August 31, 2018
The month of August ushered in the new racing year. It also marked the fifth anniversary of the death of Brian Ogilvie, one of last century’s foremost bookmakers.
A decade has elapsed since the leviathan of Brisbane satchel swinger retired and now only skeletal remains of the bagmen’s ring linger on the capital’s courses.
In short, advances in technology have underpinned the decline.
Fortunately there are still a handful of bookmakers willing to service the country scene.
These are the stalwarts whose passion for the sport keeps them going in a very challenging era.
They are vital when it comes to having a bet on the local races.
During his 46 years “under the umbrella”, Ogilvie was renowned for taking on the favourites, particularly in major events such as the Stradbroke Handicap.
He backed his pre-race assessments and prospered in the long run.
The climate is vastly different now.
On-course holds are infinitely smaller and it is harder to attract the breadth of investment to balance the book.
The rural ranks are very vulnerable because any punter is entitled to be accommodated, so a bookmaker can lose up to a $1,000 in a single win bet.
It is little wonder they have to keep their guard up.
Racing will be much poorer when the last of the bookies packs it in.
The trend towards the extinction of on-track bookmakers has been strengthening for decades.
So, enjoy having a flutter at Nanango on September 8 because it’s a case of doing so while you still can.
While fixed price betting with corporates and totes is available on a vast number of races, it is hard to see that happening for non-TAB meetings in the era that lies ahead.
Yes, a local tote pool can probably be arranged for a country meeting but many dyed-in-the-wool bettors prefer to have certainty about their selection’s odds.
For many years, country bookmakers have helped with the promotion of racing and supported initiatives aimed at boosting attendance figures.
Hopefully, they will be around for a long while yet.
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A Chat About Chautauqua
The Beaver Wars were fought in western parts of New York State that included present day Chautauqua County.
Ironically, the sprinter, named for that district, is currently anything but eager to leave the barrier stalls.
If the grey had been racing in Brisbane just over seventy years ago, he would have copped short shrift.
The Courier Mail (October 11, 1947) reported that “Stewards at future Q.T.C. meetings will have the right to reject the entry of any horse which, in their opinion, has not, where practicable, been properly educated to start from the barrier stalls stalls. The club’s secretary (Mr. R. U.Sloman) said last night that this condition would be embodied in the Christmas and New Year programme set down for December 26, 27, and January 1, and in all future programmes of the premier club. Mobile barrier stalls stalls will be used for the first time at Eagle Farm to-day. Mr. Sloman said last night that the mobile stalls are available almost every day at Eagle Farm to owners and trainers for the education of horses.”
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Bits And Bridles
- Glenn Richardson has registered an achievement akin to one of Chris Waller’s. A month back, Winx’s mentor had eight of the nine runners in the Cindy Sullivan Memorial at Randwick. The former Kiwi was thwarted by Red Alton, the Victorian visitor prepared by Brent Stanley. Last Saturday, the Nanango trainer saddled up four of the five candidates in a maiden at Roma. Although his side went down to Progirl, the first prize was kept in the family, so to speak: the winner hailed from the Sunshine Coast yard run by Glenn’s second cousin Pat Richardson.
- Hannah English, fresh from recent victories at Ipswich and Toowoomba, will deserve an ease up come Monday. The Nanango apprentice is booked to sport silk on each of the preceding five days. Her sequence embraces Ipswich, Rockhampton, Mackay, Dalby and Toowoomba.
- Hannah Phillips will also be hitting the road. Her weekend riding venues are Dalby and Moree.
- Reminder: Check out Nanango Race Club’s Facebook page for the changes to the Moffatdale Ridge Wines Fashion contests. Entry now requires a race day selfie, and next Saturday’s theme is “50s Spring Florals”.
