THE WEDNESDAY WHINGE has a new look but won’t be dispensing with the theme and focus on the THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY side of what is happening in racing. The Whinge will continue to provide an opportunity for The Cynics to Have Their Say. Thanks again for your support for the most read column on this website and one of the most read on racing websites in the country. Our popularity continues to grow despite the bagging it cops from some high profile officials, especially in Queensland, who cannot cope with constructive criticism of any kind. We encourage supporters – and critics – to continue to contribute but plan to restrict the Whinge to less than 10 of the best items each week. Our message to those who continually bag us is simple: IF YOU DON’T LIKE WHAT YOU READ, THEN DON’T REVISIT THE WHINGE.

DID RQ IGNORE CORRECT DRUG TESTING PROCEDURES AND WHY?

A HIGH PROFILE racing industry IDENTITY in QUEENSLAND has provided this very concerning email about drug testing and its integrity under the previous Government and RQ administration. For obvious reasons he has asked to remain anonymous but the questions he raises need investigating by the new Government and the Crime and Corruption Commission. We have checked out the source and know it to be reliable:

‘I note with some interest the controversy surrounding the non-testing of samples that may involve elevated levels of Cobalt that would breach the Rules of Racing.

The procedures for the testing of these samples are clearly outlined in the processes approved by the Government appointed Racing Animal Welfare and Integrity Board.  These ‘procedures’ are publically available on the Department of Racing website for anyone to see.  It seems these were ignored.

It is ridiculous to suggest that evidence does not exist if horses were sampled and the samples provided to the Government-run, Racing Science Centre (RSC).  The only way that samples do not exist and can’t be tested is if:

These were never taken – in which case one must ask why? 

Was it a decision of the stewards, the former RQ Board headed by Kevin Dixon or a Government staff member (we are not suggesting any wrong-doing by any individual but where integrity is involved things need not only to be seen to be done but must be done)?

Or, were the samples taken, but not in accordance with the ‘procedures’, in which case the stewards responsible at the race meeting failed to use the correct procedure?

In either case, why and on whose order?

Or if the samples were incorrectly taken, or never submitted to the RSC, why didn’t the sample receiving officer at the RSC, or the supervising veterinary officer employed at the RSC raise a non-compliance report and follow the matter up?

The collection procedures have been in place for many years and have worked well. If they have not been applied in respect to Cobalt samples one may wish to consider why (who benefited from not taking proper samples?), why Government staff at the RSC did not know about the non-compliance, or chose to ignore it?

Either way this is a potential corruption matter that should be referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission.  It needs to be investigated.

Interestingly, the former boss of the Racing Office was apparently sacked by ‘furlong in front’, Steve Dickson (the former Racing Minister in the LNP Government) and his then Director-General for attempting to make a stand on integrity-related concerns he had with how the Dixon Board was operating, the lack of funding spent on drug control initiatives and a plan to remove Government oversight of the drug control process. On the direct orders of the former Director-General I have it on good knowledge that he was replaced by someone whose only knowledge of the racing industry was how to put a bet on at the local pub-TAB and would not make life difficult for ‘Little King Kev’. 

Queensland once had a drug control regime that was the envy of the rest of Australia but the ‘furlong in front’ Racing Minister had a plan to give it all back to RQ to run without any Government oversight.

Those of us old enough to remember when the QTC used to run the drug lab and the ‘caffeine crisis’ that occurred under their watch could not believe that this was being considered by the LNP Government. 

One must ask – who benefited from this whole drug control shambles? 

Will the Racing Minister refer this to the CCC for investigation as there are clearly critical integrity breaches occurring and with the money involved something doesn’t smell right?’

 

IS THE DECISION TO ALLOW COBALT GUILTY TRAINERS TO WALK FREE ‘A FARCE’?

CLEM JACKSON of BRISBANE writes:

‘MY friends and I are struggling to understand how harness and gallops trainers in Queensland found guilty of cobalt offences are being allowed to walk free on a ‘minor’ legal technicality.

We have already seen this happen with three harness trainers charged with presenting horses to race with excessive levels of cobalt chloride. They had a smart lawyer – one who knows racing backwards we might mention – and they got off.

