MY CALL - HAY LIST'S RETIREMENT ISSUE IS NOW BECOMING AN EMBARASSMENT
By David Fowler | Tuesday, October 8, 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.
Do the connections of Hay List live in total denial?
I loathe kicking off in a negative tone after such a wonderful weekend of racing but the Hay List issue really rankles with me as I'm sure it does with most of the racing community.
Hay List - the sprinter who took the sword to Black Caviar on more than one occasion - trails home now looking like an easy-beat.
And it's not a one off. This has happened numerous times and the call for retirement has been getting louder and louder.
Yet it's fallen on deaf ears as far as the connections are concerned.
Of course it's their right to decide what happens with Hay List but aren't they embarrassed by this turn of events.
The fact they keep pushing simply fuels the anger of their many detractors.
Surely the abysmal run in the Premiere on Saturday will be the clincher to see him bow out.
He just doesn't have the will to win.
I heard a suggestion he might be transferred to a Victorian stable. They would have to be joking.
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I had to pull out the video again after Listen Son won at Doomben on the weekend.
And I don't need everyone telling me that he was going to secure an easy lead on a firm track. I, and many others, knew that.
But seven days ago, Listen Son "could not go" at Eagle Farm, beaten almost 11 lengths.
Again I'll be told it was 1200m and a dead track but I repeat he showed no energy whatsoever. Lethargic would be a kind term to describe it.
It came as no surprise him winning last Saturday but the stark contrast in performances will have to be consigned to the too hard basket.
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At least our two-year-olds offered more consistency as they fronted up for the first time.
Both winners Grapevine and Vienna Royale ran to their trial performances and posted almost identical times which also happened at the trial session.
Chris Munce made a good point after partnering Grapevine to victory.
"All they want to do is please you when they're young and you just let them do it," he said.
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Sad to hear the passing of Doug Cowell and Helen Coughlan last week.
Both were passionate about their particular involvement in racing and I never heard a bad word spoken of either.
Cowell was a former BTC director and a successful owner and breeder over many years.
Coughlan adored the history of Queensland racing and was more than prepared to go the extra yard with research and the penning of books and stories.
Condolences to both families.
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We'll be concentrating on the Melbourne Spring Carnival over the next month but at this stage I'd be more than happy backing Fiorente to win the Cox Plate in three weeks.
Till next week
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HRO Postscript: Hay List’s trainer John McNair has stated that he would no longer train Hay List. McNair said: “It's the end for me. If something was to happen to him, I couldn't forgive myself, apart from the fact I'd be mortified.”
The administrator of the Hay List facebook fan page was also drawn on the matter:
“As the admin of (the Hay List Facebook fan page) firstly I want to say that I love hay list. Second I am only a fan and as such have no connection to the horse, his owners or trainers so please don't go firing off abuse at me as this is a fan page not an official page run by owners etc. Today's race results speak for themselves and I believe Hay List should be retired. As many of you have probably already heard Hay List's trainer John McNair has stated that he refuses to train the horse to race anymore and he believes he should be retired. There have been debates and talks about this subject since Hay List's last race and honestly I'm sick of all the bickering. I will continue to post any news I get on Hay List on this page, and whether or not he races on or retires, but as of today my heart just isn't into running this page anymore.”
Stewards Report: A post-race veterinary examination of Hay List revealed the gelding to be displaying an intermittent respiratory noise. Trainer Mr J McNair indicated Hay List would not be again starting under his care. Mr McNair was asked to advise the Stewards of the owner’s future plans for Hay List.
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