MY CALL - LAME DUCK AUSTRALIAN TRAINERS ASSOCIATION'S SOFT UNDERBELLY EXPOSED

By David Fowler | Tuesday, April 15, 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.

The argument over whether stewards should have keys to a licensee’s stable boils down to where your moral compass lies.

I’m afraid mine points firmly in the direction that it is abhorrent that Racing Victoria has proceeded down this avenue.

And I’m equally disgusted at the Australian Trainers Association’s lame-duck response and subsequent compliance.

Spare me the rules and regulations offered up about the stewards having unlimited access to a property. I know all that but this is a bridge too far.

Peter Moody had the guts to at least stand up and say he feels like a criminal. Totally understood.

This subtle yet powerful grab for more power by RV is a worry in terms of our social culture.

And while it may be not pleasant to point out, is every steward above reproach?

History tells us ‘no’ in Australian racing history.

“Priests were perfect one day as well,” one wag pointed out when discussing this topic.

Anyway it’s happened and there is no turning back. But what next, I ask?

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A few ‘right things’ happened at the inaugural running of the Championships to ensure its longevity.

Poor weather can’t be helped which may have contributed to an underwhelming crowd figure of 24,600.

But Lankan Rupee’s T.J.Smith romp was a real shot in the arm. Here was the highest ranked sprinter in the world embarrassing its rivals. It WAS the champion.

And the concept must extend past horses to be a long term winner. The international feel that Zac Purton gave by winning the Doncaster on Sacred Falls was a “big tick” item.

And Chris Waller, a champion trainer, proved his worth with the Doncaster first four.

Any first running of anything has the element of a gamble about it. But Saturday offered more than enough to suggest it’s here to stay.

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Toowoomba deserves a Saturday meeting but not at the expense of Eagle Farm and Doomben.

Here’s the rub. Run the Weetwood and Toowoomba Cup on the same day on a Saturday in the Gold Coast timeslot.

Similar to that which Rockhampton and Townsville are afforded for their big meetings during the winter.

I’ve often said what was wrong with the old Thursday (Weetwood), Saturday (Cup) format but that’s been left wallowing in the dust.

Gold Coast might cry foul about losing a Saturday but this blog has consistently argued … why should provincial clubs have the monopoly on certain days of the week!

Till next week.

David Fowler