MY CALL: WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE IN PURSUIT OF FAILURE?

By David Fowler | Tuesday, February 7, 2017

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.

Why are so many people so swift to criticise and almost zealous in their pursuit to secure failure?

It's not just a racing thing but in this case it is...the announcement of the $10 million race The Everest.

Last Wednesday's release was a bombshell and that's a coup in itself in today's media environment.

The secret had been very well kept after months of planning. That's right, discussion and consultation with all of the right people over a long period of time.

The keyboard warriors must have been disappointed they weren't given a call. Their almost instantaneous voice of disapproval suggested it had been dreamt up overnight.

And on they went, complaining of elitism and the race being in the hands of a few leading studs.

And they all agreed with each other as members of the "mutual admiration society" so what they said must be right, mustn't it ?

I'm a passionate supporter of our democratic system and would be the first to say everyone is entitled to an opinion. No brainer.

But why is the tone on Twitter or Facebook so strident and demeaning on occasions?

Who are these people?

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The knee-jerk reactionaries rarely let facts spoil a good story.

It was too elitist and most wouldn't be able to put their hat in the ring because of the $1.8 million buy-in over three years for a starting position.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, I see this pay-up as one of the potential strengths of the concept.

There is the real possibility that the corporate world or big business will be attracted to this and will be more than happy to stump up.

There is generous flexibility within the $1.8 million. Expect the phone of the battler with the giant killer sprinter to be ringing hot.

Imagine what a big business outfit can do with such an opportunity in terms of marketing or advertising, bringing racing into a wider audience.

Yes, of course, the world's major nurseries will be playing a part but what's wrong with that?

Ever thought a race like The Everest might extend the racing life of a brilliant three-year-old rather than be whisked off to the breeding barn ?

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You would be naive to think there isn't some Sydney versus Melbourne rivalry in this whole box of tricks.

But here are two more myths to bust.

This hue and cry that The Everest will strip Caulfield Guineas Day of it limelight and glamour is laughable.

The Caulfield Guineas is generally a terrific contest but I wouldn't call it nation-stopping.

Most Spring Carnival enthusiasts, of the wider racing audience, stump up from Caulfield Cup day.

And the notion that because of the $10 million purse, The Everest will challenge the Melbourne Cup's supremacy, is not even worth entertaining.

The Melbourne Cup will always be the nation's greatest race and doesn't have to get tangled up in any silly prizemoney wars to maintain that standing.

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Racing NSW has done more for racing participants than any other state by a country mile.

Taking a stand on several issues has been vindicated in outstanding returns to participants across the Board.

The Everest concept is a bold but calculated gamble.

It should be embraced rather than cheaply criticised.

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