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. Try to keep them objective. Just e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
THE e-mail box this week was spearheaded by concerns over the changes to the stewarding ranks in Queensland, the future of the Integrity Department, failure of the country to have a representative on the Interim RQ Board and fears that LNP Government pre-election promises will not be fulfilled. There were also e-mails concerning the continuing failure of Gai Waterhouse favorites in Sydney; the TVN deal and how it will affect SKY Channel and whether racing in Queensland is on the outer because of their contractual arrangement with SKY. There are a host of other issues, including an interesting one from Our Spy in the Deagon Bunker.
Here is this week’s selection with apologies to those who missed out.
EDITOR’S NOTE: BECAUSE of the increasing number of e-mails concerning perceived inaction by the new Racing Queensland Board we plan to put together a series of questions that hopefully new Chairman Kevin Dixon might be prepared to answer. We will forward these to him in the next week or two in the hope of securing some more detail on areas that seem to be of a growing concern to industry stake-holders.
RQL CHAIRMAN NEEDS TO EXPLAIN APPOINTMENT PROCESS TO INDUSTRY
‘IT is hard to understand the rationale of this new Racing Queensland Board.
They pay top money to return a steward to Queensland who despite his experience is obviously in the countdown to retirement.
They fail to advertise the job nationally and then we hear reports that one of the best stewards in the country was interested but didn’t get a look in. It all sounds political to me.
The Courier-Mail calls the luring back to Queensland of Allan Reardon a ‘major coup.’ The man himself admits he wasn’t expecting to return and didn’t chase the job then goes on to tell the Melbourne media that he will ‘just fill the gaps.’
It’s a high price for the industry to pay when the majority of the younger stewards, including Chairman Wade Birch, would have been on the Queensland panel during Reardon’s days as Chairman or Deputy Chairman. It is to be hoped he can lift the quality of stewards to a greater level than he did at his first attempt.
Then we have reports that Reardon will play second fiddle to Birch who has received a promotion and a pay rise, courtesy of his lobbying for the man he wanted in this new role. One could question if he was doing his job properly to start with would Birch have needed all this assistance that is being brought in?
At the end of the day I fear punters will have no more confidence in the integrity of racing in Queensland. And to make matters worse it appears that the Integrity Department and its independent investigators will be dispensed with. Now doesn’t that sound like a return to the days when it was ‘anything goes’ in Queensland?
And to add insult to injury it looks like the country will miss out on a representative on the new Board to help pay the high salaries of Reardon and Birch. Will it all be worth it?’ – Stan Carter, Brisbane.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I have nothing against the appointment of Allan Reardon who I think is a very good steward but I agree the position should be advertised and an independent body used for the appointment process. With questions raised about interference from the Bentley Board in the way the previous Integrity Department was run surely the need for an independent approach should have been the first requirement adopted by the new body.
WAS ALLAN REARDON TARGETED FOR THE JOB AS A POLITICAL SQUARE-UP?
‘WHY wasn’t this newly created role of Director of Steward Development advertised at least nationally – if not internationally?
Was it because the new RQ Board and their mates (some in the racing media) had already decided to target Allan Reardon for the job?
Surely this wasn’t a political square-up with the Bentley administration because they forced Reardon out. If that’s the case can we expect to see quite a few more faces from the past re-emerge at RQ in the not too distant future?
If you are going to pay a high profile steward in the range of $1 million for a five-year contract, isn’t there a need to get a human resources company involved to ensure the best credentialed candidate is secured?
There are stories doing the rounds that Terry Bailey was interested in the job. One has to question why he wasn’t considered ahead of Reardon who has been his deputy in Victoria. Was it because Bailey was considered too tough where Reardon has a much more popular approach in the eyes of the licensees?
How about considering the punters who keep racing going with their investments every week? How about considering the terrible image that racing integrity has in Queensland on and off the track?
It was interesting to note that the Racing Editor of The Courier-Mail described the reappointment of Reardon as a ‘coup for Queensland racing.’ That comes as no surprise considering the rumors that he was one of those pushing strongly for Reardon’s return.
Then there is the story doing the rounds that a prominent official was strongly in the Reardon corner and not prepared to back Bailey because the latter had no opinion of him during his days as a steward.
