MY CALL - JIM ANDERSON WAS THE REAL DEAL

By David Fowler | Tuesday, September 18, 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.

That laugh. That snort.

I'm referring to former Courier-Mail Turf Editor Jim Anderson who passed away at the age of 81 on the weekend.

Any passing is a sad occasion, but "Ando" lived those 81 years to the full.

It was impossible not to like him. It was impossible to dislike him.

Jim Anderson played a pivotal role in my racing career securing me a cadetship at the Courier-Mail after I had started my working life at Sportsman with the late Bob Brazil.

Ando pulled a few strings to get me that cadetship and the next 18 months was among the most enjoyable in my working career.

Racing staffs were much larger then. Ando spearheaded a team that included Peter Cameron, Garth Stubbersfield, Greg Atherton, Gary Keep and myself.

We did everything. The form-guides, the tips, the race comment, the prices and the stories. It's a much easier walk in the park for present day racing journos, the few that are left I might add.

We weren't just colleagues, we were mates … and I'm sure Ando played a significant role in fostering that camaraderie.

We worked like hell on Thursdays, Fridays were early starts so lunch at the pub could extend a few hours, while Wednesdays and Saturdays were race-days.

Wednesdays were the best when we went outside city limits. Trips to Gatton and Beaudesert were beauties. One or two on the way out and three or four or more on the way home!

Apart from being a team leader, Ando never put himself on a high pedestal as a journo. He knew he had been given a great role in life and appreciated it.

He was probably more earnest about his forays into politics in which, alas, he was unsuccessful.

I'm usually loathe to borrow a phrase or comment from another writer but at times like this I believe it is acceptable when paying tribute to a friend.

John Lingard hit the nail on the head when he said Ando enjoyed the company of battlers and toffs equally. And it was no put on.

That laughter and that snort will last in our minds for many years to come.

Rest in peace Ando.

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I dropped into Gallopers Sports Club after the races on Saturday to enjoy an ale or two.

That's when the whole Jabiru Dreaming phenomenon hit me.

The team that followed him from Mount Isa to Townsville to Doomben were out in force and made themselves known. They were still in good spirits despite his defeat. He finished in fourth place.

"We're still way in front on the punt," one pointed out.

Make no mistake these guys from "the Isa" have been cashed up for some time and struck the corporates and the TAB's hard once fixed odds betting began. At least 13 bucks into six in many outlets.

And, according to the team, many corporates squibbed after being approached for a decent bet at the good odds.

Gee, that's a surprise!

These type of stories are what makes racing great. Ambitions and dreams aplenty … from the dusty circumference of Buchanan Park to the city green of Doomben.

What a privilege to be a part of it.

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Many have asked why the Melbourne Cup day meeting is at Doomben this year so I thought I'd find out.

The construction of marquees and structures has taken on a different light now that all horse training is based at Eagle Farm and could cause inconvenience.

Further, the Doomben complex offers better use of their infield than Eagle Farm.

So Doomben it is … and Doomben it may be for some years to come.

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