THE WEDNESDAY WHINGE has a new look but won’t be dispensing with some of our old favorites and will continue to focus on THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY side of what has happened in racing over the past week. Our old mate ‘Godfrey Smith’ is back by popular demand and again pens his ‘Look Back at the Racing Week’. The Whinge will also include an opportunity for The Cynics to Have Their Say. Thanks again for your support for the most read column on this website. Our popularity continues to grow despite the bagging it is copping from some officials who cannot cope with constructive criticism.
OUR RACING E-MAILS OF THE WEEK:
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH FROM THE RACING MINISTER WHEN ‘MILKING’ THIS $110 MILLION 
THIS one targets the Racing Minister is Queensland who is quickly joining at illustrious list of predecessors who became a ‘laughing stock’ to the industry:
‘IT would have been more fun watching the Racing Minister piggy back his joined at the hip little mate from Racing Queensland down the Gold Coast straight to herald the start of another forgettable carnival.
But I guess that wouldn’t have been possible if the reports are accurate that the RQ chairman is away on another junket – this time with a team of RQ luminaries attending some conference in Hong Kong – no doubt at industry expense.
But back to the Gold Coast and the Racing Minister officially launching the carnival by joining the starter at the barriers for the first race on the Prime Minister’s Cup carnival. Here’s hoping that like the horses he didn’t sink into the cement-like quicksand they provided for a racing surface.
Wash your mouth out with soap daring to criticize something big in racing in Queensland. Why don’t you take a leaf out of the book of Alan Thomas who told the Sky audience: ‘We can’t do anything about the track but the weather today on the Gold Coast is magnificent.’
In another propaganda-laden media release from the Government about racing the Minister said the LNP’s $10 million investment in upgrades at the Gold Coast Turf Club, as part of the five-year $110 million Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme, would provide a better experience for patrons, owners and trainers.
What a load of garbage. The only racing journalist with the courage to correct the Racing Minister was Terry Butts in his column Silks & Saddles. You won’t see his more high profile colleague, the Racing Editor of the The Courier-Mail, criticizing the Dixieland Band. One narc reckoned it’s a wonder he wasn’t in Hong Kong carrying the RQ chairman’s bags.
ONLY THING MISSING WAS THE VIOLIN WHEN ‘DIXIE DOODLE’ SANG THE SAME SONG 
Here’s what Butts wrote in case you missed it and his words are spot on:
THE only thing missing was the violin.
Racing Minister Steve Dickson, according to the media release, was at the Gold Coast on Saturday to herald the beginning of the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
And could you believe he pedaled the same old story about how committed his Government was to ‘rebuilding the racing industry etc’.
And he had the gall to again mention the same old story of the $110 million Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme.
What he neglected to say is that the $110mn has nothing whatsoever to do with him or his Government.
It was inherited from the Bentley era.
What old Dixie doodle also failed to state is just how much remains of that $110mn, after the long snouts of Toowoomba and other south-east corner clubs have been salivating in the trough.
Nor did he say when it might be topped up by his own Government.’
Of course, when the new TAB deal is announced his racing media mates, one of whom seems to be driven by remote control from his old boss in the bowels of the BRC, will be calling for a ticker tape parade for the two Dickos.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: HERE is the Media Release from the Racing Minister that the above email refers to:
“TODAY’S (Saturday) Prime Minister’s Cup meeting kick starts the prestigious Queensland Winter Racing Carnival which is an enormously important time for the racing industry in Queensland,” Mr Dickson said.
“We’ve got nine major race meetings over an eight-week period, and it’s a springboard for the spring carnivals in the southern states.
“Australia’s top owners and trainers know they can significantly improve the prospects of their horses in the spring by racing them in the calibre of races held during the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.”
Mr Dickson said the racing industry delivered for benefits for Queensland on multiple levels.
“The industry provides jobs for 30,000 people and contributes $855 million into the state’s economy annually, as well as providing tourism opportunities and social occasions,” he said.
“The Newman Government is firmly committed rebuilding the racing industry, and supporting the associated tourism opportunities, as part of our four pillar economy.”
Gold Coast Turf Club chairman Brett Cook said racegoers would benefit from the newly upgraded public and corporate facilities, including improved public bar and lounge facilities, an extension of the existing Skyline Restaurant with a new kitchen facility, and 10 new corporate boxes.
“The club has seen increasing use of its new multi-million dollar venues since they were opened in November last year,” Mr Cook said.