Too much politics involved in this. The position should have been advertised and the appointment process should have been done independently. But I guess this is what we can expect with future high profile appointments – as one rival website operator described the situation: ‘Jobs for the Boys.’ – Albert Williams, Redcliffe.
EDITOR’S NOTE: So that we aren’t seen to be pushing the barrow alone on this contentious topic, here is an extract of what Phil Purser had to say on his popular website justracing.
‘Unfortunately however it looks to me like “jobs for the boys” is back on the agenda under the new Racing Queensland regime. The Courier Mail in particular over the years has written numerous times about what a sad loss it was when Bob Bentley got rid of steward Allan Reardon.
Naturally since the LNP got back into power in Queensland, I can just imagine how “the boys” will have been lobbying feverishly to get Allan Reardon back here – for what reason I have no idea - probably because Queensland is warmer than Melbourne and it’s such a shame when your mate is two States away (what were telephones and/or emails invented for, if it wasn’t to keep in touch), but today we get the news that ageing steward Allan Reardon is returning to Queensland, to a newly created position. What for?
Did Bentley spend millions of dollars in the last decade on stewards wages and training them - and we don’t have some young talent around the place for Christ’s sake? “The incestuous world of thoroughbred racing” never ceases to amaze me – and I continually shake my head. Next we’ll be inducting old horses like Shuffle The Cash into the Queensland racing industry Hall of Fame if he happens to win the Ipswich Cup.
Re the stewards, why not get Ray, Steve, Terry and Greg all back here and then the whole lot of them that left under Bentley can come back and we can all have a jolly old time? Like I said it’s warmer here than Sydney or Melbourne. Oh and the “Integrity Department” has got the flick under the new crew.
No problem there – there’s not much of that “integrity” stuff left in Queensland anyway, so goodonyer fellas.
In my closing statement on this aforesaid issue of Reardon, if Kevin Dixon wanted to create a new position within the stewarding ranks of Queensland, why then didn't he advertise the position both nationally and internationally to ensure that the best possible candidate was the recipient of the newly available position. Wouldn't that be simply basic and sensible astute business acumen? Well it would to me. Otherwise I'd deem it "jobs for the boys".
SURELY BIRCH WON’T CALL THE SHOTS OVER THE MORE EXPERIENCED REARDON
‘JUST how much control will Allan Reardon have in his new role as Director of Steward Development?
There is a story doing the rounds that he will still play second fiddle to Wade Birch, who has made an even more meteoric rise under the Kevin Dixon Board.
Birch has been confirmed as Chief Steward of all codes as well as Chief Steward of the Thoroughbreds. Will that change when the merger of the three codes is over-turned?
Allan Reardon made some interesting revelations about his Queensland appointment in an interview with Correct Weight on Radio Sport National in Melbourne last Sunday. (I was tuned in on the web).
“I wasn’t looking for a position. I was never really interested in going back,” Reardon admitted. “But it is probably the right time.” That suggests to me he was approached to take the job.
“I enjoyed the role I had here. I love the weather here and I prefer it to Queensland where it can get too humid. It is the best racing here that is for sure.
“They offered me a role there to help out – in football terms as an on-field coach to help out the young panel. I know all those boys. I will just fill in the gaps when I have to.”
Well if Allan is just coming home to ‘fill in the gaps’ and reportedly getting paid nearly a million dollars over five years to do it that sounds more like a retirement plan to me.
On top of that does this mean more control for Wade Birch? One would hope not. If he arguably had the experience and was not under so much pressure there would be no need to bring someone of Reardon’s experience in to ‘fill the gaps.’
Heaven help racing in Queensland. Here’s hoping when they appoint a CEO to replace Malcolm Tuttle they don’t do it without advertising and certainly don’t just appoint someone to ‘fill in the gaps.’
Then again that’s racing in Queensland these days. It just fills in the gaps on a Saturday between Sydney and Melbourne and that’s all it will ever do.’ – Glen Abrahams, Brisbane.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I heard the interview that you refer to from Melbourne as well Glen and was amazed to hear that Allan felt he was coming back more to help out than run the show. If he is going to fill the gaps left by the Birch panel he will need to be the best plasterer in the world. They need all the help they can get and if the suggestions is correct that Birch will hold the whip hand over Reardon one has to wonder just how serous this new Board is about Integrity of racing in Queensland.
