October
JuneMy three points
I don’t have a problem with Michael J. Gamble "barracking" for the Geelong jock Jamie Mott (More Say 16/6) who, I agree, is a very talented rider. Whatever his issues, his riding is irregular and he doesn’t figure in jockey tables, in Victoria or nationally. I include him in my "good money rider" category and have great respect and pay particular attention to any mount he throws his leg across.
On Michael’s other topic, however, I’m sure he will be well aware that racehorses have been travelling the world by air for many years now and the quality and comfort of that travel has gone ahead in leaps and bounds over the years. It’s now a highly professional, sophisticated and a very safe means of travel.
Like humans who are increasingly wearing elasticised stockings for their international air travel to counter DVT, Peter Moody has used a "compression suit" (not lycra as Cadel wears), to travel Black Caviar. He is to be applauded for taking every precaution in the protection of the mare.
She looked to be quite free in her action/cantering on arrival and Peter’s manager said the mare had settled in well. She has also created very substantial media attention, which will continue to build until race day.
In the letter "Here is the news", from Robert Seaford (More Say 16/6), he laments the passing of Three Way Turf Talk and the demise of flair among our race callers. But how could he miss including "London to a brick" Ken Howard and Melbourne’s Bert Bryant, who were both very, very colourful. There were other greats, probably a little less extravagant in their calling. And the anchor, Cliff Carey, brought much of it together. He was an extremely knowledgeable racing man.
The racing industry has increased and multiplied, developed and expanded since those glorious days when radio was king and race-calling has had to keep pace with its incessant 24/7 demands.
Melbourne’s Greg Miles is our standout race caller for his knowledge, accuracy and clarity of diction ... and ticks all of the boxes for me.
Canterbury (Vic)