THIS web-site 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. Just e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Topics of e-mails received this week varied from concerns over another Appeals Board decision going the way of jockey Danny Nikolic; questions over the pending appointment of Gary Palmer as a steward in Queensland and calls for an investigation into a fight between a racing and political heavyweight at a bush track.
HERE is this week’s selection from the e-mail box:
CONTROVERSIAL jockey, Danny Nikolic, scored another great escape at the hands of the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in Victoria this week which prompted a couple of quick e-mails.
‘LET me preface this complaint by declaring that I believe Dan Nikolic is one of the finest jockeys in the land but his behavior, call it frustration if you like, towards the Victorian stewards’ panel, in particular the chairman Terry Bailey, leaves a lot to be desired.
From the time that Nikolic screamed victimization and his mates in the racing media were there to lend a supportive ear I watched this latest drama unfold with much interest. I was absolutely astounded at the swiftness with which the authorities enabled the appeal to be heard within days of the suspension being incurred.
I have asked several learned friends in racing to examine the race replay and we are unanimous that ultimate blame for Macedonian almost coming to grief had to lie with Schilling, the horse that Nikolic was riding.
I read with interest that several jockeys supported the Nikolic evidence that he was not the sole contributor to the interference. The Appeals Board obviously gave him the benefit of the doubt, albeit they really only halved the suspension imposed.
Having said that, I wish to pose the question whether this ruling might send the wrong message to other jockeys? Let’s take a hypothetical situation of a top fancy drawn wide in a big race and the jock takes the punt, crosses the field sharply and in the chain reaction a couple of runners are cannoned into the rail and lose all chance.
On this ruling one could assume that a crafty lawyer, acting on behalf of the jockey if he got time, could argue that other horses contributed to the interference and use the Nikolic case as a precedent for the argument. I might be drawing a long bow but that’s how farcical the situation is in my opinion.
Where Nikolic is concerned Bailey cannot win. Every time he or his panel see an incident in which a Nikolic mount is involved they know that the slightest interrogation of the jockey will lead to allegations that he is being victimized.
Is it any wonder that Bailey appeared agitated and shook his head, as the Sun Herald reported, when Judge Lewis handed down another decision in favor of Nikolic? In the eyes of the panel, some in the racing media and several jockey mates Dan may be a cat with nine lives but in the court of punting public opinion he is winning few friends nor is the Appeals Panel process or the good Judge.’ – Jack Hagen, Melbourne.
‘WHAT a joke - the Judge has accepted that Nikolic has played a role in an incident in which a fellow jockey has come very close to falling but has the hide to proportion Nikolic's contribution of blame for the near disaster to around 20 to 25 per cent.
Why then didn’t the ‘so-called’ Appeals Board issue charges to any other jockey or jockeys that they felt contributed to the additional 75 to 80 per cent of the interference in what most agreed was an extremely serious incident at Caulfield on Saturday.
I’m gob-smacked by this latest Nikolic great escape at the hands of the Appeals Board and the one that involved another high profile jockey Glen Boss just prior to the Sydney Cup. They just leave me cold.
My plan is to approach the new Integrity Commissioner and ask him to investigate some very serious allegations that are circulating throughout the racing industry which needs his immediate attention.’ – George J, Bendigo.
EDITOR’S NOTE: No-one questions the right of licensees to appeal decisions handed down by stewards but the Nikolic – Bailey situation is quickly getting out of hand with a little help from the racing media. If the current situation continues the stewards might as well set up shop in the members’ dining room where they would have about as much affect as in their track-side towers. The problem for Racing in Victoria is that the punting public is starting to believe they have the best senior stewards in the land and the worst appeals process.
RACING REVIEW MILES AHEAD OF RACING RETRO?
A few of the guys who closely follow all the racing action on the box have decided that when it comes to a comparison between Racing Retro on Sky and Racing Review on TVN, it’s all one-way traffic.
Sky has self-proclaimed theirs as the best post mortem program of racing in Australia on a Sunday but we unanimously disagree and feel that the TVN show beats it hands down.
In our opinion the presenters on TVN are more professional, that show covers a wider variety of topics and from a general racing interest perspective there is no comparison between the two. We are looking for more at the end of Racing Review but sometimes get the urge to tune out of Racing Retro early, especially when you get a fill of ‘isn’t he a great bloke?’
Here’s our comparison of the ‘talking heads’ and why we think TVN has the edge.
Racing Retro will lose out badly once Graham McNeice departs as host. With talk that Jo McKinnon will replace him and go head-to-head with Bruce Clark, it will then be no contest in our opinion with ‘Snowy’ winning in a canter.
In the news department Sky bolts in with the hard-working Andrew Bensley the best in the business. When it comes to expert opinion TVN’s Steve Moran is lengths ahead of Ron Dufficy and Mark Sheen (or anyone with an once of racing expertise) would be better than Alf Matthews.
