MY CALL: WEIGHING UP THE WINTER CARNIVAL REPORT CARD. DOES IT GIVE PAUSE FOR THOUGHT?

By David Fowler | Thursday, July 18, 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.

The recently released Winter Carnival report card may give Racing Queensland and the Brisbane Racing Club reason to pause for thought.

First and foremost, all are to be congratulated on the final figures, whether it be betting turnover, racetrack attendances or simply having a peek on the “tele”.

These stats surely consolidate the view that the Carnival in its present format is currently working for all parties.

When it was revealed last month tweaking or tinkering to feature race placement during the BRC’s five days was a live issue, I made comment on my radio program PRESS ROOM … “if it ain’t broken why try to fix it?”

That was said before this week’s release so I have no reason to run away from that remark.

Even more telling is confirmation that the Stradbroke and Kingsford Smith days are now in the top three turnover meetings during the Queensland year alongside the Magic Millions card at the Gold Coast.

Further, the same two fixtures joined Ipswich Cup day as the most popular in on-track attendance.

That must give reason for the controlling body and principal club to reflect on the appetite for change considering these are the very two days under their microscope.

However, to be fair and balanced, an argument could be put forward that it was the return to Eagle Farm that was the catalyst for the turnover and attendance spikes and programming changes could even enhance the already pleasing returns.

I have always stressed that discussion on potential change is welcomed but question if changing a proven formula is a necessary gamble.

It’s not just the changes in isolation but how the shifts could potentially harm other races. Think of a chess game.

Despite my caution, I would suggest the mood for change has the upper hand.

Watch this space.

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I had to smile when it was announced the Melbourne Racing Club had negotiated with the Australian Turf Club to secure a slot for this year’s Everest.

Last month I wrote in this very column that Racing Queensland and Brisbane Racing Club should make a play for the slot made available by the sidelined Damion Flower’s Jadeskye Racing.

Many laughed at me although I will say I don’t think the proposition was ridiculed by some key players at the BRC.

History now shows Godolphin landed the slot after a tender process.

I wonder if RQ and BRC actually made a bid? Something we will never know.

It was a significant move by the MRC in more ways than one and possibly a key turning point in the evolving history of this rookie race.

A small point that hasn’t received much attention but it’s hardly ideal for the Schillaci winner to have to back up in seven days for the Everest assignment … but it is what it is.

We can only wonder what next year’s Stradbroke line-up would have looked like if a slot had been owned by RQ/BRC.

David Fowler