October 11, 2015
Media reports over time have created the impression that racing in this state is facing a tidal wave of debt.
Now the ship of state is attempting to trim the sails and plot a safe course into the future.
Elements such as the long (and somewhat premature) closure of Eagle Farm have dampened income and not helped to weather the tempest.
Opportunities for individuals to respond to the Queensland Government’s Discussion Paper ended on 30 September.
The lengthy document provided insights into a selection of mainly financial issues facing the racing industry.
There was an online facility for responses to specific questions as well as space for participants to raise other general points.
The section on Country Racing was somewhat concerning, given that specific items about several other expensive issues such as the Magic Millions card and high stakes feature races were not in the frame.
In the Prizemoney section, the following statement was included:
“The Magic Millions deal was struck so Queensland would have Australia’s richest race (day). There was no consideration of the additional annualised financial implications.”
Also: “Racing Queensland has increased prize money across the three codes. The focus was increasing metro mid-week and Saturday prize money and across the state including (some) non-TAB for thoroughbreds and an increase in Stradbroke prize money.”
Although there is still year to run on the commitment of $1 million annually to fund the 20 extra non-TAB meetings generated by the Showcase, Celebration and Sustain events, readers were asked if this practice should continue.
They were also given the chance to react to the following:
“How should Racing Queensland and country race clubs reduce the costs of country racing to enable these race meetings to manage within the $1 million subsidy provided by the Queensland Government?”
“Could local club members be trained in specific roles to reduce Racing Queensland having to pay their staff to attend?”
Other clusters of stipulated attention were race club subsidies; jockey riding fees, payment responsibility, trust fund and superannuation; the Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme (QTIS) and the Bookmakers Oncourse Fielding Incentive Scheme; Racing Queensland organisational costs; infrastructure roles; and animal welfare and integrity.
Hopefully all race clubs and players in the game hopped in and expressed their opinions.
The Discussion Paper can be found on the Department Of Sport and Racing website.
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Another possible concern is that those in posts on the bridge of SS Racing Queensland at present are not a permanent crew.
The CEO is there in an acting capacity, and the new boards have not been finalised.
Although information has now been gathered, it would seem logical that the ensuing charted passage should not be finalised until the captain and officers are appointed and are in a position to study all the form.
Some nautical warnings! Jettisoned cargo is rarely recovered and, if the boat is sinking, all hands need to work the bilge pumps.
I wonder if all the different class levels in the racing fraternity will be asked to pitch in?
Or will the weight be felt more by those down in steerage?
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Canid Contributes Again
Apprentice Hannah English’s thirteenth career victory was personally special.
It was the first time that she has been transported to the winner’s circle by a runner from her master Glenn Richardson’s yard.
Her partner at Tara last Saturday was Canid, a gelding that she has helped care for during his two year residency at Nanango.
Although the five-year-old’s initial four runs this preparation proved unproductive, the ‘soon-due’ signal went up when he filled third berth at Taroom a fortnight ago.
Canid, who prevailed by a head, ran second to the talented Miss Mega Herz at last year’s Wondai Cup program.
The South Burnett Race Club’s corresponding meeting for this year comes along on October 17.
Maybe the bay that was the cheapest of buys will go one better in 2015 for his owners, the former Nanango High mates M. Alexander and G. McAuliffe and Richardson?
Meanwhile, English and Richardson look to keep the ball rolling with Golden Cash at Gayndah this weekend.
The veteran son of Dash for Cash also likes competing at Wondai.
His two runs there have yielded a win and a third placing.