“The club's diversification into events has also been enhanced by the Queensland Government's decision to relocate the Gold Coast show to its Bundall precinct”.
AND THE SECOND E-MAIL OF THE WEEK:
CRITICISM OF THIS FARCE OF A MIDWEEK METROPOLITAN RACE MEETING IS NO ‘BEAT UP’ 
THIS came from a regular contributor, who, like a lot of others, is monitoring the situation in regards to how Racing Queensland treats the Toowoomba Turf Club in comparison to other TAB clubs in the state. It reads:
‘WHILST I was astounded to see that Toowoomba was allocated the midweek Metropolitan meeting this Wednesday, I was absolutely gob-smacked to see that those in charge of racing in this state chose to place the rail in a position that limited field sizes to just eight starters in some races.
Please! What is going on at Deagon? Do they not understand that we need to provide a premium racing product on our second biggest wagering day?
As I see it, this Toowoomba debacle has been a compounding of issues as highlighted below:
Firstly, someone at RQ has stupidly recommended the installation of a new $7 million course proper at Toowoomba that has such limited scope that a rail movement of three metres restricts some field sizes to just eight starters.
Secondly, someone at RQ has programmed races at a midweek Metropolitan meeting scheduled at Toowoomba from the worst starting positions on the track. Surely the programming of 870m and 1625m races on this day could have been avoided?
Thirdly, and to further compound this issue, someone from RQ oversaw the placement of the rail at three metres on a day when RQ has allocated $17,000 on all races, hence restricting some field sizes to just eight starters.
From my perspective commonsense must start to prevail if this state is to be taken seriously.
After all, we have to try and regain some credibility as I understand that we remain the brunt of many jokes from interstate officials who cannot comprehend the expenditure of $7 million for a track with such ridiculous limitations.
That said, now that Toowoomba is lumbered with these limitations, we need smart race programming and rail placements.
We cannot afford to let poor race programming and rail positioning continue to impact the return we receive on our wagering product.
We were all up in arms at the Cushion Track, now we may just be lumbered with another lemon, which if not managed properly will further damage racing in Toowoomba.
This is from a concerned stakeholder who would like to remain anonymous, but thought it prudent to highlight these issues in the hope that someone at Racing Queensland would take notice.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: GOOD luck getting anyone to listen at RQ when you are dealing with a contentious issue at Toowoomba. It’s ‘mates rates’ where that place is concerned even if the Chairman continues to describe any form of constructive criticism (like the death of a horse up there recently in which his family had an interest) as a beat-up. Not to worry, his mates in the racing media (I used to be one until I dared to disagree with little King Kev) will be instructed to put the slant he wants on it.
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND GODREY RETURNS WITH HIS LOOK BACK AT THE RACING WEEK 
AFTER listening to your feedback we are continuing to change the style and format of the most read feature on this website – the Wednesday Whinge.
We have enticed our old mate ‘Godfrey Smith’ out of retirement and each Wednesday the Whinge will be spearheaded by ‘Godfrey’s Look Back at the Racing Week’. Some will not agree with his ‘tongue in cheek’ views on everything racing but love him or hate him – you’ll want to read what he has to say.
Here is his latest contribution:
WHY HAVE THE CROWDS DESERTED CARNIVAL MEETINGS APART FROM CUP WEEK? 
WHATEVER happened to the good old days when racing played the Pied Piper and like the rats of Hamelin thousands of punters would religiously flock to tracks across the land most Saturdays of the year – not to mention carnival times?
Racing in Australia is unquestionably one of the best – if not the best – in the world, yet apart from Cup week in Melbourne the big race meetings struggle to attract the crowds these once did.
Even Sydney’s new-look The Championships struggled to lure race-goers back to the track in large numbers despite the massive prizemoney and top gallopers that contested the major races.
Racing NSW attracted less than 30,000 on these big days yet Derby Day, Cup Day and Oaks Day at Flemington virtually have the ‘house full’ sign lit with the numbers around the 100,000 mark.
They don’t have trouble attracting big crowds in Hong Kong for their major meetings or in Japan or for that matter in America where 165,000 were at Churchill Downs to witness the Kentucky Derby on Sunday.
A friend of mine ventured to the Gold Coast last Saturday for what was once a ‘must see’ carnival opener in Queensland yet he told me the crowd was ‘woeful’.
What has gone wrong?
It isn’t as though thousands have given up chasing their weekly fix on the punt. All that has changed is the venue. Live coverage on Sky Channel and TVN has taken us into a new age of horse racing and has, in the process, produced a new breed of punter.