DEAGON BUNKER SPY REPORTS ON INTERESTING RENDEZVOUS AT SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY
OUR Spy in the Deagon Bunker reports that there are a few ‘Nervous Nellys’ at RQ headquarters with rumors rife of a staff purge, with up to 20 to go statewide.
Here is his latest report with an interesting story about the new Board's 'golden boy' of the stewarding ranks.
‘MENTION the staff-purge and the place goes into meltdown. It’s like an episode of Get Smart, just funnier.
On another front thought your readers might like to know about the old fashioned knees-up last Saturday night at Brett's Wharf in Brisbane.
Apparently one of the veteran secretaries in the Integrity section was the recipient of a surprise birthday party.
The guest list was spiced with some interesting characters including current Chief Stipe Wade together with his old patron ‘the Orchardist’.
‘The Orchardist’ was obviously taking a break from counting his dividends from the poor old maligned stakeholders in Queensland Racing.
Those talking about the reuniting of the top two were wondering if the new broom would appreciate their new golden boy of the stewarding ranks fraternizing publicly with someone whose payout is still the subject of a Government investigation.
They felt it was quite ridiculous really when stewards are specifically told to be careful who they fraternize with and yet here we have these two carrying on like the "Builder" was still running the show.’ – Your Spy in the Deagon Bunker.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I guess what you do in your spare time is your own business. Let’s not forget the days when a former high profile integrity identity was seen having a quiet drink with licensees at a lap dancing club after a racing function. That makes a few drinkies at a surprise birthday party with your old boss pretty tame stuff. As for the supposed sackings I am told most of those to go will be perceived friends of the Bentley Board who were appointed to the First Level Appeals Panel. One is just waiting to get the bullet and he is ready to let loose about a few things that happened behind closed doors. It should make interesting reading on this web site.
HAS GAI LOST THE PLOT WHEN IT COMES TO HOW THE PUNTERS FEEL ABOUT HER FLOPS?
‘POOR old Gai – she seems to have totally lost the plot.
She gets her knickers in a knot because stewards decide to question her over yet another dismal performance from one of her fancied runners.
Like most this one blew like a gale in the betting and raced like a mule.
When will trainers like Waterhouse realize that they aren’t entitled to special treatment and should be dealt with by stewards the same way as the one or two-horse trainer?
Gai got so mixed up firing back at stewards’ chief Ray Murrihy that she attacked Max Presnell (of the Sydney Morning Herald) over what has been written about her in the Sydney media. In fact poor old Max has been quiet complimentary – or had been up until this occurred – of the issues confronting Gai with her beaten fancies.
It was in fact Kenny Callander (Sydney Telegraph) who was doing the right thing by the punters and highlighting the woeful efforts of her favorites.
Punters still aren’t satisfied with what stewards are doing in relation to the Waterhouse runners that are proving colossal flops. Perhaps they should start looking at who is laying them with Betfair or the corporates.’ – Jack Ritchie, Sydney.
EDITOR’S NOTE: To keep you abreast of what has been written in Sydney about the Waterhouse situation here are two articles concerning the weekend inquiry:
KEN CALLANDER in the SYDNEY TELEGRAPH
I DON'T think Gai Waterhouse gets it. She has to realise when a horse eases from $3.50 to $6.50 and gets beaten 22 lengths, like her galloper Masahiko at Rosehill on Saturday, the stewards have to hold an inquiry.
If they didn't it would be better they were all sacked.
Punters could then forget the races and filling up the pockets of Gai and the like and start betting on poker machines and lotto.
If Gai frequented the betting ring she would know when a horse eases from $3.5 to $6.5 punters start asking questions and jumping to conclusions. With Gai married to leading bookie Rob Waterhouse the innuendo and suggestion ran riot.
Of course most of it is drivel, but justice has to be seen to be done. Surely Gai would concede she has had an uncommonly high number of her horses beaten by big margins in recent weeks.