When it comes to ‘a little bit goes a long way’ then it’s a photo finish between the two big mouths – Richard Freedman and Richard Callander. On a given day either could finish in front depending on which got out the right side of the bed, had his ‘happy pills,’ or doesn’t see the need to dominate the program entirely.
Callander was off the planet last Sunday on a couple of issues. Instead of bagging Hong Kong racing he should stick to what he does best – giving a couple of the top trainers and jockeys, who must be his mates, a good polish. And when it comes to stewards we are of the opinion that he sends a Valentine’s Day card to Marshall Murrihy.
At the end of the day we feel there is only one program to choose on a Sunday morning and that’s the one on TVN.’ – David Ryan, Caulfield.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Although these two shows review the big Saturday meetings and the week in racing, it is hard to compare them. Unless you can cope with the constant ‘suck-up’ to high profile industry personnel my advice is stay tuned to TVN. Graham McNeice will be a hard act to follow on Sky but the obvious to fill his shoes is Greg Radley – certainly not Jo McKinnon.
SHAME SHANE – WE WANT MORE OF MORAN
I was delighted to see Steve Moran back on TVN at the weekend and wish he was still the host of the morning show on Racing Radio 927 in Melbourne.
Steve paid the price for being a shade out-spoken and was shown the door by 927 which they blamed on a change in program direction but very few of those who listened wore that excuse.
Moran’s replacement, Shane Anderson, is in my opinion an absolute bore. There’s no chance of him risking replacement by being too controversial. He rolls the red carpet out to the key industry people and makes sure he asks all the right questions.
His recent interview with Lloyd Williams, the prominent owner who locked horns with Moran, was finger down the throat stuff. Good on you Shane, more interviews like that and you’ll have a job for life. Unfortunately the listeners are turning off in droves. – Clem Jackson, Melbourne.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Steve Moran is the ultimate professional and did his best to protect the interests of the punters and the battlers in racing. Unfortunately in the racing media these days you virtually have to ‘suck up to survive’ in some situations.
STIPES SHOULD GIVE THE KID A BETTER GO
IS it my imagination or are Ray Murrihy and his panel being a shade harsh on young Blake Spriggs, the rising star of the apprentice ranks in Sydney?
A quick perusal of the stewards’ reports for racing in Sydney in recent weeks seems to suggest that Spriggs only needs to sneeze to attract attention.
Perhaps the constant attention will, in the opinion of a chief steward of Murrihy’s ability, only ensure that Spriggs develops into an even better jockey.
Gai Waterhouse has declared young Blake a ‘rising superstar,’ his meteoric rise certainly backs her prediction and punters are quickly jumping on his band-wagons.
Like all apprentices Spriggs puts in a bad ride every now and then. He was certainly a shade impatient on Miss Independent in a lead battle at Rosehill last Saturday. But a veteran of Jim Cassidy’s talents was involved in that as well.
Full marks to the Murrihy team for keeping him on his toes but here’s hoping that don’t overdo it and jade his confidence at a time when there is no young rider in Australia in better form than Blake. – Ken Griffin, Newcastle.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I have noticed that young Spriggs gets a regular mention in the stewards’ reports in Sydney. Here’s hoping the panel is just keen to ensure he keeps his feet on the ground.
NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO SEE PALMER BECOME A STEWARD
IT would seem from a couple of e-mails that we have received that not everyone favors the appointment of former top jockey, Gary Palmer, to the stewards’ panel at Racing Queensland.
Here is some of the feedback that we have received:
‘I would like you to contact Wade Birch (chief steward) of Jamie Orchard (Integrity boss) at Racing Queensland in regards to former jockey Gary Palmer being on the stewards’ panel at Eagle Farm today (August 11).
I find it a huge conflict of interest considering that his two sons, Michael and Matthew, are both riding at these meetings. I would like you to put this in your next Wednesday Whinge.’
Then there was this one after Bart Sinclair wrote in the Brisbane Sunday Mail that Palmer had spent a few meetings in the stewards’ room as an observer.
‘If you go to the RQ web site and check the stewards’ reports for August 11 (Eagle Farm) and August 14 (Doomben) you will find Gary Palmer’s name on the official stewards’ reports for those meetings. Observers don’t get their names on stewards’ reports.’ – Please don’t print my name as I work in the racing industry.
EDITOR’S NOTE: There is an obvious conflict of interest that needs to be addressed if Gary is to join the panel. However, having known Gary from the time he was a young jockey, it is my belief that he would be his sons’ harshest critic and worst nightmare as a steward if they stepped out of line.
