Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 25 September 2017; Created: 25 September 2017

By TERRY BUTTS of the NQ REGISTER

THE much-anticipated merger between Tatts Holdings and Tabcorp Group has hit another hurdle – and the snake in the woodpile is said to be Crownbet.

The merger has been under a cloud ever since the two appeals by the ACCC and CrownBet were lodged in July, according to a Fairfax report, but Tabcorp has consistently told shareholders it was ‘committed to the transaction’ and confident of delivering the deal.

Those with a passion for racing and its survival can only hope Tabcorp is right – and that commonsense will in the end prevail.

Details: Published: 18 September 2017; Created: 18 September 2017

By TERRY BUTTS of the NQ REGISTER

A mob of kangaroos - more than 400 in fact - bandicoots and wild rabbits put paid to this year’s Mareeba Cup meeting which was to have been held on Saturday.

But while they stopped the Cup meeting, they didn’t stop the party!

While racehorses and their handlers participated at a hastily organised meeting at Cairns, the staunch and dedicated local fraternity turned up for a phantom meeting. More than 700 in fact in their fashion finest for live bands live bands, foot races and fun.

Details: Published: 11 September 2017; Created: 11 September 2017

by TERRY BUTTS of the NQ REGISTER

THE QRIC ‘cops’, as they are now known, were out in force at Cairns at the recent Amateurs Carnival where – to substantiate their overwhelming presence – they continued a blitz on stables and stable staff.

Caught up like a dolphin in a shark net however was the 59-year-old wife of leading local trainer Trevor Rowe. And the somewhat audacious incident has caused quite a stir in racing circles up North – not surprisingly.