It could not have happened at a worse time for race clubs that were already struggling to compete in the lucrative leisure and entertainment market. Carnivals are relied upon to prop up the finances of battling clubs across the country.
If officials want an answer to why people don’t go to the track any more – even on big days – the answer is simple. Some prefer to simply remain in the comfort of their own home and bet on the telephone or internet.
The race tracks have to be the only place where you pay for the privilege of going through the gate to lose your money. And add to that high admission prices and exorbitant charges for food and drink, along with the cost of getting a cab home, if you want to enjoy a good time.
It’s something that doesn’t happen at your local club or pub where you can dress less formally, enjoy cheaper food and booze and they will even provide you with a free bus home after the last.
But the local club can have its drawbacks as well. Unless it has a dedicated TAB area there is always the over-lapping problem of trying to be too many things to too many people. Is there anything worse than the din of patrons in one area trying to watch the rugby league, Aussie Rules and racing on three big screens all in close proximity? End result – nobody hears anything.
Segregation is needed for a Saturday afternoon success story and perhaps that is the answer to the problem of older patrons refusing to go to the races because they feel their space is being invaded by the younger brigade.
Why not provide separate areas for like-minded people – surely the racecourses and grandstands are big enough to achieve this.
The bottom line is that racing can ill-afford to lose another generation of young racegoers, even if it means some ‘oldies’ refuse to return to the track.
And unless something is done to attract punters back to betting with the tote – and ignoring the attractive incentives of the corporate bookmaking agencies whose profits are dispatched off-shore – then racing has no future at all in Australia.
But that’s another story.
THE EAST COAST SCENE
QUEENSLAND
INCREDIBLE NUMBER OF OFFICIALS HEAD TO ASIA FOR YET ANOTHER RACING JUNKET’ 
WITH an incredible number of officials from race clubs and control bodies off on what some might call ‘junkets’ to conferences in Asia, some interesting questions about whether the industry or the individuals are paying has been raised in this email.
‘THE manner in which Queensland Racing attacked the country race date schedule around 10 years ago remains a hard pill to swallow for many of us old stagers who have long been heavily involved with our country race clubs.
I recall at the time that Queensland Racing’s Racing Manager was telling us that we weren't contributing enough back to prizemoney and that our venue wasn’t acceptable and that we needed to obtain more funds from the community if racing was to be maintained at our venue.
For this reason I was gob-smacked when one of my long-time confidantes from the city told me that this person was now on the Committee of a Provincial Race Club and that they were recently spotted attending a Racecourse Managers’ conference in Singapore.
I understand that Racing Queensland has some of the most experienced Racecourse Managers in Australia, with Warren Williams and Bill Shuck overseeing operations throughout the state.
For this reason I cannot understand why Committee people from Clubs would be in attendance at an overseas Racecourse Managers’ Conference.
Although it was a long time ago, those words conveyed to our club by this person still ring loud!
Based on the approach taken by this person 10 years ago I would sincerely hope that no hypocrisy exists and that they would have paid their own way to Singapore and for the costs associated with their attendance at the relevant seminar.
As I understand that Racing Queensland makes major financial contributions of industry funds to the TAB Clubs each year, I would hope that they would have policies to ensure appropriate expenditure of industry funds.
From my perspective, should industry funds have been utilized to fund the costs associated with travel, accommodation and attendance at the Singapore seminar for the aforementioned person?
I sincerely hope that this person is highly embarrassed, and that Racing Queensland is looking into this expenditure.
From my perspective I would much rather these funds went back into prizemoney or something where those people who are the backbone of our industry have access to them, not part time committee men.
Throughout my long involvement in my country club not once has it funded, or we have expected it to fund the costs associated with travel, accommodation or event fees for its executive committee.
Let’s hope a similar approach is being taken by our city cousins.
As I am still involved with my Club I would like to withhold my identity as I do not wish my email to have any impact on my Club or fellow members.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: THE correspondent of this email even provided us with a photograph of the official concerned at the Singapore conference but we decided not to run it mainly because RQ has quite a delegation – or so we are told – at the Asian Racing Conference in Hong Kong. It is going to be hard for them to investigate the travel costs – and who paid for these – of an official of a major TAB club when questions are being raised within the industry about who is paying for their overseas sojourn.
