR THE ‘BELIEVE IT OR NOT’ FILE FROM OUR SPIES AT DEAGON HQ

OUR Spies in the Deagon Bunker have been working over-time in the past week and here are a few snippets of scuttlebutt for the ‘believe it or not’ file this week:

THE rumor mill suggests that a high profile racing official shot himself in both feet during an interview for the position of CEO for the new Racing Queensland body. Apparently he made the mistake of telling the minor code people what they were doing wrong and bagged certain aspects of the administration which went over like a led balloon. The guy in question is said to be now well and truly out of contention despite the efforts of ‘friends in high places’ to have a fresh set of interviews for the job. To make matters worse he is now supposedly telling all and sundry that he didn’t apply for the job. The successful candidate is set to be named in the next week and our spies are tipping a surprise.

THEY also report that there is plenty of talk about the strange manner of payment for a business enterprise by a former high profile staffer at RQ that could get an earlier airing than the Commission of Inquiry into racing. The story goes that police are well into an investigation and charges could be pending.

FRESH from the Deagon Bunker comes the news that there is growing disharmony within the ranks of the stewards in Queensland. The situation has been worsened among the ‘in click’ in Brisbane with rumors that an old enemy could be making a comeback to their ranks. There is also talk of one stewards’ chairman in the country wanting out of his job because his wife is terrified after their house was burgled twice. Another rumor suggests a high profile steward is ready to quit because he has been hamstrung in the job that he is trying to do and believes he does not have the support of his superiors or the powers-that-be to pursue what he wants to.

 

TRAINING CAREER OF THE CUPS KING REACHES ANOTHER MAJOR MILESTONE

IF there is one man in racing who should know better than to doubt Bart Cummings, it’s Joe Agresta.

The esteemed track rider has been employed by the legendary trainer for more than half of the six decades that Cummings has been training and has seen him work some miracles.

But even Agresta questioned whether veteran gelding Precedence, a one-time spruik stayer, could win last Saturday’s Group 3 Premier’s Cup at Doomben.

“On his form, you really couldn’t go to Brisbane and probably nine out of 10 trainers wouldn’t have gone up there,” Agresta said. “But he’s gone up there with ordinary form and he’s won a Group 3 race.

“He’s just amazing, Bart. It’s just persistence. Quite often I’ve thought, ‘he’s mad putting this horse in this race, it can’t win’, and next thing he’s won a Group 1 with it.”

Precedence’s win was the latest example of magic weaved by Cummings in a training career that today (Wednesday) will officially span 60 years.

 

IS THERE A REASON FOR THE SUDDEN BELOW STANDARD EFFORTS FROM SOME STABLES?

ON the contentious topic of integrity in racing in Queensland we have received several e-mails asking if we have noticed how horses from a couple of stables have suddenly been performing below standard recently.

The e-mailers maintain that publicity surrounding certain treatment of horses and the performance of certain well backed runners from stables that shall remain nameless has caused a ‘slackening off of activity.’

They are claiming that this will happen during the winter carnival but it will be back to activity as normal after the visiting horses return home.

Perhaps they should send an anonymous tip outlining their concerns and allegations to the newly-appointed Racing Integrity Commissioner, Jim O’Sullivan.

 

IS ANYONE IN FAVOR OF CHANGING THE STRADBROKE HANDICAP TO WEIGHT-FOR-AGE?

LH of HENDRA in BRISBANE wrote: ‘COULD someone tell me if they know of anyone that is in favor of changing the conditions of the Stradbroke Handicap?

It seems that this stems from a couple of officials at the Brisbane Racing Club as it certainly hasn’t got the backing of racing stake-holders or the media. In fact I can’t remember reading one supporter of a change.

Apart from the Newmarket, the Stradbroke is the best handicap in Australia. Why would you want to change it to weight-for-age when the Doomben 10,000 can attract a field like it dad last Saturday?

As the old saying goes – ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Either someone at the BRC has got too much say and doesn’t know what he’s talking about or simply too much time on his hands coming up with outlandish suggestions like this.’

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one area where there seems to be unanimous agreement among all sections of the racing industry. The message to the BRC is loud and clear: ‘Hands-off the Stradbroke!’ As I wrote on Monday if they change it to weight-for-age, racing in Queensland will lose the best handicap in the land and the 10,000 will be relegated to lead-up standard.

 

MOVE TO RE-NAME THE T J SMITH THE J J ATKINS HAS BEEN APPLAUDED

WE received a couple of e-mails after it was suggested in the Sydney media that there was controversy over the decision to rename the Group One Eagle Farm two-year-old from the T J Smith to the J J Atkins.

Once again we endorse a column item written by Ken Callander in the Sydney Telegraph when he suggested ‘it was the smart thing to do.’

