MY CALL - THE QUESTION HAS TO BE ASKED. WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING WITH THE RACING INDUSTRY?

By David Fowler | Tuesday, August 9, 2016

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.

Anyone under 40 years can leave this site now.

There will be little point in reading today's column.

Let's face it a barrage of angry tweets or effrontery on Facebook will be their strongest forms of criticism.

They'll argue in their politically correct way and I suppose I'll be the one fronting human resources.

To use one of their modern day expressions. "That's how they roll"

Enough rambling. Straight to the point.

What the bloody hell is happening with the racing industry?

Today's musings had their seeds sown with the passing of influential breeder Colin McAlpine last week.

McAlpine represented everything good about racing.

Essentially, a small business operator consolidating a family dynasty but smart enough to think outside the square.

And smart enough to consider what might be good for him might be good for the state or the country. Generous by example.

He was big enough and bold enough to realise many of his visions and wasn't afraid to say what he thought.

If he trampled a few egos, so be it. And trample he would.

He loved his racing. Loved the theatre and excitement of the betting ring. No bet was knocked back.

He was proud of his membership of racing clubs, knowing their hard work and endeavours were often the product of voluntary work.

There were many Colin McAlpines in different shapes and forms.

But slowly they are disappearing one by one in our racing world and they won't be replaced.

Today's environment simply won't allow it.

Imagine if McAlpine was in his prime witnessing a government trying to end to an important arm of the racing industry.

He'd rally plenty to the cause unlike the silence we see today from the thoroughbred and harness industries in New South Wales. How disgustingly weak they are!

McAlpine would be ashamed.

Can you imagine anyone leaking from the rollicking racing functions of yesteryear to the media?

Happens now. "That's how they roll"

And rather the leaker being branded a "copper", their treacherous actions are encouraged and even courted by authorities.

McAlpine would be ashamed.

From the days of rows and rows of bookies that was a wonderful backdrop to the racetrack, we now see a tiny few plying their trade.

And occasionally knocking back the last few on-track punters mind you, citing fairytale rules.

McAlpine would be ashamed.

A drink in the committee room after the last would see plenty of robust conversation but sensible talk that would see the club act to improve the product.

You can talk all you like in a committee room now but any changes will often have to go via the controlling body for their approval.

But don't hold your breath waiting for a result.

McAlpine would be ashamed.

I make no apology for today's ramblings.

The racing industry that I love is not what it used to be.

Honesty, generosity and good humour have been swallowed up by the dogged pursuit of the politically correct.

Hey, makes it sound like a country I know as well.

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