October
MayThe punter is king
I was a big fan of TVN, from the raceday coverage to the shows. After recent letters I find I am not alone.
On Saturday April 18 I got an opportunity to sit down and watch Sky Thoroughbred Central fully and without any distractions. I have to agree with the majority that the new coverage is a disgrace, in particular to the Victorian punters and racing industry.
We were lucky to see half the fields in the mounting yard, while Sydney had every jockey interviewed after the race. At one point the Sydney host said in reference to race nine at Caulfield, “Your last chance to bet in the get-out stakes.” How about you look at your form guide, buddy! There were 10 races.
Punting keeps the industry afloat and it’s time for an overhaul of everything from government down. For a start, it’s time we got rid of all the different totes and bet into a single pool.
Sky, having three channels, could split them into Victoria/NSW, SA/Queensland and Tas/ WA/NT. Each meeting could get mounting-yard reports and interviews.
During non-racing periods they could have trial footage, race replays, documentaries, trips down memory lane and tipping shows such as Get On or Black Bookers.
They could get another channel if they like and have all the harness and dogs racing on that in a similar format.
It’s time the punters were put first in all aspects of racing because without us there is no industry.
West Footscray (Vic)