MY CALL - WHY DID THEY DO IT? BECAUSE THEY CAN!

By David Fowler | Tuesday, May 7, 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.

Rob Heathcote was angry, very angry, after being fined $500 for a comment on his blog regarding Larry Cassidy's ride on Listen Son in the Victory Stakes.

I'm not angry but disappointed a charge was laid.

You'll recall this blog expressed astonishment when experienced North Queensland journo Terry Butts was brought to heel on a similar charge after he wrote a story some months ago.

The two articles can't be compared. Butts' copy was straight news while Heathcote offered personal opinion.

The stewards' pursuit of Butts was foolish. They were bound to lose in the long run.

I read Heathcote's blog and sensed danger ahead. The subsequent events panned out exactly as many thought they would.

This doesn't mean I necessarily support Heathcote's opinion. Listen Son is a go forward horse and wasn't disgraced in his fourth to Buffering. The "take on" tactics were a little excessive.

But why arrange an inquiry and fine Heathcote for having an opinion? And there's the rub. They can because he is licenced.

I could have written the very same thing and there wouldn't have been a peep except an angry look from Larry Cassidy next time we crossed paths.

The "prejudicial to racing's image" charge is the one that really gets up my nose. How pious and how totally wrong.

Do the stewards seriously believe what Heathcote wrote has damaged racing's image? Do they?

Many would agree with Heathcote. Many wouldn't. That's why they call it opinion!

Boys, aren't there bigger fish to fry?

Heathcote combines training talent with excellent PR skills. I can personally vouch he is a godsend for media outlets.

Those days might be over now if his initial feelings are any indication. The racing industry will be poorer for it.

**********************************************************************************************

Things are about to change at Ipswich in a very big way and in a relatively short time.

The club is an integral part of the weekly racing circuit but would do it very tough financially unless Ipswich Cup day came around once every year.

Approval has been given for commercial development on the Ipswich Road side of the track. The race-day stalls will be relocated to the infield and a greyhound track will be positioned there as well.

An underground tunnel will also be built to give access to the infield.

This achieves two very desirable goals for race clubs in this day and age. Keeping the racing product on the up and up with outside income streams and better utilizing the facility with more racing.

And it's not light years away.

The operation will begin in January next year with a 12 month timetable earmarked.

After a slowish start under LNP rule, racing in Queensland seems to be getting a real wriggle on.

**********************************************************************************************

A commission of inquiry into the previous administration of racing is welcomed.

But not to gloat or point fingers.

Several serious questions were asked of that body under Labor state government rule with limited or no response.

If there was wrong-doing or incompetence it must be addressed so that it cannot happen again.

People who see this as a "square up" by Campbell Newman's LNP government are looking at it the wrong way.

However its terms of reference will be vitally significant.

How far you can go in these inquiries often has a direct effect on its conclusions and recommendations.

But it's something this industry needs to have.

**********************************************************************************************

Looking forward to the first Group One at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Buffering's current quote of between $2.7 and $3 seems realistic and potentially backable.

Is second favourite Sea Siren going as well as a year ago? I doubt it.

Big fields and great racing are assured. Let's hope the weather stays fine.

Until next week.

More articles