VICTORIA
PLENTY OF VICTORIANS FAR FROM IMPRESSIVE BY GROWING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 'DENIS' AND 'GAI' 
ANOTHER super successful Warrnambool carnival was overshadowed in emails we received by the controversy surrounding the growing friendship between Victorian Racing Minister Denis Napthine and champion Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse.
‘It seems that plenty in racing – along with observers of the sport – are far from impressed by the up close and personal relationship that seems to have developed between the Premier of Victoria and the family of the ‘First Lady’ of Racing.
Rather than run more emails bagging Mr Napthine – some of which were not only political but downright defamatory – we decided to run this story on the subject written by PIA AKERMAN and RACHAEL BAXENDALE in THE AUSTRALIAN:
SEASONED politicians should know - you’ve Gotta Take Care.
As a nag by that name stole a last-hurdle victory (last week) from Gai Waterhouse’s Valediction at Warrnambool, the phrase would have been ringing in Denis Napthine’s ears as he headed towards the racecourse and his date with the queen of racing.
All week, the Victorian Premier - who dabbles as Racing Minister - has been under fire for his connection to a local meat-processing magnate who received a $1.5 million government grant in February and shares part-ownership in Dr Napthine’s thoroughbred.
But as the businessman, Colin McKenna, skirted around the members’ stand at the Warrnambool racing carnival, all eyes were for Waterhouse, who declared her support for Dr Napthine before a Liberal Party fundraiser she headlined last night. “My father used to say any publicity is good publicity,” Waterhouse told The Australian.
“It gets people focused on this meeting, this is a wonderful meeting. He is a very good premier and he has done a great job by the state and he has done a great job by racing.”
Dr Napthine continued to strongly deny any conflict of interest yesterday, saying he was not involved in approving the grant to Mr McKenna’s highly profitable Midfield Group and rejecting claims Mr McKenna was a “mate”. “I know him professionally; I’ve worked with him professionally,” Dr Napthine said.
“This decision to provide a grant to Midfield Meats, which delivers 200 jobs to Warrnambool and southwest Victoria, which is of great benefit to the economy of southwest Victoria, was a decision made at arm’s length from myself as Premier of the state.
“This is an absolute and utter nonsense and a massive beat-up to suggest my office or myself were involved in this decision-making process.
“That is an outrage, and anybody who suggests the same should apologise to Mr McKenna and to myself.”
Labor has referred the matter to the state’s anti-corruption commission.
Dr Napthine said he had not known Mr McKenna’s company also held a share in the mare Spin the Bottle when he bought in before the last election, and joked when asked if he would considering selling his stake: “The last couple of runs haven’t been that flash, so it might be that the mare is retired of its own volitions.”
Waterhouse was fierce in her defence of the Premier, who was warmly greeted at the track when he arrived for the last race. “You don’t want them (politicians) to be in an ivory tower, you want them down here understanding what it’s all about and Denis does understand what it’s about.”
NEW SOUTH WALES
DECISION TO DUMP CAROLINE SEARCY AS A RACE DAY HOST NOT ALL THAT POPULAR WITH TVN VIEWERS 
THE news that popular host Caroline Searcy will be used less on the race day coverage on TVN has upset a few racing followers – and not all of them are women.
HERE is a male perspective from a contributor to the Wednesday Whinge who is quite annoyed by the decision:
‘ONE would have thought TVN would be aware of the important role that women play in the racing industry.
Their decision to dump Caroline Searcy from race day coverage comes as a major surprise considering some of the programs they run are focused on women and the role they play in the industry.
What is behind the decision to dump Searcy from hosting race day coverage on TVN? It cannot simply be because her expertise is the breeding side of racing. She seems very well informed and researched when it comes to the racing side of the sport as well.
If we are going to be forced to listen to the ranting and raving of the opinionated Richard Callander and the new boy on the block Jason Richardson who finds a positive in everything even a rank outsider winning, then spare us TVN. Surely, it’s discriminatory not to have a woman on your race day panel.
There is a need for a female influence there. Caroline is perfect for the role. If the ‘bloke’s brigade’ is going to run the show then many will simply switch to Sky where we have Bernadette Cooper increasing her role rather than reducing it.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS is the column item by CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI in the DAILY TELEGRAPH that prompted the above – and several other – emails on this topic:
PUNTERS may have seen the last of presenter Caroline Searcy during TVN’s race day coverage.
Searcy was rarely spotted during the Sydney autumn on a Saturday.
Now we’re told Searcy won’t be sighted on a Wednesday or Saturday during the month of May.