No-one should read into the name change any slight on T J who was a legend and a regular carnival visitor to Queensland. In the popularity stakes in the north J J would have given him a real run for his money.

The question could be posed: Once Randwick introduced a T J Smith Stakes as part of its autumn carnival was it necessary for the Queensland feature to continue under the same name. And there was no more worthy replacement – especially in Queensland – that J J Atkins.

Ken Callander also supports the naming of the Randwick grandstand the Tommy Smith Stand. As he said. The SCB has the Don Bradman Stand, Parramatta the Ken Thornett Stand and Leichardt has the Keith Barnes Stand.

Naming stands after heroes provides great memories and connects the fans of today with the champions of yesteryear.

Perhaps they could name a bar in the Tommy Smith Stand after the great old war-horse Rangirangdoo, sent to that racetrack in the sky after breaking down badly in sad circumstances during the Doomben 10,000.

Rangi might have been Queensland owned and trained by a former Kiwi who has dominated in recent seasons but he was a peoples’ champion that will be long remembered.

 

SLAUGHTER JOBS IN THE BIG RACE BUT NOT A QUESTION ASKED BY RQ STEWARDS

SJ of SYDNEY wrote: ‘PITY the poor old punters who once again did their backsides courtesy of a slaughter job by a couple of top jockeys.

What were Hugh Bowman and Damien Browne thinking when they adopted suicidal tactics on Your Song and Buffering in the Doomben 10,000.

As you would expect from the stewards in Queensland not a question was asked of either about the kamikaze tactics that they adopted.

Granted both drew badly and were obviously under instructions to go forward but surely ‘lead at all costs’ wasn’t part of the plan. No-one wants to see a fancied runner parked wide in any race but these tactics simply backfired.

In the circumstances Buffering did an enormous job to hold on and run third while Your Song was entitled to drop out and finish sixth.

An indication of just how much pace was on can be gauged by the fact that Rain Affair was unable to retain the lead. Then again he dropped out to finish at the tail of the field so something must have been amiss.’

EDITOR’S NOTE: Rather than comment on the above e-mail, which was the general opinion of several received on the subject, here’s what respected columnist KEN CALLANDER wrote in the SYDNEY TELEGRAPH:

GREATER Western Sydney had more hope of winning the AFL or Parra more hope of winning the NRL than Your Song had of winning the Doomben 10,000 on Saturday by charging for the lead.

Hugh Bowman obviously thought he would surprise everyone with his tactics but all he did was dig a grave for punters. Sure, if it had come off Bowman would have caught his rivals by surprise, but the chances of it coming off with Buffering and Rain Affair in the race were zero.

As it turned out the $3.30 favorite was out of petrol and with no feathers to fly with by the time the home turn was reached. Not surprisingly Your Song wilted to sixth while Rain Affair ran last.

In perhaps the best run of the day Buffering fought on like one of Souths' Burgess brothers to run third to Epaulette. If you backed Your Song don't miss him in the Stradbroke.

 

HAS THE TIME COME TO SHOW ‘DAN THE MAN’ THE DOOR TO RACING FOR GOOD?

LP of ADELAIDE sent this e-mail: ‘WHEN is racing going to do its image a favor and ban Dan Nikolic for good?

Just when we were getting used to hearing nothing about his dramas up pops ‘Dan the Man’ in another controversy.

This time he will face improper conduct charges relating to his behavior toward a steward last November.

It seems that hot on the heels of his dust-up with the Chief Steward, Nikolic allegedly decided to let off some steam at a VCAT hearing.

If the Appeals Bodies had done their job in the beginning and set an example that the type of behavior that Nikolic has displayed in the past won’t be tolerated, then these repeat offences might not be happening.

It’s time to show him the door – close it when he leaves – and tell him never to return to racing.’   

EDITOR’S NOTE: I hear on the grapevine where ‘Dan the Man’ has been in Queensland recently in the company of another controversial jockey at a well-known racing watering hole up north and there’s no problem with that. But it seems that the racing public and the industry in general have had a gutful of his antics and prefer him on the outer rather than the inner where racing is concerned. Here’s the story by MATT STEWART in the HERALD-SUN that the above e-mail obviously refers to:  

DANNY Nikolic was today issued two improper conduct charges, relating to his behavior towards steward Wade Hadley during a VCAT hearing last November.

Stewards allege Nikolic called Hadley a ‘disgrace’ in the hearing, during which Nikolic was appealing a two-year disqualification over threats made towards chief steward Terry Bailey at the Seymour races.

Nikolic was charged a second time for approaching Hadley during a break in the hearing.

Hadley said Nikolic clicked his tongue, to imitate the sound of a clicking gun, as he approached him.

