{"id":169554,"date":"2017-02-11T11:25:39","date_gmt":"2017-02-11T01:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=169554"},"modified":"2020-09-23T21:10:40","modified_gmt":"2020-09-23T11:10:40","slug":"something-for-playful-patrons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2017\/02\/11\/something-for-playful-patrons\/","title":{"rendered":"Something For Playful Patrons"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
A runner at Charleville looking on enviously at the Toy Tent fun (Photo : Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Gunsynd's<\/a>February 11, 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

Given the recent focus on elite level racing with Sydney\u2019s The Everest project, it is refreshing to note Eidsvold Race Club\u2019s outlook.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Their annual Cup fixture on February 18 has an eye on preserving the present while also looking to its future.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Many of to-day\u2019s racing veterans can well remember the exhilaration and colour of their first taste of the track.<\/p>\n

While Eidsvold\u2019s entertainment for the youngsters includes the traditional jumping castle and merry-go-round, an absorbing addition is a Lego Tent.<\/p>\n

Charleville has also provided a similar facility right beside the pre-birdcage walking area.<\/p>\n

The doughnut and fairy floss stall will also prove popular.<\/p>\n

All clubs, irrespective of size, simply have to think outside the shrinking square when it comes to the perennial problem of drawing a crowd.<\/p>\n

Having interests to meet various sections of the clientele is essential.<\/p>\n

Eidsvold also advertises a reciprocal arrangement with Monto Race Club, Mount Perry Race Club and Taroom\u2019s Dawson Jockey Club that grants free admission to members of those clubs.<\/p>\n

The all-important free bus services from Eidsvold and Mundubberra\u2019s Royal Hotel also makes it easier to sustain the regular patrons and hopefully attract first timers.<\/p>\n

Visitors are also catered for with free camping and hot showers.<\/p>\n

For enquiries about the program, phone President Lyle Murray on 0427 651 923.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Is It Just A Phase?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A number of meetings in the past few weeks have shed a race (or two) at acceptance time. <\/strong><\/p>\n

This weekend the Gold Coast card runs to just six contests. Even the late inclusion of an added event did not arrest the slide.<\/p>\n

Gatton and Toowoomba both lost a race, too.<\/p>\n

And while Gladstone scraped up five races, only 29 aspirants will go to the barrier.<\/p>\n

There are at least three fields of six at Caloundra on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Programming is finalised months in advance so connections can plan pathways.<\/p>\n

Possibly the entry box for the Saturday country programs could close 24 hours earlier on the Monday.<\/p>\n

This would allow more time to execute a plan B.<\/p>\n

The current heatwave could also be impacting.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The labour-intensive game that provides multiple levels of employment and incomes keeps getting tougher.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hoofnotes:<\/strong><\/h2>\n