MY CALL - TURBULENCE AND TRAIL-BLAZERS

By David Fowler | Tuesday, July 26, 2011

David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB, taking the position upon Wayne Wilson's retirement last August. 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.

Racing in Queensland must embrace itself for the most volatile time in its history.

Tough words but on the money when one examines the big picture.

I suppose security emanates from certainty. In other words, if you are fairly certain of your future you feel secure.

But many industry stakeholders do not know where they will be racing, what they will be racing for, and under what control body or bodies. They must qualify as being insecure.

And this is not written as a criticism of any one or group. It's just that the short term future has the racing industry in a state of flux.

I put a question to Bob Bentley last week that if the Government changes at the next state election, will the "revised" infrastructure plan be off the table.

"Governments can do anything," was the short but realistic reply.

But he also pointed out that regardless of a forthcoming election and regardless of the result, the controlling body cannot just sit on its hands. Its business as usual and that's a fair call.

At this point, it's worth noting that the Liberal National Coalition party is a $1.33 chance in most markets to win the next election with Labor quoted at $3.15.

The best tip around town today is the election will be held in either February or March but my mail also suggests it can be put off until at least June.

How many of these "revised" projects will be up and running? It's anyone's guess.

Will the LNP repeal the proposed projects like the Federal Coalition plans with the controversial carbon tax.

It's also proposed LNP policy to break the merger and return to individual controlling bodies for the three codes.

How quickly can this happen? Will the present RQ board be replaced?

Question marks galore and it's frustrating whatever side of the fence you are on because so much is predicated on the outcome of the State election.

And that's not even considering the court case over Albion Park!

So much can change within the next 12 months. Buckle up for what could be a bumpy ride!

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Rob Heathcote will take his third Brisbane trainers' premiership at week's end but that's only part of the story.

"The Heathcote factor" as I call it … yeah some love it, some hate it … has been clearly evident at our last two Saturday meetings with trebles on each occasion.

And it's not flash in the pan stuff because doubles and trebles have been fairly common which has contributed strongly to the 60 plus wins for the season and history shows those figures are rarely bettered.

But it's the whole concept of what Heathcote does that impresses me.

He's media savvy and marketing savvy and that doesn't mean blowing his own trumpet. In fact, his humility is often evident in pre and post race interviews.

And his relationship with owners is second-to-none. Just take a peek at a Saturday race-book and see how many different owners share in the horses he races that day. It's astonishing.

Finding new owners then taking them under your wing is a Heathcote speciality and he is appreciated for it by those in the winners' circle. And there are plenty of them.

Rob has been around for a while but I'm sure he would be the first to admit that it is only now that he is starting to hit his straps good and proper.

Racing needs trailblazers in all fields otherwise it sits on the shelf and gathers dust. Rob Heathcote is fitting the bill like a hand in glove.

Until next week

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