MY CALL - THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO RACING QUEENSLAND'S BOARDS STRUCTURE AT THIS TIME
By David Fowler | Tuesday, February 18, 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.
There will be no change to the members or the structure of the Racing Queensland board’s model in the foreseeable future.
This blog can confirm a tweaking of the process will be given consideration closer to the end of the board members' three year terms which expire in April 2016.
A recommendation from the recent Racing Inquiry that the chair of the all codes board should be independent had some salivating that Kevin Dixon's departure from that role was imminent. Dixon is also the chairman of the thoroughbred control board.
Common sense would dictate such a move wouldn't happen midway through a term even if the recommendation was to be accepted.
The recommendation has been discussed by Cabinet.
I can hear the gnashing of teeth, louder than when Kevin Dixon joined me on the Monday Experts program on Radio TAB on Monday.
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Predictably, it was on again from the usual suspects … propaganda, media mates, no hard questions.
But the accusation that it's "spin" or "propaganda" when I interview Kevin Dixon is baseless.
In Monday's 25 minutes, a wide range of issues directly pertaining to Racing Queensland were discussed.
Who would the usual suspects suggest I interview? I can't go any higher.
The chairman is interviewed about four to five times a year in this segment and I have always approached him. Sorry boys, not the other way around.
It's probably wise to close this piece now before I start out on people having "certain agendas" in the running of Queensland racing.
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Dixon made some interesting comments on the "big ticket" issues.
I doubt anyone could confidently predict the outcome of the wagering licence and the product co agreement after questions were put to him.
However one could assume there might be some more flexibility or wriggle room with the rigid percentage take-outs for each code that presently exist until June.
He also was unequivocal that work will begin on the Logan greyhound complex and the Albion Park grandstand facility this year.
Stakeholders of both codes should expect nothing less.
And the odds seem to be shortening that the makeover of the Eagle Farm course proper will be a done deal post Winter Carnival.
That might explain to some why Beaudesert, Kilcoy and other tracks will secure more race dates because Eagle Farm will be out of action for midweeks and Saturdays.
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Anthony Allen could never have been suspended for excessively slowing the pace on Saturday … well not alone at least.
If Allen was pinched surely Kirk Matheson on joint leader Terms Of Trade deserved the same fate.
To my way of thinking the responsibility was equal.
For the record, the breaks went on in a 36.9 first 600 metres before they zipped home in 33.6. It now becomes a questionable form race because of the stop start tactics.
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With Ipswich's temporary closure, I'm enjoying my trips to the country.
We enjoyed a nine eventer at Beaudesert last Friday and this Thursday we head to Kilcoy.
Con Searle and his team do an exemplary job in looking after racegoers at the "Moonee Valley of the North".
See you there.
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