Instead, Richard Callander, Brent Zerafa and Richard Haynes will front the bulk of the coverage. There’s every chance Jason Richardson will also make a few hit-and-run trips up from Melbourne.
It’s understood management are keen to focus on the punt rather than breeding, which is Searcy’s strong point.
Whether you like or loathe breeding, there’s no denying Searcy is a real natural talent in front of the camera.
There’s a calmness to her, which complements the excitement generated by the punt-savvy Callander and Zerafa.
That comes with her 20 years of experience, which included 11 years on the box for Fox Sports.
She’ll continue to be spotted on TVN’s breeding programs. Her contacts and support in the breeding world are unmatched.
THE NARCS HAVE THEIR SAY ON CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
JOINT RQ AND RSPCA INVESTIGATION INTO HORSE DEATH – BUT NO REPORT YET? 
‘ARE you aware that the death of a horse at the Clifford Park swimming pool in Toowoomba is being investigated by Racing Queensland and the RSPCA?
I am wondering why either body has not produced a Media Release on the matter as it has created a deal of industry comment and concern and details of the matter need to be clarified with the general and racing public.
Media reports on the Downs suggest the horse drowned in the pool. Local turf club chairman Bob Frappell stated that both RQ and the RSPCA had spoken with him about the circumstances surrounding the horse’s death. Word around the traps is that the horse involved may have been trained by his son.
Frappell snr strenuously denies any wrong doing, saying the incident was a ‘beat up’.
“There is nothing in this,” Mr Frappell was quoted as telling the local newspaper, the Chronicle. “It was a tragic accident. A horse got killed.”
Mr Frappell was not prepared to go into the details of the incident, preferring to wait for the finalization of a Racing Queensland investigation but added that nine people had been interviewed already.
He denied reports that a staff member at Toowoomba Turf Club had been sacked for reporting last month’s incident, adding that he was the one who had contacted Racing Queensland the day it happened but admitted: “There was a guy who came in here after it and resigned.”
Well why did that guy resign then Mr Frappell?’
EDITOR’S NOTE: Whether this is a ‘beat up’ or not, according to Racing Queensland no investigation has been covered up. CEO Darren Condon said all horse deaths had to be reported to the Government. The RSPCA has confirmed participation in the investigation following an ‘anonymous complaint’ and has called on anyone with further information to come forward. Condon said the RQ Integrity Unit was also investigating. He said the welfare and safety of all participants – human and animal – was of utmost importance to the control body. And so it should be.
FEUD BETWEEN TWO STABLES BEING PLAYED OUT LIKE DAYS OF OUR LIVES IN RACING 
THE feud between the Olivia Cairns and Bill Kenning stables has already been played out like an episode of Days of Our Lives in Racing but now it has landed in the courts.
When it comes to sides taken the emails that we have received suggest many stakeholders are firmly on the side of Shane ‘Unit’ Calahan, who has been painted the ‘bad boy’ in this saga.
Bill Kenning, who claims to be the ‘victim’, has few supporters when the critics have their say. That is, of course, except for stable stalwart, John Robbins, who the emails suggest has come out with more guns blazing in the court hearing than he did when the stewards inquired into the incident.
Robbins rates lowest in the popularity stakes in the emails we are receiving, most of which are ‘too hot’ for us to publish.
Needless to say there are plenty asking why this matter should be heard by the Magistrate’s Court when one of the most respected judges in Queensland, Bill Carter, now the head of the Racing Appeals Board, declared it had no legs.
As Terry Butts wrote in his ‘Silks & Saddles’ column:
‘There has been totally conflicting evidence by one of the prosecution witnesses John Robbins. He gave evidence at the stewards’ inquiry that he didn’t see the beginning of the fight (between Calahan and Kenning), and therefore didn’t know who was first to strike.
In court last week, and under oath, Robbins said Kenning was king hit. But at the original inquiry he said he couldn’t remember what he said at the original inquiry.
Really, in the end it was just a long and bitter personal feud between the two stables that finally erupted after months of verbal stoushing between the two – and should never have got to the stage it is at.’
SHOULD QUEENSLAND FOLLOW VICTORIA’S LEAD WHEN IT COMES TO CASES OF THIS TYPE?
HERE is one email on the subject that we were prepared to publish:
‘I read with some interest the article in your SILKS & SADDLES column of this week which dealt with a ‘Packer and Gyngell’ style love-in.
It is interesting to note the two very different legal procedures that govern this great industry of ours when it comes to Queensland and Victoria.
