MY CALL: RACING QUEENSLAND CAN BOOST ITS PRODUCT BY DOING MORE WITH THE MONDAY TIMESLOT

By David Fowler | Tuesday, March 12, 2019

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.

Racing at Kilcoy yesterday proved an important point.

There is clearly a window to run "product" (as they like to call it) in the Monday afternoon timeslot in south-East Queensland.

Only last week at the Queensland Racing Industry Forum, Racing Queensland unveiled several tracks that will have their non TAB status elevated in the coming months.

It is likely the lion's share of these will secure a TAB ticket on weekends with Sky 2 coverage.

Kilcoy, with provincial track status, is in a different boat.

The club is more than entitled to run its share of Saturday and Sunday meets where they attract excellent crowds.

Yet it could also be a worthy provider in a timeslot that should be cultivated by the controlling body.

Monday afternoon is far from saturated with thoroughbred meetings around the country.

Currently it's only the domain of New South Wales and Victoria with three at the most.

It beggars belief that Queensland hasn't seized upon this considering their desire to secure more "product" (again!)

It's also significant that yesterday's card was primarily at the grass roots level yet they were able to race for a generous $16,500 compared to the lesser amounts at the weekend non Tabbers.

This is a wonderful opportunity for horses with lesser ability.

Kilcoy is not the only club who would fit neatly into this timeslot. Gatton, Beaudesert and even Dalby and Warwick could be potential starters.

Again, I stress that it's not my vision for these clubs to give up the race dates where it is commercially sound for them rather to increase their profile with more meetings.

And there is another observation worth making about Kilcoy.

Under the chairmanship of Con Searle, this club never looks backwards, only plotting a path for their short and long term success.

Note the word "success", not "future".

Despite his advancing years and a collection of health issues, Searle still speaks, and acts, like a young entrepreneur on the way up when discussing the redevelopment of the Kilcoy complex.

And that enthusiasm has been embraced by the State Government and the Somerset Council who are tipping in almost a combined $1 million for the makeover which begins next month.

Make no mistake, this club is influential.

And I defy anyone to say Kilcoy wasn't the best-presented track in Australia yesterday.

Track curator Mark Williams and his team presented a surface that resembled a bowling green. Outstanding.

Clubs like Kilcoy that move forward with outside of racing support deserve inside of racing support.

Over to you Racing Queensland.

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