October
AugustSigns of the times
I was unimpressed by Adrian Dunn’s article (13/7) regarding the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup being the last race on the program, but even more so by the heading reminding us that it is 2013.
I do not need any reminding. A field of four at bleak Sandown in the Grand National Hurdle is very much 2013, and the distance of the Nationals, 3900 metres, is another indication of the times.
Racing overall, apart from Black Caviar’s brief reappearance, has been ordinary and until she returned it seemed that the winner of the Horse of the Year award would be a bit below most past winners.
The Melbourne Cup dominates the spring but I thought last year’s Cup, won by Green Moon, to be one of the dullest in memory. High-class field and yet not one horse carried weight-for-age, hardly enforcing the argument that it is the world staying championship.
It is also very disappointing that the Victoria Racing Club has reduced the stakemoney for so many of its black-type races in order to keep the Melbourne Cup at $6 million.
In fact, the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes is not worth as much as it was 23 years ago. That is shameful.
Yes, Adrian Dunn, I am aware that it is 2013, but I do not like everything I see in 2013.
Frankston South (Vic)