MY CALL - UPSET RESULT IN RACING MINISTER STAKES
By David Fowler | Tuesday, April 3, 2012
David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.
Surprise, surprise!
Pinching the Gomer Pyle catch-cry from the 1960's American sitcom … that's the verdict most expressed when the name of Steve Dickson was announced as the Minister for Racing as well as National Parks, Recreation and Sport.
And an assistant Tim Mander lines up for the deputy role.
Now it's too early to be too disappointed or negative, but what the hell happened to Tim Nicholls and Ray Stevens who were at the forefront of all things racing pre-election?
As forecast in last week's blog, Tim Nicholls was a drifter in the market with his heavyweight portfolios so Ray Stevens seemed the logical choice.
The grapevine suggests a falling out with "Can-Do" prevented Stevens from landing the prize and he has to settle for Leader Of The House.
Racing's movers and shakers who predicted so much out of an LNP victory are trying to spin as cleverly as they can in the wake of the announcement.
But they can't hide from the fact a non-racing person has been appointed to the role.
Many grass roots participants are shaking their heads.
How the circle turns. Previously the lack of involvement by ALP racing ministers was lambasted by the LNP faithful now they are probably hoping the same thing happens.
Let's just hope Mr Dickson and Mr Mander shoulder the enthusiastic change that was promised by the LNP in the lead up to their landslide victory.
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I wish race clubs would not make such a big deal of attendance figures unless they really hold gravitas.
The ATC gleefully announced a crowd figure of just over 8000 for Rosehill Guineas day and had the temerity to proclaim it was an increase on the previous year. Almost a chest beating exercise.
Give me a break. They got nearly 6000 more to the recent A league fixture between Sydney FC and Newcastle at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Race clubs are right to try and maximise their attendances. A day at the track is a a great day out.
But don 't make a major issue out of an 8000 plus attendance when you put it inperspective of the overall sports picture.
It's downright embarrassing.
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Is the massive payouts to four recently resigned RQ officials a case of having "the last laugh" on the industry?
Sure seems like it, but while one company's name keeps getting mentioned in the same breath as RQ … for all the wrong reasons … it may not be over until the fat lady sings.
Until next week.
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