December 19, 2015
The gathering of racing industry participants at Doomben on Wednesday from the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound codes brought a strong focus to bear on the issue of governance.
At the core were questions about the legitimacy of the present overarching administration.
In short, there has seemingly been no tabling of a bill that would underpin the creation of a new board for Racing Queensland.
Parliamentary sittings do not resume until February 16, so any changes to the current Racing Act are presumably a considerable time away.
It would seem logical that any far-reaching policies that will significantly impact racing well into the future should be in the carriage of the full set of directors that will be overseeing that package’s implementation.
The following resolutions were passed:
- The racing industry rejects the proposal to implement a Racing Queensland Board with a majority membership of non-industry knowledgeable people.
- The industry requires the government to appoint a Racing Queensland Board within a month under the current structure, with appropriate input from the racing industry.
- That until a Racing Queensland Board has been installed and given sufficient time to assess the current situation and devise and agree to a strategy, no changes be implemented.
The meeting also passed a vote of no confidence in Racing Queensland’s acting Chief Executive Officer.
Speakers included stakeholders such as the co-ordinator Ian McCauley (owner and Kilcoy Race Club committee member), Robert Heathcote (thoroughbred trainer), Basil Nolan (Queensland Breeders Association), Luke Gatehouse (Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club) and Bernie King (Redcliffe Harness Racing Club).
The following points were raised at the podium:
- Confidence underpins investment. Are buyers likely to shell out at the upcoming yearling sales on stock to race in Queensland?
- On several occasions, it was claimed that requests for evidence regarding the alleged 2015-16 $28 million Black Hole had proved ineffective. In fact, the lack of responsive communication from the authorities has seemingly been a stumbling block.
- Codes wanted to be split so that they could again manage their own affairs.
- Is the racing industry important to Treasury? Does the Government appreciate the fact that the hands-on workforce around stables and tracks are Labor voters in significant numbers?
- The turnover on the greyhound product is increasing, not falling.
Naturally, the impact of the proposed cuts and changes announced in RQ’s Tracking Towards Sustainability document was highlighted.
As folk left Doomben last Wednesday, they would have taken with them an enhanced appreciated of the depth of the issues across all the codes and levels.
The fire is burning on multiple fronts.
The hasty dismissal of the previous Board and CEO at Racing Queensland was supposedly to stop the bleeding, but the symptoms of a massive haemorrhage are becoming obvious.
Racing in this state looks like being in a coma for a worrying while yet.
Some of those with the stethoscope may be experts in a field, but it is no good co-opting an Ear Nose and Throat specialist to perform open heart surgery – you can bet on a disaster.
- Related article: Rally Calls For Halt To Racing Cuts
* * *
Orman’s Journey From Nanango To Singapore
The win by Shadowy Past at Nanango in May 2013 opened the account Jimmy Orman, one of the state’s most promising young riders.
Last weekend, the Gatton based junior, who is indentured to his mother Caroline Allardyce, was named as the Queensland Racing Media Association’s Apprentice of the Year.
His reward is a track work and race-riding stint in Singapore.
Orman has been in brilliant touch this season.
According to the Racing Queensland website, his 200 Queensland mounts thus far have registered a 33-25-27 form line for stakes of $1,516,800.
He has a one win lead on the statewide tally over Jeff Lloyd (196:32-23-23, $1,635,500).
* * *
A Jockey’s Best Friend
Man’s best pal may well be a dog. However, for those whose workplace is a racing saddle, their helmet would be among their most trusted companions.
Sunshine Coast jockey Jason Hoopert is adamantly opposed to any forced separation from his current model.
The former Wondai lad, having survived several significant falls, is well credentialed to speak out.
“The one they want us to wear simply doesn’t fit,” said Hoopert at Nanango’s recent Christmas meeting.
Pressure from jockeys has led to Racing Australia deferring the mandatory use of the proposed new style headwear.
The organisation really must ensure that any product it compels riders to don ticks all the boxes.
At present that is not the case.
For starters, there are insufficient sizes on the market to cover the range of head shapes.
Hoopert was rated a long shot to return to riding after his very serious accident at Kilcoy.
Last Friday week, “Hoops” booted home There’s Nemo at Warwick.
The Steven Thomas prepared runner started at 66/1.
For good measure, Jason also picked up a second placing with the 20/1 chance Hidden Road.
* * *
Bits and Bridles
- Hannah English and Hannah Phillips each added another victory to their log book last weekend respectively with Jeb’s Boy at Bundaberg and Tin’s Pocket at Texas. Both apprentices head to Chinchilla on Saturday.
- Kumbia conditioner James Curtain has accepted with I Am McLovin in a Ratings Band 0-62 contest over the metric half mile at Ipswich on Saturday. The in-form sprinter, drawn five of eight, will be handled by Alisha Taylor.
- With Christmas and New Year coming up quickly, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers the very best for the Festive Season. I’ll be taking a brief break but will be returning in the New Year, and look forward to seeing you again in 2016.
