October
JulyTwilight zone
Adrian Dunn’s article on the rescheduling of the Caulfield Cup (13/7) fails to answer some key questions. If we are to run Group 1 races in twilight timeslots, will punters be able to see the lead-in before post time?
Will this timeslot, currently occupied by Toowoomba and the Dapto dogs, be vacated so that our premier races can be accorded their proper status?
If this trial is to work successfully then Tabcorp and other parimutuel betting agencies have to show some co-operation by cutting out these "excess baggage" race meetings, which clog up the twilight schedule and whose turnover is at best questionable.
On a related topic, Radio TAB for some time on Saturday July 13 failed to notify its audience that a protest was taking place (subsequently upheld) on Warwick Farm race four.
Despite TVN and Sky showing what was unfolding, those getting their information solely from Radio TAB remained blissfully ignorant.
I am fully aware of the pressures presenters are put under given the absurd number of meetings covered by TABs on a Saturday, but this was a metropolitan race meeting that should have been given priority over lesser venues.
A cull of minor Saturday race meetings needs to happen sooner rather than later to avoid further mistakes of this magnitude.
Fairview Park (SA)