It doesn’t alter the fact that they broke the Rules of Racing. It just makes a mockery of the integrity of racing in Queensland when this is allowed to happen – whether it is a minor technicality or not.

It is fine for the Racing Minister to immediately order a comprehensive audit of all handling procedures of the Racing Science Centre, the Office of Racing Regulation and Racing Queensland but the HORSE HAS BOLTED.

There is no question of the accuracy of the positive samples to Cobalt. But there was an administrative error relating to the certification of the laboratories used for the specific purposes under the 2002 Racing Act framework.

Well why not have the tests done by those laboratories that some dill forgot to get certification for carried out by a laboratory that is acceptable. Surely there is no statute of limitations on swabs.

Unless this is done racing in Queensland – more to the point the way integrity is carried out here – will continue to be a laughing stock in the rest of the country. It just continues to happen and it doesn’t seem to matter who is running the show.’

EDITOR'S NOTE: I haven't seen any official ruling published that the penalties imposed on two country Queensland gallops trainers have been overturned but one of them has horses entered for this weekend. It would be nice for the stewards or powers-that-be to let the industry know what is going on rather than sit on their fat behinds and say nothing - as usual. 

 

‘WHAT RIGHT DOES MAGIC MILLIONS HAVE TO BE INVOLVED IN CONSULTATION’?

ALBERT WILLIAMS of REDCLIFFE, a regular contributor to the Whinge, poses an interesting question this week:

‘WITH many friends involved in the racing industry I listened intently to an interview on racing radio in Brisbane on Tuesday when it involved the consultation process to correct the financial woes confronting racing in Queensland.

I have to say I was very impressed listening to Jim Rundle the boss of the Queensland Trainers’ Association. He seems to be a gentleman with the interests of the industry as a whole at heart rather than just a select group. Having said that, his passion for country racing shone through.

Unlike one of the hosts of the show from out in the country he didn’t suck up at every opportunity to those running the show. He gave credit where it was due – to those now running racing including the new Minister – but wasn’t backward in coming forward with some constructive criticism. He is the sort of person racing in this state needs to have a say going forward.

The only downside of the interview by Steve Hewlett, which I must say was as usual an excellent one, came when he asked Mr Rundle the identities of other members of the consultation group.

I was pleased to hear that Kerrina King from the Owners’ Association was there. She, too, isn’t scared to call a spade a spade. I don’t know the representatives of the other Trainers’ Association or the Jockeys but my mother taught me that if you can’t say something nice about someone, then say nothing at all and that will apply to my thoughts on the Breeders’ representative at the consultation talks.

The one thing that did surprise me was that Vin Cox of Magic Millions got a guernsey. I fail to see where that body should be involved in the consultation process. Why should they be making recommendations for the industry in the future when from the point of view of most involved all that will happen with the Magic Millions will be a ridiculous and farcical $5 million a year handout from industry funds that will go straight into the pocket of a private company or more importantly one of the country’s richest me in Gerry Harvey.

I don’t believe Magic Millions should be involved as a stakeholder group. If they are then here’s hoping when the betting side of affairs are considered that Ubet and some of the corporate bookmaking agencies get to share a seat around the table as well.’

 

‘HOW MANY PEOPLE DODGE EKKA DAY BECAUSE OF THE DRUNKEN BEHAVIOUR’?

ALLISON WALL of BRISBANE isn’t a fan of the Exhibition Race Day:

‘THERE was a time when I wouldn’t have missed the big Exhibition holiday race meeting at Eagle Farm.

These days – since they turned it into a drunken orgy for the younger brigade – I wouldn’t be seen within cooee of the joint (it will be even worse this year in the smaller confines of Doomben).

Officials will argue it is the biggest crowd at the races outside of Stradbroke day but I will question how many of them are there for the horse sports and the betting or simply to get plastered and hopefully laid later that evening.

If that’s what racing has degenerated into in Queensland these days they can have it. I will continue to watch from the comfort and security of my arm chair. And they wonder why no-one wants to go the races any more.

