MY CALL - THE ARB NEEDS TO SHOW MORE BACKBONE

By David Fowler | Tuesday, February 11, 2014

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.

Who does the Australian Racing Board (ARB) pay stronger lip service to, the Australian racing public or its fellow overseas jurisdictions?

The recent attempt to alter the track rating system seemed to come out of the blue.

The "if it ain't broken don't fix it" line was offered by many. Yet the ARB pushed ahead, publishing a revised track rating system for comment from the public.

You can bet $1.10 they will adopt the system they have put out for comment.

The push originated from Victoria. This blog has learned that Victorian chief stipe Terry Bailey also happens to be the ARB representative at the International Federation of Horse Authorities (IFHA).

And this organisation is high on what it describes as the "harmonisation of rules" in many areas. In other words, the represented racing jurisdictions should be coming together rather than staying apart.

You will recall the ARB also caused an uproar with the banning of anabolic steroids in November last year. Was this another "harmonising" concept?

The begs the question, where next will the ARB want to cosy up with the IFHA ?

There is nothing wrong with being a willing and co-operative member but surely we shouldn't tweak every rule or policy just to look to be a "good neighbour".

The ARB surely realises Australian racing is one of the most successful jurisdictions in the world on many fronts.

A little more backbone would go a long way.

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

The Racing Inquiry report revealed little surprises.

Racing junkies devoured the nearly 500 page report but essentially the likely suspects were named and shamed with referral to ASIC as the biggest body blow to 10 key players.

What happens now will still be news but its news of a past time.

The Bentley era has ended. It's worth remembering their administration finished almost two years ago yet some are still caught up in the intrigue of it. Move on, I say.

Queensland racing now has an administration determined to make the industry successful for all.

The slow moving infrastructure projects, particularly for the harness and greyhound industries, will invite criticism but government is a slow moving process and there is little RQ can do to speed it up.

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

Many times as a journalist I had to defend myself against headlines above a story I wrote.

There would be those still unaware that the journo writes the story but a "sub-editor" puts the heading on.

And sometimes the two collide. A perfect example was Monday's Courier-Mail racing story.

The copy that Ben Dorries wrote was out of kilter with the negative headline that screamed, "JUNIOR HOOPS OUT OF DEPTH IN BIG SMOKE".

The story was nothing like that. It did outline that some apprentices might be held back from the metropolitan front but certainly didn't convey that all apprentices were out of their depth.

It seemed to me lazy sub-editing.

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

Excellent news that Damian Browne will retain the Earthquake ride in the Blue Diamond.

His riding talent was amply demonstrated during last year's Spring Carnival and Darley's healthy respect of him is just a further indication of his prowess.

The clash with Rubick is shaping as a real scene stealer.

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

WHISPER: Expect Deagon to be used for a racing purpose BEFORE their scheduled picnic meeting in September.

Until next week.

More articles