UNFAIR TO COMMENT UNTIL INQUIRY IS COMPLETED
Numerous e-mails have been received concerning the standing down of Martin Knibbs as chief steward of Queensland Harness Racing following a complaint from a disgruntled former licensee to the Crime and Misconduct Commission.
We cannot publish the majority of these for obvious legal reasons nor would it be fair to speculate when Mr Knibbs has declined to comment but strongly denies the accusations.
Here are a couple that we felt could be used without prejudicing the case:
‘THE real reason Martin Knibbs walked out and quit his job as Chief Steward of Queensland harness racing is because he found out the other two chief stewards at gallops and greyhounds were on a lot more money that he was offered.
What a kick in the guts this poor bloke has copped from Bob Bentley. The wheels are already starting to fall off Bob’s Wagon - it didn’t take long,’ Name with-held by request.
And there was this one:
‘Perhaps before the Courier-Mail goes too much further down the track with its revelations in the Martin Knibbs case, the newspaper should declare that one of its senior turf writers is a close friend of the chief steward.
I am not suggesting for one moment any wrong-doing on the part of Mr Knibbs. In fact it would seem he was the victim of a get square from a disgruntled former harness racing licensee.
‘I see where RQ integrity manager Jamie Orchard has said there was no rule preventing stewards from standing in a TAB. But why would they want to and does this rule apply as well to jockeys?’ – Glen A, Gold Coast.
EDITOR’S NOTE: My concern with this whole affair is that it seems to be a ‘get square’ for action that Knibbs took against a former licensee. As for the Courier-Mail coverage of this, so what if one of the turf writers is his mate? I am aware of whom you are talking about and he is not writing the stories. There is no more honest sports journalist in the country than the one who is in Robert Craddock.
TRYING TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF PROTEST HEARINGS?
THE controversy surrounding the upholding of a protest in the last at Geelong on Friday again raises the question of whether these TV racing experts should be commenting while hearings are under way.
It seems to me that if the decision goes against what some of them were predicting they immediately start criticizing the stewards’ panel that officiated. One wonders if some are talking through their pockets.
TVN was quick to attack two senior stewards following the decision at Geelong which I am the first to admit surprised most of us. Terry Bailey the chief steward wasn’t officiating on the day but Terry Bailey the race-caller was there and I believe had far too much to say. He’s a bad judge at the best of times.
We didn’t need to know that he nearly drove off the road when he heard the outcome of the protest hearing. To make matters worse he then ‘phoned colleague Richard Callander to ask if he had mistakenly heard the decision. Two Einsteins of Racing bagging the stewards is a bit more than us punters can cope with on one day. – Albert Williams, Redcliffe.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Having looked at the replay I don’t believe the protest should ever have been upheld. My concern is information that has emerged behind the scenes that would suggest the decision was not unanimous. One would hope it was not made on State of Origin lines.
CALL FOR THE ‘DUST UP’ AT BOWEN RACES TO BE INVESTIGATED
‘I would like to know whether Racing Queensland plans to inquire into the alleged ‘punch up’ at the Bowen races last weekend between the local Turf Club chairman Cyril Vains and the Mayor of Whitsunday, Mike Brunker.
My understanding is that both gentlemen are well known to RQ chairman Bob Bentley and that Mr Vains has been a close friend for some time so here’s hoping we soon see a little bit of action at the station.
If this is how a couple of Labor Party colleagues behave apparently over the placement of election banners at the track, is it little wonder the Liberal-National Party is looking odds-on to win the next Queensland election.
I reckon if Fred Brophy’s boxing tent could organize a race day matinee bout between ‘Rocky’ Ray Stevens and his arch rival, the Racing Minister ‘Punchy’ Pete Lawlor, it would go a long way toward getting some of the ‘lost’ crowd back to the races.’ – Bill Randell, Townsville.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I have spoken to RQ chairman Bob Bentley about this situation and he says inquiries are only launched when a complaint has been made to the Integrity Department. I understand that one has been made or soon will be. As for the two political heavyweights doing battle, I'm assured both are 'lovers' not 'fighters.'
WHY IS THE GOLD COAST TURF CLUB GETTING SUCH A GOOD DEAL?
WHY is it that the Gold Coast Turf Club is getting such a good deal compared to Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast etc (when it comes to redevelopment of their track)?
They are getting the majority of the cash without losing majority ownership.
I bet if other clubs were aware that sticking up for yourselves to big brother could get you such a good deal they wouldn’t have caved in so easily.
Good luck to the Gold Coast but the rest of you should take a leaf out of their book and have a go.’ – George Catell, Gold Coast.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I wasn’t aware George that a decision had been reached. I did read where it was close. Perhaps I’ve missed some later news. In the current day climate it’s up to every club to do the best they can for themselves with RQ. Sometimes they might not enjoy the financial standing to have a lot of leverage in this area though.
