MY CALL - EXTENDING WAGERING AND PRODUCT AGREEMENT DEADLINE IS UNACCEPTABLE

By David Fowler | Tuesday, May 27, 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.

Where there's smoke there's fire.

There is a real possibility an issue behind the scenes could delay the announcement of the freshly-minted wagering and product agreement.

Less than a week ago this writer would have priced such an assertion at 100/1. Those odds are a lot shorter now.

The timetable is telling enough. An expected mid-May announcement has gone begging.

Then a hastily-convened tri-code meeting last Thursday (at which this writer attended) to affirm support for the State Government and Racing Queensland provided a July 1 deadline of announcement was made.

While no specifics were put on the table, the sixth sense told you there was an element of doubt in the air.

Is the situation brighter after the tri-code meeting got some good airplay in the media? Marginally is my guesstimate.

One can understand the State Government wanting to have all i's firmly dotted and t's firmly crossed but they must also understand the agreement deadline is firmly entrenched in the minds of all industry participants.

It's non-negotiable.

Any last minute dithering or delaying will not be acceptable whatever reason is cited.

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Why did Barry Taylor resign from QACRIB last Monday? Why did Brad Steele resign a day later?

I don't know. No comment from either party. That's poor form but that's their choice.

It's best to deal only with facts and the only fact in my possession is that Taylor and Steele are good mates, both residing in Townsville.

Plenty in certain sections of the media want to speculate on the departure of the pair. They must have spoken to one or the other or both or have a crystal ball.

I don't know Barry Taylor. Never will. I have known Brad Steele for 30 years. He offered "no comment" on his resignation. I'll respect that and one day he might tell me why. Maybe, he won't.

The point being the general punter doesn't give a "rat's ...". Racing politics only excites a few.

Some media salivate that turmoil and chaos is on our doorstep but "Joe or Josephine" only want to know who is going to win the next.

Get it!

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Industry issues put to bed, the racing couldn't be better.

Healthy attendances and dream weather have been the backdrop to three days of exciting racing at Doomben.

The "Boom" quinella was an outstanding result for the McAlpine family, Tony Gollan and Queensland itself.

How short will Arabian Gold be in Saturday's Oaks and can she produce a strong 2400m?

It's an open Derby. Wide open judging by the traditional Rough Habit and Grand Prix trials.

Srikandi is the "spruik horse" in the Stradbroke while Brazen Beau is assured of short-priced favouritism in the J.J.Atkins.

That's a snapshot of what is ahead of us.

If Sancerre gets into the Oaks field I will be backing her. A lightly-raced filly who can stay well.

Good luck on the weekend.

David Fowler