MY CALL: IS THE THOROUGHBRED REPRESENTATIVE SPOT ON THE BOARD ANY CLOSER TO BEING FILLED?

By David Fowler | Tuesday, June 4, 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.

Graham Quirk has firmed dramatically in the market to be appointed as the thoroughbred representative to the Racing Queensland Board.

Government and RQ officials were left red-faced when the new Board was announced last month with “TBA” placed alongside the thoroughbred rep slot.

Quirk recently retired from his Brisbane Lord Mayoral post after distinguished service. His passion and understanding of the racing industry is well documented.

Significantly, he could be described as a “small L” Liberal so the political ramifications as a State Labor government appointee are minimal.

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Meanwhile, Government appraisal of the QRIC model is about to gather momentum in a way that will be embraced by the industry.

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe made clear at a public meeting in March that how QRIC operates would be placed under scrutiny as it approaches almost three years of existence.

The commission has been the subject of sustained criticism in regards to how justice is delivered but the Government review was always slated for this time in spite of that criticism.

MY CALL understands the industry will be consulted on aspects of the review.

The inclusiveness will be welcomed.

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It is important to remember that QRIC doesn’t make it up as it goes along. The justice processes are structured within the Act. Their hands are tied.

The effectiveness, or lack of, the Internal Review and QCAT are certain to be hotly debated by industry members.

There will be little appetite from Government to simply hear a log of whinges. Credible alternatives to the current system is what will be welcomed.

This process could be as early as later this month.

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And the minor codes are still in the dark on alternative sites to Albion Park which has been slated for sale / redevelopment by Racing Queensland.

Opinions in both codes vary on Racing Queensland’s stance but where they are in lockstep is the growing disappointment that it has been two years since the RQ announcement but there is still nothing on the table.

RQ officials privately admit finding “alternative sites” has been a far harder task than they envisaged.

But that is cold comfort for the two metropolitan clubs who don’t know whether they’re up or down at the moment.

A site at Yamanto, near Ipswich, regularly pops up in greyhound conversations but there is empty silence regarding the trots.

Hope springs eternal, they say, but that well is fast running dry…. for all parties concerned!

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