February 11, 2017
Given the recent focus on elite level racing with Sydney’s The Everest project, it is refreshing to note Eidsvold Race Club’s outlook.
Their annual Cup fixture on February 18 has an eye on preserving the present while also looking to its future.
There are major racedays such as the Ipswich Cup day that ban minors. Children therefore do not have the opportunity to be immersed in the excitement of a signature event.
Many of to-day’s racing veterans can well remember the exhilaration and colour of their first taste of the track.
While Eidsvold’s entertainment for the youngsters includes the traditional jumping castle and merry-go-round, an absorbing addition is a Lego Tent.
Charleville has also provided a similar facility right beside the pre-birdcage walking area.
The doughnut and fairy floss stall will also prove popular.
All clubs, irrespective of size, simply have to think outside the shrinking square when it comes to the perennial problem of drawing a crowd.
Having interests to meet various sections of the clientele is essential.
Eidsvold also advertises a reciprocal arrangement with Monto Race Club, Mount Perry Race Club and Taroom’s Dawson Jockey Club that grants free admission to members of those clubs.
The all-important free bus services from Eidsvold and Mundubberra’s Royal Hotel also makes it easier to sustain the regular patrons and hopefully attract first timers.
Visitors are also catered for with free camping and hot showers.
For enquiries about the program, phone President Lyle Murray on 0427 651 923.
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Is It Just A Phase?
A number of meetings in the past few weeks have shed a race (or two) at acceptance time.
This weekend the Gold Coast card runs to just six contests. Even the late inclusion of an added event did not arrest the slide.
Gatton and Toowoomba both lost a race, too.
And while Gladstone scraped up five races, only 29 aspirants will go to the barrier.
There are at least three fields of six at Caloundra on Sunday.
Programming is finalised months in advance so connections can plan pathways.
Possibly the entry box for the Saturday country programs could close 24 hours earlier on the Monday.
This would allow more time to execute a plan B.
The current heatwave could also be impacting.
Racing authorities do have data for the numbers of gallopers in work. Even if it is done on a sample scale by checking the track work statistics, comparative trends could be detected.
It is to be hoped that all parties – political and community – involved in the next Queensland election are already jockeying for positions with respect to racing industry policies.
The labour-intensive game that provides multiple levels of employment and incomes keeps getting tougher.
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Hoofnotes:
- Nanango Race Club is gearing up for its Think Pink race day and Papilloma Tribute on Saturday, February 25. Lee Park is also serviced by free buses from Glendon Street Depot at Kingaroy (at noon) and the Nanango RSL (12:30pm).
Contact Rosemary Hansen on (07) 4163-2346 for any queries about the meeting.
- Meanwhile local trainer Glenn Richardson seeks a hat-trick this weekend with Klammer (Hannah English) at Miles in the $9,000 Murilla Cup.The Snitzel gelding, following on confidence-boosting successes at Calliope and Dalby, has to account for four opponents to make it three on the trot.