MAX PRESNELL in the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
"It's only Max Presnell, nothing better to write about … it's the tall poppy … he doesn't want to write about the good races … tried to get a bookie to write a story … I can't win every time I go out … I've only had three or four [bad performances],'' reported colleague Craig Young regarding the rant, my word not his, by Gai Waterhouse to stewards at Rosehill on Saturday.
''I think you're shooting the wrong messenger,'' chief steward Ray Murrihy said, attempting to enlighten the trainer.
It all stems from recent appalling efforts of Waterhouse team members, form horses, beaten by long margins.
Tall poppy? Yes, but the best, trainer or jockey, should be judged on a higher level.
On writing about the good in racing? Surely, I've been in the chorus of ''ain't she great''.
When elephant juice was on the rampage and fence jumpers were running amok, the same ''write good stories'' argument was mentioned, not that the Waterhouse beaten brigade is in that category.
The bookie writing a story must be Dom Beirne, once a leading fielder and now a form guru, much admired by Rob Waterhouse, husband of Gai. Interviewed on the News Radio podcast, Hooves On The Till, about the Waterhouse situation, he was very supportive of the heroine of last autumn.
Beirne had the second opinion, as a week earlier Murrihy was asked whether he was concerned about the Waterhouse flops, but poured cold water on them, pointing out that lameness had contributed to the beaten margins. On Saturday, however, he opened the inquiry after the dismal defeat of Masahiko, also prepared by Waterhouse, and an ''unfortunate pattern developing''.
Luckily, for me, Waterhouse stayer Reuben Percival was scratched on Saturday because I had written, but later replaced: ''Will Reuben Percival in the 3200-metre Stayers Cup be a Gai Waterhouse brick-wall horse (as in run into) following the trend of donkey-licked hot favourites?''
IS ‘DAN THE MAN’ LEAVING OUR SHORES FOR A STINT IN SINGAPORE?
‘I am surprised we haven’t had an ‘exclusive’ from ‘Dan the Man’s’ biggest supporter in the racing media in Melbourne.
The story goes that Nikolic is off to Singapore for a stint – probably to link with the Freedman stable over there – and won’t be back before the spring carnival.
Actually he has to return in November – reportedly to front the courts over some of his off-track misdemeanors. How long does it take the judicial system in Victoria to hear charges?
Nikolic won’t be missed by many in Victoria. He is a jockey of great talent but wherever he goes controversy rides shotgun with him and I am forecasting that will continue in Singapore.’ – Charlie Young, Melbourne.
EDITOR’S NOTE: It’s all bad news for Nikolic. There were stories doing the rounds about his nemesis, chief steward Terry Bailey heading off to the NRL or to RQ but it seems the first was a furfie and the second lot didn’t want him because he’s too tough for Queensland where racing continues to be rated a joke on and off the track by the punters and the public alike.
NEW INTEGRITY UNIT FOR RQ NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT
‘SOME time back I wrote about how the NEW Racing Integrity Unit should be set up (in Queensland).
I do not know what the Government is really proposing to do but if the articles by the Editor of this website are in any way on the mark it will fall very short of the way I believe it should be done.
The Premier’s Office has advised me that I will hear from the Minister for Racing on the matter.
It needs to be a separately funded Unit answerable only to the Minister for Racing so that Racing Queensland has not even the remotest chance of influencing their investigations or knowing what they are investigating.
The last persons who should have any input as to who will be in the Unit or in Charge would be anyone from any Board of the three arms of racing and no influence from the Chief Steward or any of his staff.
This proposal is drawing a low bow with the way things work in Politics but if the Unit is going to be successful it needs to be completely independent.’ - Mick Gurn, Pittsworth.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments Mick that the new Integrity Unit, as promised by the LNP Government in its racing policy, needs to be completely independent. But these are worrying times when we are hearing there may be no Integrity unit at all. It’s time for the Racing Minister to find out what is going on from those who are calling the shots and let the industry know or for the pathetic excuse we have of an opposition to ask some questions. If they won’t then I guess it’s up to websites like ours to keep raising the issues – which we will until someone convinces us the right thing will be done by the punters and the industry.
IS THE LNP GOVERNMENT AND NEW RQL BOARD GOING TO HAVE AN INTEGRITY DEPARTMENT?
‘CAN someone please explain what is going on with the independent Integrity Department that we were promised by the LNP Government in their racing policy leading up to the election?