And if they want to use these morons (the majority of them) as an example of getting people back to the track, one has to question how many of them will return again before next year’s Ekka booze festival.

PS: SPARE a thought for the poor taxi drivers who have to transport these drunken fools from the track to their next watering hole while they get abused and have some throw up in their cabs.’

EDITOR’S NOTE: HERE’S a MEDIA RELEASE distributed yesterday by the BRISBANE RACING CLUB concerning the EKKA meeting:

DESPITE the winter chill, huge crowds are set to heat up Doomben Racecourse for the annual Smirnoff Mekka Wednesday Raceday this Wednesday.

This year’s event is tipped to be one of biggest on record with over 18,000 patrons expected to gather on the Wednesday public holiday for a day of racing, music and festivities.

Australian electro duo Carmada will headline the event following their recent North American Tour and launch of their EP, featuring hit track ‘Maybe’.

Brisbane Racing Club CEO Dave Whimpey said the club has experienced an overwhelming response to this year’s event.

“We are excited to bring a very current and exciting line up to the Smirnoff Mekka Wednesday Raceday,” Mr Whimpey said.

“Ticket sales for this year’s event have been our strongest on record and we’re expecting a bumper crowd come raceday”.

Joining Carmada on the main stage line-up is Tasmanian-based producer Akouo and DJ duo Odd Mob performing their cult hit ‘Is it a Banger?’

In addition to the hot on-stage artists, revellers can soak up the trackside atmosphere and enjoy entertainment including free carnival rides, a European beer hall and foam party.

Competition will be hot for the Beginning Boutique Fashions on the Field with stylish ladies and dapper gents making the most of raceday fashion.

 

OPEN LETTER TO RACING MINISTER FROM THE GREYHOUND COMMUNITY 

ALTHOUGH this well written and thought provoking OPEN LETTER TO RACING MINISTER BILL BYRNE is lengthy we feel there is sufficient interest, not only from the greyhound industry but the other codes to run it in full.

The letter has been posted this week as a petition on the Greyhound-Data website and in two days attracted over 200 signatures. It reads:

Minister

The Greyhound Industry in Queensland is concerned with its treatment and a lack of a measured response from the State Government with regards to Live Baiting.

As Greyhound Participants, we pay our taxes, we have mortgages, some have private health insurance, we believe we are mostly good people, and we respect the wider community.

But like a majority of Australians we were also sickened and embarrassed by the events portrayed in the 4 Corners Report.

What concerns us however is why the majority of participants which is currently 99% of the Industry are being treated like the 1% that has been found guilty?

The Premier made the comment that although there was no evidence to support that Live Baiting was “widespread”, it would be naïve to think that it wasn’t.

The word widespread in the dictionary means:

Distributed over a wide region, or occurring in many places or among many persons or individuals:

As of 1st August 2015, only 22 licensed participants on one property have been found conducting any illegal activity, this is less than 1% of Greyhound Participants in Queensland.

We understand that there still is an ongoing investigation, and that others may be charged in the future.

But where is the reasonable argument that the word “widespread” is reflective of Live Baiting in Queensland? Where is the evidence to support this conclusion?

The Animals Liberation had several cameras up on several properties, where is the evidence? I have read every one of the approximately 150 submissions made public, and there is no evidence whatsoever in my view to support this claim, nor to satisfy the use of the term, “widespread”.

Because of the message your Government has sent, the 99% of participants who have been found innocent at this time, have had to endure a constant barrage of questioning, and media “verbal abuse”.

We understand that Live Baiting is an emotive issue, but doesn’t the Government as a stakeholder in Greyhound Racing, have the responsibility to remove the emotions from it and deliver a measured response to the people of Queensland, but also on behalf of the Greyhound Industry?

Minister, you are quoted in Parliament as using the word “atrocities” in reference to the Greyhound Industry. Since when can what occurred on one property by a small group of individuals be compared to such vile acts as those that happened to the Jewish Community in World War II, or Eastern Europe in the 1990’s?

The Premier only just recently made the continued promise that she will listen to both sides of the issues and treat everyone fairly, well in this case, the Greyhound Industry feels that it has not been treated fairly.

