By TERRY BUTTS of the NQ REGISTER

THE bad news of the past week involves the ACCC application to the Federal Court for a review of the recent Tabcorp-Tatts merger – a deal that was and still is being hailed as a great breakthrough by every racing body in Australia with the exception of Racing Victoria –and, of course, the much-maligned corporate bookmakers.

The good news is Tabcorp has responded with a: “Bring it on”.

“The factual findings by the Tribunal of substantial public benefits and of no, or insignificant, detriment arising from the transaction are not in issue in the judicial review application.

“Tabcorp will oppose the ACCC’s application and will pursue an expedited hearing."

Tabcorp and Tatts remain committed to the transaction, according to an official statement.

It said the ACCC’s application will impact the timing of the implementation which will not be known until the Court has considered the matter.

“Tabcorp still considers that implementation remains achievable in the last quarter of 2017.’’

Fancy Crownbet saying punters will be worse off under the merger.

Racing certainly won’t!

And isn’t that what it’s all about?

 A change for the benefit of the industry – not for the corporate bloody bookmakers – the veritable cane toads of the game.

 

CLASSIC WINNING RETURN TO CLUDEN BY POPULAR BRISBANE JOCKEY THE

THE Townsville Carnival kicked off last Saturday and was highlighted by the return to Cluden of popular Brisbane jockey Nathan Day who landed the $100,000 Two-Year-Old Classic aboard the Rockhampton visitor Paradis Imperial.

It was a brilliant ride to beat the somewhat unlucky short priced favourite Dream Kisses.

Earlier Day, a regular Cluden visitor before sidelined for several months after a race fall, had a lucky pick-up ride on another Rocky visitor, Chivadahlii, in the 2000m WFA cup prelude.

Day was booked for pre-race favourite Rocknet, on which he won last year’s Cairns Cup, but the gelding was a late scratching because of a stone bruise.

They say in racing that luck is a fortune and in Day’s case the age-old axiom was fully realized when Chivadalii’s normal rider David Hayse came off Seektowin in the second race. His only other ride for the day was to the hospital in an ambulance.

The fall also cost Hayse the winning ride on Townsville Dollars winner We Just Love It and a book of rides at Tuesday’s Cairns meeting and Ladies Day on Saturday at Cluden.

However luckily the body is bruised – not broken – and he expects to be back on board Chivadilii in the Townsville Cup on July 29.

Another highlight on Saturday was the win of Forgive Me which gave young Leslie Gordy his first win as a trainer after only a handful of starters.

He is the son of the legend Paul Gordy whose many achievements in the saddle at his beloved Cluden are still talked about.

He was rated one of the best judges when riding and the betting on Saturday clearly indicates that it hasn’t blurred over the years.

Forgive Me was one of the best backed horses on the day firming from 30/1 into 8/1 at one stage – and always looked the winner.