MY CALL - SCHEDULING LESS TIME BETWEEN RACES IS A SENSIBLE AND UNDERSTANDABLE PROPOSAL

By David Fowler | Tuesday, February 7, 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.

Who likes long gaps between races?

Racing Retro's Richard Freedman, apparently, if Sunday's discussion on the topic is any indication.

You really had to laugh.

The Melbourne Racing Club are floating a proposal to have less time between races, say 30 or 35 minutes rather than 40 or 45 we have to put up with at most meetings we go to.

It's a sensible proposal and understandable from a club's point of view as they try to maximise the entertainment value for their customers. Most would describe it as common sense.

But not necessarily … so wailed Richard. It will harm turnover and muck up punters' minds. They are creatures of habit he sagely told co-host Ron Dufficy.

Of course his bleating would have nothing to do with the fact that his employer Tabcorp and more immediate employer Sky Racing is the organisation that runs Australia's "racing clock".

That's the same organisation that tries to squeeze as much content into the day or night and bleed every last dollar from the punter to invest into Tabcorp's coffers.

Do you think they would want the "racing clock" taken from their grasp and taken over by the racing industry?

It might mean one less dog or trot or gallop meeting could fit into the schedule.

Richard, if you're going to do your company's bidding at least put your hand up and declare it first.

Let me say, however, I believe that Sky Racing running the time schedule is clearly the most appropriate course of action.

You need an overall approach and, basically, they are the only body that can execute the job properly with all of the information at their fingertips.

But metropolitan thoroughbred meetings are our premium product and some quality has to be invested along the way and a shorter time between races is unanimously agreed upon by all parties in the industry.

Well, almost all.

And let's not just consider those going to the track.There is no risk most punters in Tabs, clubs or pubs would prefer half hour intervals between their chosen races.

You see, it's worth telling some administrators that not every punter bets on everything that runs.

Some still have respect for their money.

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It was a case of "the monkey off his back" with Larry Cassidy at Doomben on the
weekend.

Excuse the pun, but it's been an ordinary ride for the top jockey over the past few
months with the bad fall in late November and all the innuendo over his ride on the beaten favorite Trump at Doomben in October.

I'm not here to defend him because I reckon the ride on Trump was below par, but he's been cleared more than once so it's time to move on.

We're hard markers in racing. Anyone at the top of their tree can't afford to have
an off day or put in a bad ride. It's just not good enough, is it?

And I have little doubt that the whole Trump business had an impact on the amount of rides Cassidy got … and the quality of them as well.

I risked Havatryst on Saturday because of barrier 14, but I didn't factor in Larry
Cassidy was riding him and his ride was a beauty, parked one off the fence after travelling a few hundred metres … and then ready to strike at the right time.

Only half an hour later Cassidy partnered Thefifthhole, a difficult horse to rate, and got the money as well.

The relief clearly showed in his face on return to scale.

He's back and hopefully we'll see more of the L.Cassidy polish in the weeks ahead.

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It's rare I disagree with my long time colleague and good friend Bart Sinclair, but I am totally at odds with him over his surprise at the MRC throwing the gates open to the public to see Black Caviar this Saturday.

If they're comfortable enough with their decision, why bag it?

It might give the opportunity for a few families to head out to Caulfield who might be doing it tough, but are now in the position to take the kids to see this wonderful mare.

And they are also doing a good PR job to square the ledger with those who were handled badly by the MVRC when Black Caviar raced last Friday week.

A great gesture in my book and it should be applauded.

Come on Bart!

Until next week.

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