The Animal Liberation claim that 18,000 Thoroughbreds and 14,000 Standard Bred are killed every year, why was the Greyhound Industry the only Racing Code targeted?

INDUSTRY CLAIMS NOT ONE ALLEGATION OF ANIMAL LIBERATION IS FACTUAL

YOU only have to read the Greyhound Racing page on the Animal Liberation website? Not one of their allegations is factual, they are biased, sensationalized and misreport basic facts to justify their argument.

1. Over-breeding: 20,000 bred each year. Fact: On average the Number has been 15,000 to 16,000, and breeding numbers have been reducing naturally for the past five years in Australia.

2. Anecdotal Evidence of mild electric shocks being used to make greyhounds run faster: False: There is no evidence to support this, and has never been heard of within the Greyhound Industry. It has been heard to be used in the Thoroughbred Industry though, and most likely where the Animal Liberation got the idea from.

3. Illicit drug use used to determine race results. False: There is no part of society including Human Sport where drugs are not an issue, but the Greyhound Industry has one of the better records when it comes to the Racing Industry. Only the Thoroughbreds and Harness are caught up in the Cobalt issue, it is systematic as vets are involved as well, and more people are being investigated than those who have been found guilty of Live Baiting in Greyhounds. Isn’t this an Animal Welfare issue? Why the double standards?

4. That Greyhounds are forced to wear muzzles 24 hours a day, which prevents them from removing insects from their bodies and licking their sores. False: The only time a greyhound wears a muzzle is when it is racing, it is part of the Racing Act. Councils also determine that when greyhounds are in public they must wear a muzzle.

5. Industry in Decline. False: The Greyhound Industry in Australia has increased its turnover by over a Billion dollars in the past five years. Queensland is the only State that hasn’t enjoyed this increase in turnover, because both sides of politics determine that it is better to prop up the other two racing codes. They also fail to support greyhound racing with policies to help improve their turnover, by delaying projects for new stadia, and closing down other greyhound venues, with no ability to rebuild.

6. If a dog doesn’t win or place in its first six starts, then it will suffer an early death. False: Where’s the evidence to support this claim? You only need to look at the maiden races across the country to see this is false.

7. Nine out 10 dogs are killed when retired, which equates to 18,000 each year. False: Considering that only 15,000 to 16,000 are born each year, if this many were killed, there would be no Greyhounds to race. They have no facts to support these claims again, they are sensationalized, and any person when you look at what these organization promote, will soon work out that their numbers don’t add up.

Demand can’t outstrip supply, which means the Animal Liberation figures are false. So why was the Greyhound investigation widened with no evidence, yet it did not involve the other two codes, which can’t account for their animal losses?

HOW CAN PUBLIC JUDGE WHEN ONLY ONE VERSION OF EVENTS IS PUBLISHED?

HOW can the people of Queensland make an informed decision on the Greyhound Industry, when only one version, and a version that has been grossly exaggerated, ill-informed, misleading, and dishonest, has been put forward?

You’re Government also questioned the Social License of Greyhound Racing in Queensland.

The Greyhound Industry’s social license should be a two-fold strategy, the individual and the industry. The individual must maintain the highest standards to not only meet the laws, but to try and achieve a higher standard. The industries (RQL) responsibility is to maintain the social license with the general public and stakeholders, by identifying risks, and putting in place processes to manage or remove them.

A Social License is the level of acceptance or approval continually granted to an organization’s operations by the local community and other stakeholders. The License is a perception of legitimacy. Does the Greyhound Industry go about its business in a proper way?

My argument that on reading every submission made public by the MacSporran Report, the overwhelming opinion and facts were not of the questioning the Social License of Greyhounds, but reputation. Reputation is the overall favorability of the image of Greyhound Racing, formed by emotional likes and dislikes.

Since when are decisions made on individual’s feelings, especially when they are coming from a minority group, who has been proven to exaggerate and mislead with their facts, and whose main objective is to cease gambling on animals?

Another example is the submission from the Grey2K organization in America, which has no knowledge of the industry in Australia. Their claim to fame is apparently the closing of Greyhound Racing in 39 States in America. The truth is that in a majority of these States, Greyhound racing never existed, or had been closed down for years. The only other States where they were successful was in the banning of betting on Greyhounds and they still have amateur Greyhound Racing in these States.