The Queensland system is as old as the industry is itself.
I am certainly not suggesting there is anything wrong with it. I believe most of the other states adopt this same formula.
On the other hand, in Victoria the Stewards hardly ever get a say on who is right and who is wrong.
In 90% of the breaches of the rules in Victoria they are investigated by Stewards and the matter is then referred to the RAD Board (a racing-style ‘Magistrate’s Court’) for a ‘ruling’ on guilt or innocence.
From what I am told this Board is made up of a retired District Court judge (or the equivalent thereto) and two advisers.
An example of the Victorian ways with dealing with a ‘Kenning and Cairns’ type of dust-up would be to allow the Police to do their job first and then the Stewards to do theirs.
This can be best outlined in the NIKOLIC – PEGUS case.
In other similar ASSAULT cases involving licensees HAWKES and VASIL, Stewards investigated and referred the result of such inquiries onto the RAD Board for adjudication.
There is no doubt that the Victorian system is akin to a Civil or Lower Court hearing.
The way that the Queensland Integrity and appeal system is heading perhaps they have reached the stage where they too should adopt the Victorian method of operation.’
MAGISTRATE’S COURT HEARING INTO FEUD BETWEEN WARRING STABLES IN TOWNSVILLE
EDITOR’S NOTE: HERE is a report by EMMA CHANNON in the TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN on the Magistrate’s Court hearing:
A feud between two of Townsville’s top horse trainers turned violent when one of them was allegedly king-hit and bashed at a jump-out day.
William ‘Bill’ Kenning was allegedly attacked out of the blue by Shane ‘Unit’ Ashton Colahan, who works as a stable hand for his partner Olivia Cairns.
Mr Kenning, an ex-jockey who hired Black Caviar’s chiropractor for his horses last week, and Ms Cairns are considered to be Townsville’s most experienced horse trainers.
A Townsville Magistrates Court heard that bad blood existed between the pair, but details of just how it began have not been revealed.
Colahan pleaded not guilty in Townsville Magistrates Court to assault occasioning bodily harm.
Trainer John Robbins saw the incident near the racecourse on July 17 last year, and said there had been “niggling” between the two stables for a while.
He said he saw Colahan punch Mr Kenning, who was walking to his stable.
“I never heard much noise ... he just struck him,” he said.
“When he hit the ground he continued to strike him.
“I have called out and when he didn’t stop I proceeded to separate them, or try to.”
Mr Kenning was left with two black eyes and cuts after the alleged assault.
Mr Robbins told the court there was a bit of drama at every race meet.
Farrier Shane Raymont, who was nearby when incident took place, said he tried to pull Mr Kenning out of harm’s way.
“I saw Unit punch Mr Kenning,” he said.
“Mr Kenning went to the ground and he proceeded to belt the crap out of him.
“Unit sort of jumped on him. I was not far from him and I sort of thought it was a bit out of control.
“I proceeded to grab Mr Kenning’s legs and pull him out but I was stopped.’’
Barrister Viviana Keegan, for Colahan, asked Mr Raymont whether he saw her client and Mr Robbins engage in a tussle during the incident.
Mr Raymont there were punches between them, and said at one point they had each other by the arms or shirts. He denied them being in a wrestle.
Police prosecutor Constable Tim Madsen said Mr Kenning told police he was walking to the stables when he was hit out of the blue.
“He was walking with his head down, thinking about something when he was king-hit,’’ Constable Madsen said.
The hearing was adjourned to May 13.
‘MEANS TEST OUR BREEDERS’ BEFORE HANDING OVER TAXPAYER FUNDS TO THEM 
THE email we ran last week blasting the breeders in Queensland for being ‘greedy’ and the Racing Minister for supporting their cause has attracted even more attention and widespread criticism, even from within the racing industry.
Here are a couple of examples:
‘AS a member of a small country club I was encouraged to write to your website following a review of last week’s Wednesday Whinge.
Last week you ran a story where it was highlighted that the State Government is considering increasing its financial contribution to the Queensland Breeding industry.
The story challenged why taxpayer funds should be allocated in this manner when considering the apparent dire position of the Queensland economy.
Before considering this matter I would urge the relevant person within Government to undertake a means test of those Queensland breeders requesting this additional funding.
I recently attended a function that was also attended by members of the Breeders’ Association. Let me say that the quality of the cars in the car park did not support their suggestion that the breeding industry is on its knees.
