MY CALL - CUP DATE DEBATE RAGES IN ADELAIDE
By David Fowler | Tuesday, March 12, 2013
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.
This week David Fowler's 'My Call' comes from Adelaide.
As Norsqui literally scorched the Morphettville turf in yesterday's Adelaide Cup, debate continued to rage behind closed doors on when the damn race should be run.
A push to shift the Cup back to its traditional date in May is gathering momentum rather than stay in the now March public holiday date.
It's such a burning issue that it took pride of place on yesterday's back page of The Advertiser … on Cup day itself.
It's not a simple shift with the State Government poised to be a key player in the final outcome.
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The about face from March to May is largely industry-driven.
Owners and trainers say a May Cup date is a better stepping stone for stayer's programs, ultimately leading to the Spring Carnivals.
Cynics pounce on this argument by asking how many South Australian horses make a Caulfield or Melbourne Cup?
The industry drive is directed at the SAJC committee and their members and, from my observations, divisions are deep in both quarters.
Ironically, the shift from May to March was made because of persistent wet weather yet yesterday's crowd took a nosedive because of high 30 degree temperatures.
The March public holiday date nestles perfectly into a real carnival atmosphere in the city with the world-acclaimed Fringe Festival in its third and final week.
With so much theatre, art and music on display, there is a real buzz in Adelaide town.
And, not forgetting, the Adelaide Cup day leads into the three-day Magic Millions yearling sales.
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A state election in 2014 could see the Jay Weatherill Labour Government tossed out.
My mail is Liberal heavyweights have given tacit approval to making May a public holiday which would be crucial for the swap to happen.
Really? Early pollie promises often ring hollow.
I have serious doubts a May Cup would produce a far superior field to that which raced yesterday.
And even if that was achieved, would a 17,000 to 20,000 March crowd increase? Hardly.
Adelaide Cup day in March is a party day, almost another Fringe Festival function.
Ignore a minority industry push and leave it where it is.
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"Minority industry push". It's also pivotal in another headache for South Australian racing … jumps racing.
Apart from ongoing animal welfare dramas, the economics of running hurdles and steeples is another elephant in the room.
Apart from the Oakbank Easter Carnival, small fields propped up by Victorian stables are the norm for the SA jumping season.
Many owners and trainers want jumps racing ditched. They say the prize-money would be better served for flat racing, considering most of the money goes to Victoria.
Such an argument has not fallen on deaf ears (read SAJC committee).
But controlling body, Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA), for one reason or another, sees it differently.
It's an issue in paralysis likely to limp along with no definitive end in sight.
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Both issues clearly illustrate each state has its own problems to address.
I can understand a push for a national controlling body in the racing industry but that shouldn't mean state powers evaporate altogether as a consequence.
And, just in closing, it was great to see a two mile Cup!
Until next week.
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