Why Minister is the Greyhound Industry’s future being determined, not by the standards of the community, but the standards of the Animal Liberation? What qualifications do these people have with regards to the training, exercising, nutrition, grooming, welfare etc. of any animal athlete?

They have no facts or supporting evidence, just their personal feelings, based on their belief that animals shouldn’t be gambled on.

Why is it that of the over 150 submissions that were published, there were approximately 40 submissions from different people published, but if you read them closely, they were the same submission verbatim?

What would the general publics’ view be of plagiarized submissions being accepted?

These plagiarized paragraphs can be found on the Animal Liberation website, so a person who doesn’t have all the facts, can cut and paste a document and email it to the Local Member or in this case the MacSporran Report.

The question has to be asked then why the Government question the Social License of Greyhound Racing in Queensland, yet are forming those opinions from individuals who are making emotional statements, with no evidence or facts to support their opinion?

Why are Greyhound Participants being held to higher standards than the general public, and the other Codes?

Are we now a society that is prepared to question others without evidence, just conjecture and rumor?

You have widespread reporting of alleged drug use at the Gold Coast Suns and other sporting codes; you have the reported systematic use of Cobalt in both Thoroughbreds and Harness, as well as, 12 Thoroughbreds being found dead in bushland in South Australia, yet Greyhounds are the only Industry having their Social License questioned.

In 2014, the RSPCA reported the highest level of animal welfare complaints in the history of them being recorded in Queensland, over 15,000. The RSPCA kill over 35% of the dogs that they receive, and approximately 500,000 cats and dogs are euthanized in Australia every year. Why is the Greyhound Industry being held to higher standards?

Yes, there has been poor record-keeping with regards to Greyhounds after retirement, for which the Industry has to take responsibility. But it does not automatically mean the worst case scenario.

I made 20 phone calls to Greyhound Participants and asked if they have any retired greyhounds at home. I found 43 greyhounds.

How hard would it have been to investigate the numbers through contacting participants, rather than believing the worst case scenario? Where is the methodology to actually prove these accusations?

ANIMAL WELFARE – A SOCIAL ISSUE – NOT JUST A GREYHOUND ISSUE

Animal Welfare is a Social issue, not just a Greyhound issue.

The Greyhound Industry supports a majority of the recommendations with regards to Integrity. But it is a slap in the face to our Industry when participants have been raising these exact same issues for several years, yet have been ignored.

When the McSporran Report and the Queensland Premier state that Greyhounds are not managing their own integrity, my question is, “When in the past five years did the Greyhound Industry have this power”?

As you are aware, the All Codes Board is—a unit of public administration under the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001.

The all-codes board must perform functions in best interests of all codes of racing. In performing a function of the board under this Act, the all-codes board must perform the function in a way that is in the best interests of the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound codes of racing as a whole while having regard to the interests of each individual code.

Since the formation of the All Codes Board, there has not been one project, policy or recommendation to support Greyhound Racing in Queensland. From the view point of the Greyhound Participant the All Codes Board has been an abject failure.

Greyhound Participants over the past five years have had meetings with both sides of politics and raised serious issues regarding welfare. Why didn’t anyone listen?

When do the politicians take their responsibility?

We agree that the Community has an issue with Live Baiting and want to see those people brought to justice, but they don’t tar the whole industry with the same brush that the Government appeared so eager to do.

Any negative movement in the general public is because only one side of the argument was put forward and reinforced by using words like “widespread”, “atrocities”, “Integrity” and “Social License”.

The average person, the stakeholder who punts on Greyhound Racing does not have a problem with the sport. Yes, they have a problem with the individuals portrayed on the 4 Corners program and expect them to be brought to justice. But they don’t agree with the witch hunt, misinformation and sensationalism portrayed in the media.

Even the Federal Government Minister Barnaby Joyce called it an overreaction, and those found guilty should be the focus, not the majority of innocent good Greyhound Participants.