Surely this isn’t a broken promise within weeks of them being elected. Separation of powers was a controversial subject at two Racing Inquiries and much was made of interference from former Chairman Bob Bentley and his Board in the workings of the previous Integrity Departments run by Dr Bob Mason and Jamie Orchard.
We kept being told that Integrity would be removed from under the umbrella of RQL and become a truly independent organization albeit a wing of the Government under the Racing Department.
Now it seems there is no certainty it will survive. That suggestion, on top of reports that investigative staff was sacked because they failed to drop current investigations, needs to be clarified by the Kevin Dixon Board.
Then we received this little gem (just in case you missed it) in a recent Media Release confirming the Reardon appointment which announced that the previous position of Director of Integrity will not be filled at this time.
As is the case with the extra members of the RQ Board who won’t be appointed, it too is pending changes to be implemented through legislation which could be introduced any time between now and never.
Perhaps it’s time for Steve Dickson, he’s the Racing Minister we rarely hear of, to ask the politician who is really running the racing show, that’s Treasurer Tim Nicholls – the good mate of the BRC and Kevin Dixon, to confirm how fair dinkum this Government is about providing a true Integrity unit for racing in Queensland.
Or are we heading back to the bad old days when the stewards, under the direction of the control body, ran the show. We all know what happened back then – remember Fine Cotton, the Caffeine Crisis, certain members of the media having the run of the jockeys’ room and telephoning information off course to underworld figures?’ – Peter English, Toowoomba.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Who knows what is going on? I guess we’ll read the version that the RQ Chairman wants released in The Courier-Mail first. There have been strong rumors throughout the week that sackings will occur at RQ. Many of these are thought to be First Level Appeal appointees who are considered to have been too close to the Bentley Board. I can think of one who will go for sure and one who will survive that shouldn’t have been there to start with. The whole system of Integrity needs restructuring including the appeals process but don’t hold your breath.
AT LEAST WE STILL HAVE AN OBJECTIVE VIEW WHEN IT COMES TO THE RACING MEDIA
‘TERRY Butts might have his critics among the new inner sanctum of Racing Queensland because he refuses to toe the line but at least he provides an unbiased an objective view of what is happening in the industry no matter who is running the show.
Butts had good reason to want to see the back of the Bentley Board and its Integrity Department after the disgraceful way they used their powers over him as a licensed trainer to take action against him as a racing columnist.
But that hasn’t stopped him from highlighting the inefficiencies and concerns about the new Racing Queensland Board. His comments in this week’s ‘Silks and Saddles’ column were spot-on.
There is an increasing disquiet within the industry about the apparent lack of support for some clubs from the new RQ Board. In the eyes of some the appointment of Kevin Dixon that promised so much has delivered so little.
We have one of his biggest supporters from the north talking of walking away from the industry unless a meeting this week convinces him there is more light than there appears to be at the end of the tunnel.
There are also reports that RQ is going to try and terminate the deal sealed with Rockhampton by the Bentley Board. The story goes that the RJC is prepared to go to great lengths to enforce it.
Interesting days ahead for racing in Queensland where it’s a crap fight one day and an even bigger crap fight the next.’ – Ernie Morris, Brisbane.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I don’t think there is a more disappointed man in racing in Queensland at present than Terry Butts. He was so looking forward to the changes that had been promised by the LNP and the new powers that be at Racing Queensland. But like a lot of others Terry feels let down. The difference with Butts is that he will never be afraid to express his opinion whether it affects his image in the eyes of those in control or not. That is why he has more credibility in his little toe than some of the high profile media identities writing racing in this state have in their entire body. They only seem to care about protecting their mates and scoring Brownie Points with those in control. Just as a postscrpt yet another veteran racing journalist has left the scene. Glen 'Bluey' Davis, the long-time Racing Editor of AAP, was made redundant this week and will be a sad loss to turf journalism in this state.
DON’T EXPECT TO BE TOLD TOO MUCH ABOUT WHAT NEW RQ BOARD HAS PLANNED
‘THERE are growing fears within the racing industry that the new Racing Queensland Board is turning into a secret society.
The two former Bentley Board members who resigned last week are confidentially telling stakeholders that there was no point them being there. Decisions had already been made when they took their seats at the Board table without any consultation.