I noted many high end cars that day, and from memory I don’t ever recall seeing these types of vehicles being driven by the State’s most needy, ie. Pensioners, people with disabilities and the unemployed.
I follow the lead of last week’s contributor and ask that the State Government seriously consider this issue before providing additional funds to the Breeding Industry. Ultimately the underprivileged must be our first consideration during these trying times.’
And this one:
GOVERNMENT CALLED ON TO REJECT PROPOSAL TO ASSIST ‘GREEDY QLD BREEDERS’ 
‘I am a long-time racing follower and I would encourage all stakeholders to reject this proposal to provide millions of dollars of Government money to the ‘greedy’ breeders in Queensland.
When our state is in such a dire financial situation how could any politician with a conscience support a proposal to his Cabinet colleagues to distribute millions to already rich breeders when the general public are suffering and there is greater need for health, police, roads and school services.
Handing out taxpayer dollars to grubby rent-seekers like breeders with dud sires while people with disabilities and their carers have to practically beg for basic services is a disgrace.
QTIS should be called for what it is – breeders’ welfare. It’s subsidizing mediocrity - nothing less.
Talk about ‘strong choices’ – if the LNP Government agrees to this proposal for millions of dollars to assist the breeders then Queenslanders deserve to toss them out at the next election.’
WHY DID ABUSE OF GREYHOUND BOARD MEMBER ONLY ATTRACT A $200 FINE 
‘I would like to draw to your attention a stewards’ report from the Townsville Greyhounds on April 29.
A trainer was fined $200 for abusing a member of the Greyhound Racing Board.
This raises the question – why was the fine so small? Did the stewards feel there was some justification or even truth in what the trainer said?
It certainly needs some further and more detailed explanation to the industry.
Here is what the report states:
STEWARDS opened an inquiry into a complaint lodged by Board Member Mr. C. Williams against trainer Mr. G. Thomson in relation to his behavior in the car park prior to racing.
Evidence was taken from Mr Thomson, Mr Williams and witnesses for Mr Thomson.
After hearing the evidence Mr Thomson was charged under the provisions of GAR 86(F)(iii) for using improper language towards a member of the Controlling Body.
Mr Thomson pleaded guilty to the charge and addressed the stewards in relation to penalty.
Stewards took into account Mr. Thomson’s submissions and he was fined $200.
STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED IN THE MAINSTREAM RACING MEDIA
RACING NZ OFFICIAL APPOINTED OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR RQ THOROUGHBREDS 
RACING Queensland on Tuesday announced the appointment of Mr Ross Gove as its Racing Operations Manager for Thoroughbreds.
RQ CEO Darren Condon said Mr Gove, who was formerly General Manager of Racing at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, would be a valuable addition to the organization, particularly given his dual-code background in thoroughbreds and greyhounds.
“Ross’s credentials speak for themselves and we are pleased to announce his appointment in what is an exciting time for the industry in Queensland,” Mr Condon said.
“As the Principal Racing Authority for all three codes in in the state, having someone with Ross’s experience across thoroughbreds and greyhounds will be a huge benefit to the organization.”
Mr Gove said the role presented an opportunity for him to pursue his desire to work in racing administration in Australia, while also allowing him and his wife to be reunited with their son in Brisbane.
“I am incredibly passionate about the racing industry having been involved in it in various capacities since childhood including club employment, stable work, ownership and most latterly administration management at a national level,” Mr Gove said.
“The industry in Queensland has obviously undergone significant changes over recent times and I very much look forward to making a positive contribution to Racing Queensland through the challenge that lies ahead”
Mr Gove will commence with Racing Queensland in June.
OUTCOMES OF INTERNATIONAL STEWARDS’ CONFERENCE IN HONG KONG 
THE 5th International Stewards’ Conference was conducted on Monday at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong, in conjunction with the 35th Asian Racing Conference.
Chaired by Mr. Kim Kelly, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Stipendiary Steward, the conference was attended by 71 delegates representing 28 racing jurisdictions.
One of horse racing’s most important Rules is the protest/objection Rule, which until relatively recently was operated in several different ways around the world.
This issue was highlighted at the 31st Asian Racing Conference in Dubai in 2007, since when great progress has been made to harmonize the Rule internationally, thanks to discussions held during previous International Stewards’ Conferences and meetings of the IFHA’s International Harmonization of Race Day Rules Committee.
There was further welcome news on that front at the Stewards’ Conference when Mr Yoshihiro Nakamura, Chief Steward of the Japan Racing Association, informed delegates of the results of a change to the protest/objection Rules in Japan that had taken place in 2013.