You are an elected official and for better or worse, you are supposed to remove the emotion from the subject and deal with all parties involved fairly and with equality.

Innocent Greyhound Participants have been assaulted, sent mail with a white powder in the envelopes, and have had dead possums, hares and chooks thrown over their fences. Some of those have young families with children, and are guilty of nothing.

Why is this acceptable? Why was this not brought to the attention of the general public by yourself or the media? Why have these innocent participants not been apologized to?

This is what happens when the emotion isn’t removed, and the true facts not revealed.

Many Greyhound Participants have had concerns with Animal Welfare since 2010, yet neither side of politics was prepared to listen. The Industry was also acutely aware of the threat of the Animal Liberation and that the Industry was exposed.

What we have learned though is that the Greyhound Industry would have had to break the law, film the footage on a private property ourselves, and then go to a media organization, before someone would listen to Industry concerns.

More people have now been caught up in the Cobalt inquiry, than that which have been banned for Live Baiting. Both are welfare issues, yet only one is an overreaction in the context of people caught to the number of licensed participants, while the other is ignored.

The question has to be asked why Greyhound Participants should continue investing in greyhounds, when it is obvious that neither side of politics supports it.

It has been in the media that RQL will be meeting with Industry Participants to discuss Racing’s future. The Racing Industry is a business and should be treated as such. But while Governments continue to support the largess of both the Thoroughbreds and Harness, who operate outside their turnover, nothing will ever change.

Both codes are struggling to maintain their betting turnover, which is their primary income source. Yet in the business world where the policies set for the Greyhound Industry would be seen as a restraint of trade and fraud, are supported by both sides of politics in Queensland.

If you supported Greyhounds in Queensland to operate within its full percentage of turnover, allowed it to build the Stadia and facilities that will increase turnover, create more jobs, this would benefit the whole of the Racing Industry as well as the larger Community.

In our plan, Greyhound Racing would never see one dollar needed from the State Government moving forward, the industry would be self-sufficient. Within five years we would have approximately 20% of betting turnover, and we would be able to give back to the Racing Industry to support the other Codes.

But somehow, history tells us that Greyhounds will continue to operate on someone else’s plan, which has nothing to do with supporting Greyhounds, and growing their Product.

If this is the case Minister, can you please be honest and inform Greyhound Participants that you have no intention of supporting the Greyhound Industry, so at least we know where we stand?

A representation of Greyhound Participants, are willing to discuss these and other issues with you at your convenience.

Kind regards

Brenton Wilson (On behalf of Greyhound Participants throughout Queensland)

 

PLEA TO THE BEAN COUNTERS TO SPARE A THOUGHT FOR COUNTRY RACING

GARY GORRIE, well known in the bookmaking fraternity in Queensland and a passionate country racing supporter, sent this email:

‘I am lucky to have been to many racecourses in Australia and around the world.

Last June I went to Hawick in Scotland (a 400-year-old celebration). Here they had a crowd of some 8,000 to 10,000 people. The day started with all the riders who completed a course across the common during the week having a race on the course proper and after that they had handicapped pony races for the children. Then the registered races were run where, as the announcer said in the main race, the BIG MONEY goes to Ireland (2000 pounds). The prizemoney was not great but there were full fields in every race and it was a social occasion not to be missed.

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to be a guest of the Katherine Turf Club and the day started with a Stockmen’s Race like we used to have in many clubs in the country in Queensland (sometimes called the Jumbo). President Duane Barclay and his committee had a great crowd of around 4,000 to 5,000 that included many visitors and all had a wonderful day. It reminded me of Hawick carnival show rides and all for the kids.

There are many clubs that could take a leaf out of this committee’s book in running and promoting a meeting. The venue is a multi centre for many sports and clubs, a credit to the town.

Now I am worried that last time the bean counters looked at racing in Queensland they stopped racing in places like Bowen River (which had raced for over 100 years), Collinsville, Mingela, Wilpeena, outside of Rockhampton, and many more.

Many of the clubs around these centres thinking they would get those dates encouraged this but they were just deleted from the calendar and part of our racing history was lost.