Now we have a situation where Wayne Milner and Bradley Ryan will not be replaced on the new Board – at least for the time being. So much for country racing having a voice - just more talk and no action from a new Government and a new control body.
There were cries of disbelief when hidden at the bottom of a press release about the resignations came the surprise confirmation that RQL – or more to the point Chairman Kevin Dixon – did not intend making any further additions to the Interim Board at this time.
The extra voices are obviously not needed while Dixon and his cohorts can run the show to suit themselves without any objection now that Milner and Ryan are gone. The Interim Board will be in place pending the introduction of legislation for the return to three separate control bodies – another big waste of money.
The way Government’s and bureaucracies move we could have this Interim Board in place until the end of the year making decisions in their secretive way without any industry consultation that is except those who they know will support their views.
Doesn’t this all sound a little familiar – a bit like the way they guy they claimed was a dictator who ran the industry to suit himself and his mates used to operate. As they say the more things change the more they stay the same.’ – Graham Simpson, Ipswich.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I can’t believe they haven’t appointed a country representative to the Interim Board after the song and dance that was made about the commitment to racing outside the metropolitan area prior to the election. New Racing Minister Steve Dickson needs to provide some assurances to the industry right now where the disquiet that was mentioned by Terry Butts in his ‘Silks and Saddles’ column is starting to spread to the south-east of the state if some of the telephone calls and e-mails I am receiving from stake-holders are any indication.
ANY CHANCE THAT RQ MIGHT FOLLOW BOOKMAKING LEAD OF RACING VICTORIA?
‘IS there any chance that our promise-a-lot but deliver little (at this stage) new powers-that-be at Racing Queensland might follow the lead of Racing Victoria and give bookies in the north a chance at survival.
Or perhaps it’s more a question that should be put to the new LNP Government and its Racing Minister Steve Dickson or we are told to the high profile pollie who is really running racing in Treasurer Tim Nicholls.
The reason we mention RQ is that Kevin Dixon seems to be running the show there and the story goes that Nicholls takes his riding instructions from Dixon then they finally get third hand to Minister Dickson.
There is little point taking it up with the Racing Department as we are not sure whether it is still being run by the Labor crew or if the rumor doing the rounds is right that a former basketball official is calling the shots with racing – doubt he is likely to score a slam dunk.’ – Glen Herd, Brisbane.
EDITOR’S NOTE: BELOW is the story from the MELBOURNE HERALD SUN that I suspect has prompted this e-mail:
VICTORIAN bookies will be able to take off-course bets, making them more competitive with those interstate.
Racing Minister Denis Napthine said amendments to the Racing Legislation Amendment Bill (2012), to be tabled this week, would enable bookmakers to take bets at approved off-course locations, as interstate bookies can. Currently Victorian bookmakers must be at a racetrack to accept a bet.
Victorian Bookmakers Association chairman Lyndon Hsu said the amendments would "make a big difference as our members won't have to drive hundreds of miles to a course to take bets".
The legislation will also remove the 1 per cent cap on the bookmakers' levy, now 1 per cent of turnover. The new model will be 1.5 per cent, increasing to 2 per cent during the spring carnival.
Bookies whose turnover does not exceed $5 million will stay on 1 per cent.
WEBSITE DOESN’T HAVE DOUBLE STANDARDS WHEN IT COMES TO FIXED ODDS BETTING
‘I contacted you a month or so back regarding the reluctance of Tattsbet to display markets for Brisbane races until quite close to the starting time of the race. You seemed less than sympathetic to my argument at the time.
However, I note from your comments last Friday that you have changed your tune, so to speak.
Saturday's Ipswich fields were distributed on Thursday around 10 am. Yet, by middle of Friday afternoon - about 30 hours later - there were three races at least for which Tattsbet had not yet displayed markets.
Tattsbet have a monopoly in the State to provide fixed odds markets but they won't provide the service until other markets are on display or tote markets are available. Punters deserve better.
And in closing, I have to say your assessment of the Winter Carnival as a "dud" is difficult to fathom.
