MY CALL - NSW LISTEN TO PUNTERS ON 'CORPORATES' AS THEY DRAW A LINE FOR ALL WAGERING OPERATORS

By David Fowler | Tuesday, June 17, 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.

A stunning decision by Racing New South Wales deserves this week's lead gig.

They have sensibly listened to punters Australia-wide who have had a gutful of greedy corporate bookmakers who happily take the losers' money but restrict or even terminate those who are clever enough to find a winner.

Bet 365 was named and shamed on this blog some time ago as a master of the trade in allowing punters to have only $5 or $10 on horses. Brave stuff by these alleged betting giants, but they are certainly not alone.

Racing NSW has not only listened but will now act and demand all wagering operators betting fixed prices on New South Wales thoroughbred meetings bet to lose a certain amount.

Some immediate consultation will be undertaken to have the new system up and running by the start of next month.

The main question seems to be what amount will they be asked to lose but a comparable figure to on-track bookmakers is likely.

Such a decisive move puts Queensland in a difficult position.

To follow New South Wales' lead, Queensland would have to drop its "to lose $500 rule" that was introduced controversially two years ago.

It could be the "millstone around the neck" if any progress is to be made on quite a pressing issue.

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Apart from the large turnout, what amazed me at Wayne Wilson's funeral was the diversity of people who attended.

Such a wide cross section of racing folk merely enforced how popular Wayne was across the board.

But as many familiar faces I saw, there was just as many who had me stumped. His friendships obviously extended far and wide.

It was wonderful to see retired Sydney race-caller Ian Craig in attendance with his wife Marilyn.

Other interstate media types included Bruce McAvaney, Greg Radley and Mike Maxworthy. The "big W" professionalism and perfectionism had an effect on all of them.

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Being a perfectionist was a strong trademark. No stone was left unturned to make every broadcasting assignment as professional as it could be.

I had made some preliminary plans for the picnic day at Deagon last September only to turn up to see Wayne had things set up like it was Melbourne Cup day.

Even at Ipswich on Saturday, I paused and reflected on how the bench had been built in the broadcast box to allow us to call in maximum comfort.

I'm finding it hard to believe he's left us. Not a phone call, not an appearance at the races. I'll miss him a lot.

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What race should be rebadged to honour Wayne Wilson?

It's created plenty of discussion since his passing with the Eye Liner Stakes high up on the hit list.

I wouldn't like to see Eye Liner lose her tag totally so maybe the Wayne Wilson Eye Liner Stakes.

However there are sufficient Carnival races that could undergo a name change without too much fuss.

Personally, I'd like to see him honoured on Stradbroke day - his favourite race day - with the Spear Chief Handicap renamed the Wayne Wilson Mile.

Just a thought. I think he'd like that.

David Fowler