MY CALL: LIGHTING UP THE GOLD COAST
By David Fowler | Tuesday, September 26, 2017
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.
A Magic Millions under lights at the Gold Coast?
Well, maybe, but there's plenty of water to flow under the bridge.
The installation of lights at the Gold Coast within two years was one of the strongest points of Racing Queensland's infrastructure plan released on the weekend.
A plan, it must be said, very light on specific detail, particularly with the harness and greyhound codes.
It's no secret Racing Queensland has a powerful vision for racing on the Gold Coast and the lights set up for night racing would encourage a commercial benefit.
Cashed-up Aquis Farm obviously were thinking along similar lines when they brokered a partnership with the Turf Club two months ago.
Certainly matching Friday nights with Moonee Valley in the summer appears an attractive proposition although the Sunshine Coast Turf Club may think differently.
But a Magic Millions under lights is somewhat of a quantum leap.
Similar chatter regarding a night Cox Plate has always remained at that ... chatter.
A difference in betting turnover between day and night has always been a strong consideration for decision makers and it's worth pointing out the Cox Plate is still run in the day.
But whatever side of the fence you sit on, selected night racing dates at the Gold Coast is a smart move.
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Speaking of the Gold Coast, interesting to see their director Simon Quinn pre-selected for the LNP to come up against Jackie Trad in the seat of South Brisbane for the forthcoming state election.
I know Simon well and wish him all the best.
A possible pollie who actually understands the nuts and bolts of racing.
That would be a welcome change!
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The late Pat O'Shea was a great ambassador for sport on the Darling Downs.
Of course, racecalling was part of his repertoire and his memory is perpetuated yearly with the first juvenile race of the season named in his honour.
One of the legacies of Pats popularity is for his colleagues to call a race on the day.
The club would be delighted that Anthony Collins will be joined by "local boys" Bret Moody and Ben Hall as well as Josh Flemming, Terry Spargo, Damian Courtney and myself this Sunday to call a race on the card
It's a great show of collective support for the memory of Pat and his family. He deserved not an inch less.
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Interesting Racing Australia rule amendment that is effective from this Sunday.
Controlling bodies will now have the discretion not to raise weights in Group One handicaps at the time of acceptance.
I repeat "discretion".
Nomination manipulation and less opportunities for jockeys are potential bugbears.
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