What do you expect for the Winter Carnival to be "good"? Black Caviar winning the 10,000 and Stradbroke? Gai Waterhouse and Bart Cummings training the program? Race records every race? – Ian McPherson, Gold Coast.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks for the follow-up Ian but my complaint was that the TABs and the Corporates failed to provide early Fixed Odds markets for one of the big days of the Winter Carnival – not just a normal Saturday meeting. Perhaps they would have if the carnival was up to the standard that you are suggesting and not the ‘dud’ that not only this website but a lot of others perceive it to be. The Stradbroke has been described as the worst ever by far better judges of carnival races than me. I can’t see too many spring carnival winners emerging from the winter in Queensland with the possible exception of Lights of Heaven. I am not bagging your criticism Ian. Not for one minute do we suggest ours is right. Racing is about opinions and everyone is entitled to theirs.
BENTLEY BOARD INSISTS RACE CLUBS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR ‘DUD’ SKY CHANNEL DEAL
‘IT came as no surprise that the unofficial media voice of Racing Queensland went into bat for the SKY contract that has this state locked in until 2020 while the rest will enjoy the riches of their new deal with TVN.
Listen to anyone from the old Bentley Board and they will tell you that reports emanating from officials of a major club in Queensland that they forced the SKY contract on clubs in the north are totally misleading.
The previous Board insists all it did was negotiate the best possible offers from the rival broadcasters and the rest was left up to the clubs to decide. They also insist that Kevin Dixon and Stephen Ferguson from the BRC led the charge to support SKY Channel.
Therein lies the reasoning behind The Courier-Mail column article questioning whether TVN was the way to go for the clubs in NSW and Victoria.
Words like ‘massive media statement by TVN,’ ‘planted stories painted TVN with an extremely lucrative and bright future,’ ‘talking heads will no longer be given free rein to editorialize,’ ‘a figure of $400 million was canvassed. Might be true. Might be way off beam’ and ‘self praise is rarely recommendation.’
Instead of bagging TVN perhaps we should have an investigative piece into why we are locked into SKY Channel in Queensland until 2020, what the advantages of that are for the industry, who will be the biggest beneficiaries and what the new TVN deal interstate means for Queensland.’ – Susan James, Brisbane.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Bob Bentley may be gone but the former RQ Chairman has been quick to correct us on issues he feels are important to the industry. He called this week to tell me that RQ did not sack Allan Reardon and claimed that the former Chief Steward had resigned. On this one I will agree to disagree as my recollection is that Allan could no longer work with Dr Bob Mason, the forgettable Integrity boss at the time. Bentley insists that his Board only negotiated the best possible broadcast deals with SKY and TVN and that the decisions made to go with SKY were those of the clubs, without any involvement from RQL, adding that the ones most pushing for SKY through to 2020 were then BRC Chairman of the time Kevin Dixon and his CEO Stephen Ferguson.
Here’s a story on the TVN – SKY situation from an objective source, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD Racing Editor CRAIG YOUNG:
SO the two most powerful racing states in the country have valued the racing broadcaster at $400 million. The Victorian Network, sorry, TVN, will soon hold the media rights to all race clubs in NSW and Victoria.
NSW provincial and country clubs come on board in December when their Sky Racing deals end. Now how much is it really worth? What someone is willing to pay is the answer.
Who would want to buy it? Tabcorp's channel Sky Racing? The one that has three racing channels, including the most important of all, the poker-machine-style, race-a-minute dial. The one that ensures the income streams of the racing industry, the race clubs, remain healthy. The channel that goes into pubs, clubs or the home from where the punters pump money into Tabcorp's betting outlets.
For that, Sky Racing makes a bucket-load of money every year. There is talk of $40 million-odd but how much does TVN make? The one born when Tabcorp said enough was enough. Paying inflated prices for footage of racing from NSW and Victoria was over.
Eight years ago, then Tabcorp supremo Warren Wilson blacked out Sydney racing. TVN was born. The Sydney Turf Club and Australian Jockey Club, now united as the Australian Turf Club, paid $4 million each to help set up TVN. The Victorian industry pumped in money, too.
To keep it going, the STC and AJC took out loans along the way. As one insider told The Sting at Rosehill last start, ''A little bit of money has dribbled back in over the years.'' Really?
