ROB'S SHOUT - IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT OUR INDUSTRY PROVIDE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL CONCERNED

By Robert Heathcote | Thursday, November 15, 2012

Robert Heathcote is the leading racehorse trainer in Brisbane. 'Rob's Shout' - the personal blog of the multi-premiership and Group 1 winning trainer will appear every Thursday on HRO.

Hello once again and yes, it's probably been a bit of a sad week to a degree for our industry as a whole as there has been plenty of media coverage for all of the wrong reasons.

The obvious high profile case is the Damien Oliver betting issue which is now under the official scrutiny of the Racing Stewards and Damien may unfortunately be looking at a lengthy time out of the industry.

Quite amazing really when you closely analyse why one of Australia's leading riders … and might I say one of the most affluent as well … would risk so much for the sake of some short term gain.

Yes, the bet win of $13 grand is big money in anyone's eyes but when considered against the financial portfolio that Damian is said to have with a number of businesses and hotels, well, compared to the risks taken in having the bet, it just does not make sense in my opinion!

There has been no question as to his ride in the race he bet on. It's been said his ride in the particular race he wagered on was faultless but it does not look good, especially during a time when racing is under such intense scrutiny.

Whatever the case, the ramifications for Damien will be serious and it's a real shame his career has reached this crossroad as he has been a fantastic ambassador for the industry and a role model for many young riders.

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There has been plenty of media comment concerning the 'system' with regards to transparency and consistency.

The racing administrators have a job to do and it's no doubt difficult at times with stewards investigations having to follow due process while trying to be transparent and consistent, but the fact is they cannot release information that may impact on an ongoing investigation.

EVERY CASE is different and must be treated on its merits and the industry and the public have to put its faith in the authorities to carry out their duties in a fair and consistent manner.

I am confident the system is working and those doing the wrong thing will get caught out and whilst it is not a good look, they must be punished according to the rules of racing and punished in a consistent manner.

Little doubt that it is essential that our industry is a level playing field for all concerned.

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As a trainer, I am fully aware of treatments and products which get used on a regular basis within a racing stable for therapeutic reasons and it’s essential that very strict guidelines be followed in conjunction with veterinarian advice.

Yes, there will be cases where errors are made in stable procedures which still get punished, but blatant cheating by the use of 'tubing' and high tech synthetic drugs as used by the US postal team headed by Lance Armstrong must be met with the heaviest possible treatment by the stewards!

Very sad to see on mainstream media recently diagrams and explanations on prime time news bulletins of what 'stomach drenching' or tubing is and the purpose of how it can be used illegally to enhance performances.

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Last Saturday saw the end of the VRC Spring Carnival and whilst it was disappointing not to feature in the finish with Buffering and Solzhenitsyn in their respective races, it has still been a super carnival for us and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved.

Buffering wasn't himself and the vets found him lame in the hind leg after the race, but Solzhie ran a huge race to go down about three lengths in the Emirates. He is now a Group 1 winner and nothing will ever take away what a huge thrill his win was in the Toorak.

I still loved his run in the Emirates and he and Buffering are now enjoying a well-earned break in the paddock.

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Back home the skies finally opened and gave South East Queensland a much needed drink. Of course it was a shame that it created a heavy track for the race day at Eagle Farm which saw a spate of scratchings including a few of my first-uppers … I left Heza Jetsetter in not knowing if he could handle the wet track but, wow, wasn't he impressive!

It was another lovely cool ride from the inform Ryan Wiggins who has been riding super for my stable this past few months. Ryan is riding with a lot of self-belief and confidence and his hard work on the track is really paying off! Good on him!

Heza Jetsetter has always promised me he was a good horse but it's really only been his last two runs where the penny has finally dropped.

Not sure yet how far he can go on with the job but maybe the MAGIC MILLIONS gets a little consideration now?

I would also like to point out the recent achievements of Desleigh Forster among the local training ranks. Des's horses are simply flying and her strike rate is awesome. Only a small team in work but she is doing a top job with them.

So much negative stuff out there at the moment, I think it’s worthy to highlight the positive achievements!

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On a personal note it was with immense pride I recently received a phone call from the Chairman of the Victorian Racing Media Association, Bruce Clarke, who informed me I have been nominated for the 2011/12 Personality Of The Year Award.

Other nominees for this year's award are Black Caviar, Peter Moody, Luke Nolen and Craig Williams. We are all in the final vote for an award that dates back to 1979 and has been won by the likes of Bart Cummings (5 times), Lee Freedman, Damien Oliver, Tommy Smith, Dermot Weld, The Payne Family and many other racing luminaries.

I am extremely humbled to have my name associated with such racing royalty and whilst it may be considered a personal honour, I feel it is also a win for Queensland.

There is a luncheon in Melbourne next week to announce the winner and what odds will you give me on Moods getting the gong?

My personal trainer has me back on the wagon until Christmas so the luncheon might be tough gig at which to say ‘no’.

Cheers, bottoms up … roll on Christmas!

Robert

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