MY CALL - LINDSAY GALLAGHER HAS LEFT THE BUILDING
By David Fowler | Tuesday, August 23, 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.
If there's a rort on at Eagle Farm or Doomben, real or perceived, there will be one person less to blame.
Lindsay Gallagher has left the building.
He wouldn't mind me saying it. He's heard enough scuttlebutt and rumours behind his back for the nearly 40 years he has bookmaked in Brisbane.
Not that I'm here to portray Gallagher as a saint. Far from it. And nor would he want it.
He's been a ruthless player in the cut and thrust of gambling on Brisbane racetracks since the late seventies.
What can't be argued with is his unrivalled success in those four decades.
And success is not necessarily winning a truckload of money when every favourite gets bowled over.
Success is maintaining your commercial position when those around you fall by the wayside.
"Obviously gave it away because they won too much," he would say drily as another bookmaker's nameplate was consigned to the dustbin.
Gallagher is an excellent judge and a fearless gambler. His contact base would make even veteran journalists turn green with envy.
Don't worry, his decision to largely cease bookmaking would be well considered. They are for him to tell if he wishes.
He will now take the role as punter at the racetrack. It won't be new territory for those who know him well.
Some will say "good riddance". The same lot won't take long to blame someone else for their own failings in not backing a winner.
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My mail is the Deagon picnic raceday has been given a reprieve.
The regular September date was scuttled but expect early or mid November to get the green light.
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War Baby's time posted on the Eagle Farm semaphore board of 1:23.27 was way out.
The hand time was 1:25.06.
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Racing Queensland communications manager Adam Gardini finishes with the commercial body in less than a fortnight.
Gardini handled the task brilliantly and will be missed.
Don't be surprised if the RQ door starts revolving again soon but not with the same goodwill as Gardini's departure.
Just sayin!
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Did an Eagle Farm bookmaker request ID from a punter on Saturday that could lead to a racism charge?
Surely not?
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Next year's Thoroughbred Awards night must include a gong for the most successful owner/owners.
One would expect the Queensland Racehorse Owners Association to lobby for this immediately.
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