So how much does TVN make? Better luck finding that needle in the haystack than snaring TVN figures. The channel was set up to showcase racing like never before and it certainly does that.
But how much is its race-day footage worth? Whatever Sky Racing wants to pay. Are there any other bidders out there? And Sky is paying already. It is paying to ensure racing from NSW and Victoria is shown on its rapid-fire channel. Talk that TVN can now set its own price is surely wishful thinking. What happens if Sky Racing turns off the switch again?
Yes, it might cost its parent Tabcorp lost wagering revenue but it did blackout Sydney racing under Wilson. Can race clubs in NSW and Victoria afford a downturn in wagering revenue? Not likely.
So who is going to play hardball? A new TVN board is soon to be in place. It had better seek a meeting of Sky Racing heavies. What about uniting as one? You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Does racing need four channels? Can racing afford TVN? Tabcorp makes money out of Sky Racing, that is for sure.
Surely the new TVN board will have a big-picture plan. Sky Racing owns the international rights to race-day footage. And the Asian market is growing. China is on the cusp. It will want Australian racing. The co-mingling of international racing pools is well under way. Tabcorp is a leader on that front. There is money to be made and TVN as it stands had better forge a relationship.
Then there are the new media rights. You know, the internet, iPhones, iPads and whatever else is on the horizon. How much money is to be earned on that front? Who knows - but you'd have to think TVN and Sky Racing, armed at the hip, could earn a quid.
Going it alone will not help either party. They depend on each other. So why not unite under a new name? Or is it race clubs versus Tabcorp? What about another blackout? Where is that switch?
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON DUST-UP BETWEEN PREGNANT TRAINER AND COLLEAGUE IN NQ
‘JUST thought I would add my two bobs worth in relation to your comments regarding the really nice trainer in North Queensland who is pregnant.
The e-mail published (last week) is true. It is interesting to know that you have taken exception to it. Obviously you have done no research whatsoever into the matter and are fast going to lose credibility taking the side you are.
Up here it is well known that the comments expressed are a true indication of the nature of the people involved.
Would be nice to know where your information is coming from as it would be to know who Vince Grogan is. I am certain the name is fake, an alias, or the person is a nobody in the field of racing.
The sad thing is that I have always read your stuff with interest as I considered you to be a person who presented the facts regardless of your own personal opinion – pretty much a straight shooter. Unfortunately I now have to look at how much of your stuff is poorly researched and pretty much based on crap.
I am not hiding behind any of these comments and am pretty much unbiased. I do however have plenty of contact with many of the racing people.’ – Craig Courtney, Townsville.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Obviously there are two sides to every story. I appreciate your feedback Craig. Feelings were understandably running high at the time and here's hoping that both parties find their way to move on. No further e-mails on this issue will be published.
ANGER OVER PERCEIVED START FOR STABLE IN RACE WITH INSUFFICIENT ACCEPTORS
‘I was bemused by the situation referred to in an e-mail last week relating to instructions allegedly coming from a high profile Board member at RQ for a race to be run despite the fact it would have insufficient acceptors under rules relating to TAB races.
Surely this isn’t the same precinct where they were continually claiming that a top trainer was being given start with positive swabs by a previous administration.
That race unfortunately was run – turned into a farce – the right one won at silly odds, in fact it bolted in, the right people got the money and the turnover was terrible.
This is an example of hypocrisy at its worst in racing but in Queensland, as those of us who have followed the industry for years know only too well, anything goes. The beneficiaries just depend on who is running the show at the time.’ – As I am a licensee I would ask that my identity be with-held.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I am told that many trainers in the region concerned are up in arms about this. In normal circumstances I would suggest that you take the matter up with the Integrity Department of RQ but as we don’t seem to have one you can’t do that. I wouldn’t suggest you make a complaint to the stewards as they are employed by and answerable to the RQ Board. My advice is to either take it up with the Racing Department (good luck there and here’s hoping all these Public Service cuts involve a couple of heavies that should have been dispatched from that area soon after the election). You could always try and take it to the CMC but they would probably punt it back to RQ. I guess we’re stuck with what we’ve got for the present but keep informing us of these little incidents and we will keep advising the industry of what is going on.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the above e-mails should not be interpreted as those of JOHN LINGARD, the owner 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.