Hadley said Nikolic said he (Hadley) was "going up in the world, but let's see where you end up" and that he (Hadley) was a "fine f...ing specimen of a human being" and added "you are all tarred with the same brush".

A date before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board for this latest Nikolic hearing has not been set.

Nikolic was disqualified for two years for threatening Bailey but had the penalty softened to a one-year disqualification, and one year suspension on appeal.

APPOINTMENT OF HIGH PROFILE BOSSES FOR TVN ATTRACTING PUBLICITY

THE appointment of high profile positions at racing broadcaster TVN continues to attract plenty of publicity with an array of names being suggested as candidates for the CEO role.

There is also murmurs that some of those involved in the coverage of NSW racing for SKY could be shown the door when TVN takes over the coverage. Several big racing media names could be set for the chop.

Here are a couple of reports on the TVN situation.

THE FINANCIAL REVIEW reports:  

The ongoing palaver over the leadership of TVN continues to give and give, just two months after former News Limited executive chairman John Hartigan bailed on his well-flagged gig chairing the racing network chairmanship over fears that an incoming team needed to be “freed of burdens of being tied in knots by a dysfunctional board”.

What Harto essentially meant there was that he wouldn’t have Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’Landys lording it over him.

Equine porn types are now aflutter that the top spot on the board is being fought out between former Photon, er Enron, er Enema boss Tim “Mumbles” Hughes and Nathan Tinkler ’s recently departed Patinack Farm CEO Peter Beer.

Mumbles – the man who hired Jeremy Philips to run his flagging marketing services company – has flatly denied he’s come within cooee of this particular poisoned chalice. Last year, he was being pushed for a spot on the board of the newly formed post-News Ltd Australian Rugby League Commission by, yep, you guessed it, Big Harto.

As for the gig as TVN’s chief executive, the shortlist of candidates currently being considered by its headless board impresses thanks to the presence of former Seven West Media CFO Peter Lewis . One of the other five names under consideration is former XYZ Networks boss Bruce Mann, who was made redundant when John Porter (now, funnily enough, Enema chairman) merged Austar with News Ltd’s Foxtel.

PATRICK BARTLEY reports in the MELBOURNE AGE:

RAY Gunston, caretaker chief executive of the embattled Essendon Football Club, has been shortlisted for the top job at racing's broadcasting network TVN.

Gunston took over from Ian Robson, who resigned as Essendon chief last week amid allegations of the use of illegal substances on players at the club, but is being keenly pursued for the TVN role.

Gunston, a former boss of Tattersalls and non-executive director of Sigma Pharmaceuticals Ltd, is one of the leading candidates for the TVN position, which is believed to carry an annual salary of $800,000 a year, after other high-profile targets passed on the role, including former Football Federation Australia chief Ben Buckley and News Ltd's Michael Miller.

This followed the departure of former News Ltd boss John Hartigan from the position of TVN chairman earlier this year after he observed that a dysfunctional board and a restrictive shareholder agreement rendered the position unworkable.

TVN has been split by controversy and inept commercial dealings over the past 12 months and a fierce split between board members in Melbourne and Sydney has cost the racing industry significant income.

Racing administrators are uneasy about the state of the business because of the amount of money spent on consultants and payroll.

The favorite for the TVN role is former Channel Seven chief executive Peter Lewis, who was the architect of the deal that saw TVN pay $2million a year to Seven for a free-to-air platform to broadcast select race meetings. Lewis then signed corporate bookmaker Tom Waterhouse to a $5 million a year deal, securing a boon result for Seven.

Lewis spent 13 years at Seven West Media but left the position as chief executive earlier this year.

Former Washington Redskins administrator Bruce Mann is also on a shortlist of candidates to be considered by the TVN board after finishing a 10-year role with XYZnetworks last year, as is acting TVN chief executive Stephen Dole.

 

NEW PUNTER KNOWN AS ‘THE JEWELLER’ ENJOYING SUCCESS FROM TOOWOMBA

THE buzz around the tracks in south-east Queensland has been the success of a new punter who has emerged on the scene.

 He has been nicknamed ‘The Jeweller’ apparently because away from the track he trades more in gold than in cash.

Regardless of the source of his betting ammunition, ‘The Jeweller’ is reportedly based in Toowoomba from where he launched a savage attack on the bookie boys last Saturday that netted him over $300,000.

THE POINT SHOULD BE MADE THAT RACING ISN’T JUST ABOUT GAMBLING FOR SOME

MC of MELBOURNE writes: ‘I don’t mind admitting that I am a great fan of racing writer Matt Stewart of the Herald Sun and would like to commend the story he wrote about the Four Corners program on sports bookmakers.

Stewart rightly pointed out that the ABC program seemed to accept that it was fine for Tom Waterhouse to operate at the racetrack but not on the football field.

