MY CALL: ENOUGH ABOUT PRIZEMONEY ALREADY!
By David Fowler | Tuesday, April 18, 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.
It's rare that a week goes by in racing when Queensland's prizemoney levels don't come under scrutiny.
And the same drum is generally beaten that we are falling further behind surging levels in New South Wales and Victoria.
Enough, I say.
To put it simply, this comparison is the classic apples versus oranges argument.
The handbrake will remain on Queensland stakemoney while the model remains of investing so much capital into non TAB racing.
Government also needs to develop kinder tax policies that will offer a greater return to the industry.
As I've said on numerous occasions, let's try and reduce costs or expenses rather than constantly wailing about prizemoney levels.
Remember, not everyone wins prizemoney.
And, finally, those who continue to envy Sydney and Melbourne metropolitan stakemoney, go try and win it.
Sometimes in the long run your own backyard is a better place to be.
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I might be biased but it still rankles me when topline racecallers cop criticism for very minor indiscretions.
The blowtorch was applied to Darren Flindell on the weekend when he called third race winner Alaskan Wolf rather than Mongolian Wolf.
Big deal. Everyone clearly knew what was going on but it didn't stop some giving Findell a whack.
I wasn't entirely happy with some of my broadcasts at Doomben either.
Let me say racecallers shouldn't be immune to criticism.
Consistent errors are a legitimate concern.
"Over the top" broadcasters is another area that punters are entitled to get a bit cranky about.
Australian race broadcasters are the best in the world but they are humans and not machines.
Some slack should always be cut.
But of course I'd say that the narks will say!
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Speaking of critics, when will they give up on Peter V'Landys?
V'Landys is Australia's best racing administrator by a long street.
When John Messara was at the helm of Racing NSW, it was a lethal combination.
V'Landys is a success story because he gets things done. If toes are trampled on or egos bruised, sobeit.
He honed his craft as the boss of the Harold Park trots. Success higher up the ladder was assured.
But, again, he has been pilliored for entertaining an extravagant idea of a horse race across Sydney Harbour Bridge next year.
Funny isn't it. I keep seeing Sydney racing in the news for all the right reasons and generally V'Landys has a finger in the pie.
It's also noted the knockers of The Everest have gone decidedly quiet.
Again, funny isn't it !
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Some answers to some questions.
It was confirmed that Warwick was the only available venue to replace the Doomben fixture on Easter Monday.
Do we read between the lines that no club wants to race on a public holiday?
Has it come to a time where Racing Queensland must offer a special subsidy to a club that carries a strong brand which will generate strong turnover?
Credit where credit is due though and the later timeslot of Sunshine Coast racing last Wednesday produced a positive turnover result.
We can compare last Wednesdays meeting to the previous Wednesday. Both Sunshine Coast venues with eight races.
Admittedly last Wednesday offered a higher starter rate (87 to 64) and it was a better surface but the comparative tote win figures on Ubet are worth mentioning.
The 2:20 to 6:40 fixture netted $166 928 while the 12:30 to 4:50 meeting only afforded $99 867.
It might be something Racing Queensland can explore further.
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