MY CALL - SPARE A THOUGHT FOR MOODY AND NOLEN

By David Fowler | Tuesday, June 26, 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.

There's another side to the Black Caviar story that played out so dramatically on the weekend.

The human side.

Most of the post-race talk has been about Black Caviar's heart-stopping 22nd win and whether retirement beckons.

It's a fair argument. She has become such public property that everyone has an opinion and to end at win number 22 wouldn't upset anyone.

And if the curtain did come down, what a wonderful way to close the glorious chapter. A win at Royal Ascot in front of the Queen.

Seems perfect doesn't it?

But let's spare a thought for Peter Moody and Luke Nolen.

Every race becomes a life experience in itself with the lead up and the associated media circus.

The race happens and then the relief … ANOTHER win.

Check their faces after every win. They are almost glad it’s over.

But when they wake up the next day, the whole long and arduous process begins again.

Surely this is having some effect on both Moody and Nolen, increasing in its intensity win by win.

When does it end?

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Rails bookmaker Bruce Myers called it a day on Saturday.

A thorough gentlemen, a keen form student and blemish free, he was an ornament to the Brisbane betting ring.

But his departure opens discussion on how long will bookmakers be a force in Brisbane?

Country club's non TAB status ensures their survival in the bush, but the city is a different matter with the corporates and TAB's in fierce competition to the on track fielders.

Bookies like Hadyn Flynn, Lindsay Gallagher, Ray Karangis and Eric Phillips have very little in their favour.

Clubs can only do so much. The controlling body ....Racing Queensland … is the only one who can improve their lot.

With a new administration in force, hopefully this is high on their agenda.

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Again talk of tweaking the Winter Carnival was a weekend talking point.

I know I am but a minnow in the whole scheme of things but again I will say … leave it alone!

"They" say it’s too long. What are you going to drop?

And owners and trainers can come and go as they please. They are not tied down from early May to early July.

Everyone knows the main thrust of the Carnival is the five BRC meetings and the other clubs complement it either side.

And those bleating south of the border about its length should have a serious look in their own backyard.

Their log of feature races, whether its autumn or spring, extend far longer than Brisbane's winter.

Until next week.

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