The JRA had changed to the ‘Category 1’ philosophy which is widely used throughout Asia, Australasia, Great Britain, India, Ireland and South Africa.
Mr Nakamura reported that in 2012, there were 142 protest/objection inquiries conducted, with a change to the judge’s placings being made on 21 occasions.
Of these 21 instances, seven horses were disqualified as a result of being found to have caused interference which affected the result of the race, irrespective of where in the field the offending horse finished.
By contrast, during 2013 there were just 25 inquiries with only one change to the result of a race. Further, there were no horses disqualified from a race for having caused interference.
Against the background of events in various parts of the racing world over the past few months, another significant discussion at the Conference was held on the subject of the level of penalties that should be applied to serious offences, including the use of anabolic steroids and issues relating to animal welfare.
On that subject, the Conference was pleased to note a report from Mr Johan Petzer, Chairman of Stewards at Thoroughbred Racing South Australia, concerning the introduction in Australia of mandatory minimum penalties relating to offences involving prohibited substances and animal welfare.
Some of the other subjects discussed on a wide-ranging agenda were: the provision of information by Stewards to the public through mainstream media and the increasing use of social media platforms; a study currently being conducted in Hong Kong regarding the health, fitness and welfare of jockeys; rules applying in certain jurisdictions regulating or prohibiting medication/treatment being administered to horses on or leading up to the day they are to race; and the benefits of interaction between Stewards and Security & Integrity departments.
Looking towards the increasing internationalization of racing, further presentations examined: the possibility for protest/objection hearings being conducted in a harmonized manner around the world; and the merits of having jurisdictional gear/equipment registers to assist connections given the ever increasing movement of racehorses between countries.
CHARITY FOR LATE MAIL LUNCHEON – STAND TALL 4 POST TRAUMATIC STRESS FOUNDATION 
THE following is a Media Release concerning the Late Mail Luncheon to be held in Brisbane on Friday, May 9 (and by the way the event, being held for the first time in Brisbane despite the efforts of the Bernborough Club to torpedo it, is a sell-out, while the ‘boys’ only’ function can go about their own business on the same day one might imagine a shade thin on numbers).
WE are honored to announce the nominated charity for the 2014 Late Mail Luncheon® Brisbane is Stand Tall 4 Post Traumatic Stress Foundation.
Stand Tall 4 PTS is an extraordinary charity started by Vietnam Veteran and former Test Cricketer Tony Dell.
The foundation raises awareness of post traumatic stress disorder in our returned service men, women and emergency service personnel.
Tony was diagnosed himself in 2008, some 40 years after returning from the Vietnam theatre of war.
You will learn a lot more about Tony; Stand Tall 4 PTS and about his amazing cricket career during next week’s Late Mail Luncheon®.
But for now, I would like to make you aware of an extraordinary opportunity for someone to make a difference to this worthy cause, and secure a unique, rare and valuable piece of Australian Military history in the process.
So I’ll let Tony tell you in his own words:
“A unique item in Australian Military History will be offered for auction at the Late Mail Luncheon® Brisbane on Friday May 9 at the Sofitel Hotel.
I have managed to get Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG to sign an Australian Military Slouch Hat, complete with Special Forces Badge.
This will be presented on an Australian Flag along with his two citations and copies of his Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry.
These will be presented professionally and set in a Perspex Case.
I can’t vouch for what has occurred since Gallipoli but in my humble opinion Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG must be the ultimate Australian Warrior.
I am reliably told that what you can read on these two citations is just the tip of the iceberg in his distinguished Military career.
Given the stature of this unique item I have no doubt that its value will appreciate over the years.
I have secured this signed hat on the premise that 100% of the money received for it will go towards funding a National Forum for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Both my Patron, Air Chief Marshal (Ret) Angus Houston, AC, AFC and I are adamant that the only real way forward in combating this highly underfunded and misunderstood illness is for everyone in the country who is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, should get together in the one place at the one time.
To do this properly we need money and the auction of this Slouch Hat is just the start.
We will put a realistic reserve on this item and if that is not reached during the Live Auction on Friday May 9 at the Late Mail Luncheon® Brisbane, it will be passed in.
Prior to the lunch however we are offering it to the whole of Australia and we are seeking confidential and binding pre-auction bids.
If you are interested in bidding or you would like to make a tax deductible donation please contact me or whoever sends you this email.”
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.
