MY CALL: ON THE RECEIVING END OF A FAIRLY RAW DEAL
By David Fowler | Tuesday, April 25, 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.
For the second week running, turnover on Queensland thoroughbred racing hasn’t been given a chance.
And punters are at the receiving end of a fairly raw deal.
While racing was run at Sandown, Canterbury and Oakbank on Easter Monday, Queensland punters were served up the country venue of Warwick.
The venue was supposed to be Doomben but apparently no other track was available when Doomben was transferred to Saturday to accommodate the absence of Eagle Farm.
Why couldn’t Doomben have raced Saturday and Monday? I think the question is fair and reasonable.
And just over a week later while Flemington, Randwick and Murray Bridge are available, Gatton holds pride of place in south-east Queensland.
Seven races and 63 runners was on the bill of fare today. Averagely-performed horses with an absence of leading jockeys.
Racing Queensland will say the meeting was transferred from Beaudesert but I would have predicted only a marginally better result.
It is beyond argument city tracks own the best brands. Tracks such as Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba are on the next tier.
Punters gravitate to these venues and public holidays naturally generate a bigger audience.
You could afford some slack if turnover was booming on Queensland thoroughbred racing.
Take the tip for free, it isn’t!
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Don’t expect a lightning fast track for the Eagle Farm return this Saturday.
I attended Tuesday’s trackwork session and it was obvious they were getting into the ground out eight metres and further.
The track has had a serious overhaul since the last meeting was held there in mid-March.
Predicted fine weather is a positive sign and the rail will be in the one metre position for Victory Stakes day.
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I’m looking forward to hosting a night that will celebrate the history of race calling at Eagle Farm next Tuesday night.
It’s the Thoroughbred Racing History Association’s contribution to the National Trust Heritage Festival.
The Festival’s theme this year is “having a voice” so the focus on race calling is entirely appropriate.
We will either listen or look back to a host of great race calls from some great race broadcasters.
The history of the Australian race calling profession will also be explored in some detail.
Everyone is welcome for a 7pm start in the old tote building that houses the Racing Museum.
I look forward to your company.
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Radio TAB unveils a new magazine-style program this Sunday that is well worth tuning into.
This Racing Life will profile some of racing’s major players, past and present.
It’s not strictly limited to the Queensland racing community and will air weekly between 7am and 8am.
I’m privileged to host the inaugural program which will feature the life and times of Bart Sinclair.
Don’t miss it.
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