He made a great point about racing not being all about gambling for some people as seems to be the general public perception. That is why this intense hullabaloo about betting corrupting sports like rugby league has been able to get out of hand.

Is it all that bad for a fan to want to back his favorite club to win? Like a lot of others I am not in favor of betting during a game or for that matter when a race is being run but I can’t see what’s wrong with having a punt on the club you follow.’

EDITOR’S NOTE: Betting while games are being played and in the run at race meetings in particular can best be described as Russian Roulette and should be banned. With so many other options available like first and last try scorers, leaders at half and full time etc surely this invasive betting format is unnecessary. Once the race or the game begins let’s sit back and enjoy it without interference from the TAB or sports bookies. Here’s what MATT STEWART wrote that the above e-mail referred to: 

A WEEK ago, Four Corners examined how bookmakers were corrupting sport of its innocence.

How a joyous day out for dad and the kids, with the team scarfs and the thermos, was soiled by endless assaults of odds and enticements.

Racing is not regarded with the same fear of corporate bookmaker corruption as footy.

Four Corners seemed to accept that a Tom Waterhouse assault was OK at the racetrack, while being grotesque at the football.

Gambling funds racing, but that doesn't make it the essence of racing. Those who care only about the punt corral racing into a very lonely corner.

Narrow racing only to betting and it becomes irrelevant to a mainstream that is arching passionately against figures such as Waterhouse - seen not as bookmakers but corrupters.

Racing, dead if detached from the rest of the world, still has a pulse, still has a heart.

Women are half the population and a glorious component of horse racing, yet few bet. They dress up, enjoy hanging out at the racetrack bars and lawns and have a gander at the beautiful horses.

A lot of blokes don't bet much at, or on, the races either. When they do, it's for fun, not profit. They work for that. They love the sights and smells of the racetrack, the history of it.

They love the strange hold a horse can have on a grown man, and not necessarily because it landed the quaddie.

Chris Waller has so many horses in work at Rosehill, they are housed in barns the size of aircraft hangars. They are grist for the punting mill.

Waller lost one of his swarm on Saturday, old Rangirangdoo. Rangi was special because he was Waller's first good horse. He even named his horse pool after him.

Waller can be an emotional and sniffling victor - and not because the mugs in the TABs have landed a bet. He was inconsolable after Rangi died.

Almost immediately after Rangi smashed two sesamoids at Doomben, a fan page appeared on Twitter and hundreds, including sad jockeys who had ridden him, offered tributes.

The reaction to Rangi's death proved that while the punt fuels horse racing's engines, other things fuel the interest.

 

OWNERS URGED TO VACCINATE HORSES TO PROTECT FROM HENDRA VIRUS

AGRICULTURE, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh has urged horse owners to protect themselves and their horses from Hendra virus by vaccination.

“I’m urging all horse owners to vaccinate as we head towards the peak winter risk period for Hendra,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of Hendra infection. Sadly, human infection and deaths have occurred from high-level exposure to body fluids from infected horses. By vaccinating, owners aren’t just protecting their horses, they’re also protecting themselves, their family and employees.

“I strongly advise horse owners to discuss vaccination with their vet.”

Mr McVeigh said while recent data showed the vaccine offered protection for up to six months, people in contact with horses still needed to use common sense and follow hygiene practices.

“The Hendra virus vaccine is only for Hendra virus and horses can carry other diseases. Anyone handling sick horses should take steps to protect themselves using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE),” he said.

The vaccine manufacturer, Zoetis Australia, joined the Minister in his call for increased vigilance and vaccination during the Hendra virus peak season.

“This vaccine is crucial in breaking the Hendra virus cycle of transmission from flying foxes to horses and then to humans,” Dr Stephanie Armstrong of Zoetis Australia said.

“By minimising the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses, we can all help protect Queensland horse owners, handlers, veterinarians and the broader community from this potentially fatal disease.”

Last year, the Newman Government implemented its $1 million PPE rebate program to support veterinarians when dealing with suspected Hendra virus cases. The program provides a rebate to Queensland vets on eligible equipment used when dealing with suspect horses.

Mr McVeigh encouraged horse owners and vets to review disease protocols and take all steps to reduce infection risks. Biosecurity Queensland has updated its comprehensive ‘Information for Horse Owners Pack’ – download at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or by phone 13 25 23.

For information on the Hendra virus vaccine, visit www.health4horses.com.au

 

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the above e-mails should not be interpreted as those of JOHN LINGARD, the owner-editor of the letsgohorseracing web-site. That is why he has added an ‘EDITOR’S NOTE’. Every endeavor is made to verify the authenticity of contributors. We welcome any reasonable and constructive responses from parties or individuals.