MY CALL: GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLE PUTS RACING IN THE HANDS OF A NOVICE WHO MAKES A DISASTROUS START

By David Fowler | Tuesday, December 8, 2015

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.

The racing industry is swimming in dangerous waters.

If the efforts of previous Racing Minister Bill Byrne weren't bad enough, newly-appointed Racing Minister Grace Grace got off to a disastrous start by saying she knew nothing about racing.

You wouldn't say it, would you?

And putting that gaffe aside, here is another politician who is a Ministerial novice, only elected at the last election and now catapulted into the Ministry.

It's like putting me in charge of Sky Channel.

The mail from inside is no one wanted the portfolio. Wonderful news!

The interest and understanding of government underpins the strength and success of any industry.

Unfortunately this State Government has displayed neither.

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Hence the dangerous waters analogy.

If the Government simply flick passes everything back to Racing Queensland, where do we stand?

Can you seriously expect any about face from what they announced last Thursday?

The major problem with Racing Queensland is a lack of talent and passion at the pointy end of the plane.

You often get the impression they don't care or don't know.

Just like the State Government!

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It's mysterious that the first round of applicants for the Racing Queensland Board weren't considered good enough.

And how will calling for a second round achieve anything better?

So instead of a Board and a CEO installed in October, it now seems likely this won't happen until April.

If one was cynical, one could be forgiven for thinking it has given Hall and co. time to deliver their hatchet job.

Surely not.

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I think the Jockey Origin Series is an excellent concept.

But the amount of self back slapping by Racing Queensland is bordering on nauseating.

Boys and girls, it's not a rocket science idea and certainly won't be the saviour of TAB turnover.

The last thing Racing Queensland needs to be doing is self promoting in the current climate.

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