October
MayHot dates
As the Sydney carnival draws to a close with a terrific climax, we’re finally seeing the benefits for Australian racing that has come out of the three-year trial for fixed-date programming (unaffected by the date of Easter) in NSW.
Without doubt, the quality of autumn racing in Australia has improved in leaps and bounds as the move has meant Sydney avoids feature race clashes with Melbourne, and that the best racehorses, jockeys and trainers can compete at both carnivals. The fixed-date programming also provides a seamless transition into the Brisbane carnival.
As a fan of Australian racing I’ve never been happier, safe in the knowledge that from the Lightning Stakes through to the Stradbroke Handicap, there will be a great meeting every week with the best talent available competing against each other somewhere in the country.
It’s a massive win for Australian racing and the key partcipants in the game — trainers, jockeys, owners and punters alike.
So now that the trial period is over, will Racing NSW take a backward step and revert to the Easter dates? Or will it have the foresight to see the bigger picture and build upon a platform to make autumn/winter racing in Australia as strong as possible?
Unfortunately, I suspect they will go the former route, providing further ammunition for the case that a national body with real power to administer racing in Australia is long overdue.
Brunswick (Vic)