MY CALL - JOCKEYS BETTING; THE RULES ARE THE RULES!

By David Fowler | Tuesday, October 23, 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.

To bet or not to bet. That is the question.

The subject of jockeys betting or legalising the issue has been a strong topic in the wake of the allegation that Damien Oliver placed a $10,000 bet on another horse in a race he was competing.

Let's face it, the belief is there that some jockeys bet big and some jockeys bet small. Some jockeys don't bet at all. Whether they bet on their mount or another runner in a race is a little harder to determine.

Some assert if these scenarios happen, why have any rules in place?

Wrong!

Many liberal thinkers advocate a lawless society. In other words do what you like.

This utopian thinking doesn't work. A framework of rules must exist to foster and protect integrity whether it is racing or life in general.

The specific law mightn't work to the letter but its presence alone is important.

For example, smoking pot is illegal but many do it with the tacit understanding a law exists.

In other words, trouble looms if you're caught.

Opening the floodgates and allowing jockeys free rein to bet opens a pandora's box.

Imagine stewards' inquiries having to include the "did you bet" tag for the jockey as well as connections.

Imagine an answer of "no, I couldn't afford it this week because I had to pay the kids' school fees". So does "no bet" mean "dead".

Or a jockey in question says he had a hundred bucks on his mount which is under scrutiny.

"But last time he was questioned and bet he had a grand on his horse" is the punters' indignant reply.

No, the rule must stay in place simply because the rule exists.

And if investigations reveal a jockey has offended the rule, he or she should be dealt with appropriately.

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A forthcoming club's AGM normally coincides with jockeying and politicking for committee positions.

Yet there has been barely a murmur in the lead-up to tomorrow's BRC AGM.

Sam Adams, David Dawson, Dean Hassall and Richard Morrison are up for re-election with Tony Farrell and Michael Rapkins throwing their hat in the ring for committee entry.

Barely a ripple of conversation suggests no change at all.

Time will tell.

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Trainers and jockeys premierships can be mundane affairs but the Brisbane situation after three months is far from that description.

Michael Cahill is taking it right up to Chris Munce with 19 wins apiece after racing ended at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

And the trainers' tussle is an intriguing three way tussle with Tony Gollan getting a flier at the start of the season from John Thomspon with title holder Rob Heathcote lurking in the closest of thirds.

The more that can be achieved at the top end will stimulate the interest of the general punter.

And, take a tip, Queensland thoroughbred racing needs a good shot in the arm at the moment in terms of TAB turnover.

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Green Moon is perfectly drawn to win this Saturday's Cox Plate. I think he is close to a good thing.

Good punting.

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