October
OctoberNo-brainer
So John Taylor (3/10) is calling for the sacking of whoever was responsible for moving the Turnbull Stakes day at Flemington from Saturday to Sunday to avoid a clash with the AFL grand final replay. Taylor has "other commitments on Sunday". Well bad luck, Taylor!
Here then is a perfect example of human intolerance and selfishness.
I believe, if anything, whoever made the decision should be awarded a medal, but that seems excessive for a such a straightforward, sensible, no-questions decision.
For years Melbourne metropolitan racing has been suspended on grand final day and was only conducted at midweek level at Sandown this year because the reconstructed Mornington track was not yet ready to go. And for very good reason.
Despite the selfish attitude of John Taylor and the very few who would support his views, turnover for a Saturday metropolitan meeting up against the grand final has been disastrous.
Instead of sticking their heads in the sand, Racing Victoria and/or the VRC have accepted they cannot compete with a national icon which attracts millions — at the ground and on national and international TV.
Even our troops in Afghanistan were glued to their sets, and a mate of mine in UK sat up late and never missed a kick.
I am a regular punter, but also enjoy my footy. I still bet during the winter months, but keep an eye on the footy at the same time, and religiously watch the night and Sunday matches.
It’s always great to sit down and enjoy the grand final without worrying too much about the punt, although Sydney group-level racing on the same day is a distraction. Sydney could not and should not move to the Sunday. They had their own NRL grand final to consider.
Hope you won at Bairnsdale, Taylor.
Brisbane