MY CALL - SHOOTING DOWN THE CHATTER
By David Fowler | Tuesday, August 12, 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.
Racing Queensland chairman Kevin Dixon shot down plenty of chatter when I interviewed him on Radio TAB’s Monday’s Experts program earlier this week.
It gave Dixon the opportunity to outline the rationale used by RQ and its’ Boards to determine how to distribute the increased wealth following the Tatts Group wagering deal brokered in late June.
Importantly, the fixed percentage based on turnover for a long period has been shown the door. Doesn’t that extinguish a lot of water-cooler discussions!
That structure of gallops (76%), trots (14.5%) and dogs (9.5%) was out-dated and unfair.
Even Dixon’s most ardent critics muttered approvingly that distribution will now be based on a business model that concentrates on revenue and expenses from each code which will incur annual reviews.
Continued growth is vital. Achievers will be rewarded but those doing it tough won’t be left behind.
A broad product will be maintained across the three codes. It’s important to stress again the Queensland provides more than half of the country’s non-Tab fixtures.
It’s nearly sign-off time with releases for each code imminent.
I’m tipping there will be winners and then there will be winners if you get my drift.
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Those who backed first race favourite Cliques were probably never going to be a winner.
I couldn’t believe it when she went into reverse in the early part of the straight in stark contrast to her runaway win a fortnight earlier.
An old abscess forming blood was discovered by the vet, an injury that hadn’t been reported to stewards in the lead-up to the race.
Cliques’ trainer Brenden Mackay was pinged $400 for his oversight.
The injury may not have totally contributed to the below par performance but anyone who supported her might have had a second thought if it had been made public.
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Luke Tarrant has to be a $1.10 shot to win this season’s metropolitan apprentice’s title.
His quartet of wins in July was backed up with a city double last weekend.
He can ride light and is an obvious race thinker. Even with limited opportunities last season he secured 33 wins, only trailing Tegan Harrison and Anthony Allen who have both moved to the seniors’ ranks.
It’s a bank tellers’ job.
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Eagle Farm being ready for next year’s Winter Carnival might not be at such short odds.
“The old girl” as they call it shuts up shop next Wednesday. A racing return in April has been scheduled.
But those already with their knickers in a knot about that prediction should take a deep breath.
If Oaks or Stradbroke day has to be transferred to Doomben, sobeit.
Yes, some tradition will be abandoned with distance alterations but, rest assured, the sun will still shine the next day.
This project has to ensure Eagle Farm is an attractive betting venue all year round, not just for a feature meeting or two.
Till next week
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