We are looking again at the uneducated in racing, the bean counters, making decisions. I am worried about all the non TAB meetings but particularly the Twin Hills, Mt Garnett, Ewan, Pentland-type meetings which are the grass roots and fabric of what and how racing evolved.

These type of meetings should be fiercely protected like a ‘historic building’ as they are our history and if the bean counters have their way they will probably be gone forever.

Why should these meetings be sacrificed to pay for the excess spending and mistakes in the south?

The politicians should be protecting their electorates’ racecourses (not hiding behind the independent study excuse) as these meetings are needed by the communities in these areas  for the social interaction and entertainment they and their forefathers have had and all future generations should  have this privilege too. Many of these places are in drought economic downturn and need this social boost.

Come on local politicians – stand up and show some fortitude, be passionate and protect Queensland’s Heritage.’

‘GUTLESS COMMENTS AT TRAINERS’ MEETING COULD LEAD TO LEGAL ACTION’
OUR SPY IN THE NORTH sent this e-mail:

‘THERE is a whisper that the legal eagles are beginning to circle over comments made against certain people involved in the racing game at a recent Trainers’ Association meeting in Townsville.

It involves the work that is in progress on the track at Cluden and some have shown they are pretty thankless at the job being done under difficult circumstances as horses continue to be worked while the upgrade continues.

I guess some industry stakeholders are just downright dogs and don’t hesitate to make personal attacks when they could just as easily criticize or raise issues constructively.’  

 

ANOTHER TAKE ON THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTING GREYHOUNDS IN TOWNSVILLE

BRENTON WILSON of BRISBANE, a regular contributor on the greyhound industry, has his say on the Townsville situation:

‘I take note of the comments regarding the Townsville Greyhound Track in (last week’s) Wednesday Whinge.

The reality is the lure and rail system is that old that they have to find parts to keep it operational. RQL has made parts available to help the Townsville Club maintain operations.

In reality, it is easy for the Townsville Club to say we need $200k for a new lure system, but is the cost a waste of industry money, considering the Show Society is going to sell the land in 2016, and close the club?

These are important questions for the greyhound industry in Queensland. Does the Industry spend upwards of $8 million on a new greyhound track in Townsville, for one TAB race meeting? What makes a new stadia in Townsville a viable business option moving forward for the industry?

I note that the Animal Liberation wants to quote the MacSporran Report with regards to greyhounds allegedly being put down after racing. It is an allegation, which was not investigated.

What it does state is there is a break down in tracking of dogs once they finish racing. You can’t conclude the worst case scenario without any appropriate methodology or proof.

Has RQL since this report undertaken any study to see what greyhounds after retirement actually exist? No. I have phoned 20 participants and found 43 retired greyhounds. How many would be found if all licensed participants were contacted?

Although the State Government and RQL don’t want to upset the Animal Liberation, how can they be taken seriously when they encourage people to plagiarize statements off their website and send them to the MacSporran Report?

Last time I heard plagiarism is illegal, but then again breaking laws to get your point across doesn’t seem to hinder this organization.

Did the greyhound industry in Townsville do itself proud by the remarks in the media, No!

But this is another example of the failings of both sides of politics and the individuals they have appointed to run Racing Queensland.

At least Bob Bentley had a plan for Townsville Greyhounds when he released his Infrastructure Plan for Racing in Queensland. What plans did Kevin Dixon have for Townsville? Did he not know that the land was going to be sold in 2016? Sorry, or should I ask, did he care?

When you look at what he did approve with regards to the Toowoomba (gallops) track, and what was urgently needed for Townsville Greyhounds, it quickly shows what greyhounds have had to deal with in Queensland for a long period.

The answer to the issues confronting greyhounds infrastructure in Queensland is complex, but at the same time easy. Unfortunately, those who have the ear of the decision-makers have no plan or foresight.

They certainly don’t believe in or support the potential of greyhounds in Queensland. And while there are restrictive policies that are anti-competitive, biased, and a restraint of trade, darker days lie ahead for the industry.

PS: There is a plan that will solve the greyhound industry’s infrastructure issues in Queensland, and it won’t cost the State Government a dime. But do you think they are interested?’

 

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.