October
JuneHaste makes waste
On the very day of home delivery of my Winning Post, containing my letter on the dismissal of the board of Racing Queensland, the local Courier Mail, in the same delivery, contained an article on the same subject written by racing editor Nathan Exelby, headlined, “Vics strong but calm on baiting.” May I quote from that story:
“Victoria is set to adopt an independent integrity regime across its three codes of racing after the report handed down by Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna into live baiting in Victoria.
“In a far more measured approach than the sledgehammer swung by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week, The Victorian Government has moved to appoint an internationally respected racing administrator to research and implement the recommended changes.
“Perna tabled his report into live baiting, with 68 recommendations, including the establishment of an independent integrity body.
“Victorian Racing Minister Martin Pakula has appointed Mr Paul Bittar to steer the path forward for a new integrity model across all three codes. Bittar, a former British Horse Racing Authority chief executive and chief executive of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, will consult with each of the three codes before proposing a model and time frame for implementation.
“That is a far more expansive study into the workings of the new integrity unit than that recommended by Alan MacSporran, QC for Queensland, in the report he handed to the Qld government last week.
“After sacking the entire board of Racing Queensland last week, including those in charge of thoroughbred and harness racing, Palaszczuk indicated the recommendations made by MacSporran would be adopted. Neither the Premier nor Racing Minister Bill Byrne has spoken publicly about the issue since last Wednesday, leaving each of the three codes in limbo on future effects.
“Former Queensland Racing Board chairman Peter Boyce has spoken of the urgent need for leadership in the industry after he and fellow board members were swept aside by the Government last week.
“‘The decision by the Government to dismiss all boards is one that obviously they have the power to do, but whether it was well thought out is another question,’ said Boyce.’Thoroughbred Racing needs to have many decisions made in a relatively short period of time. There are numerous tasks to be fulfilled and they need not to be put on hold. The industry should not be left without leadership for any length of time.’”
I wonder where this leaves Richard Callander’s comment that Palaszczuk “did the only thing possible” after her “consideration” in less than 24 hours of MacSporran’s report. I think not, Richard.
In the meantime my wife and I are looking forward to attending the next meeting at Kilcoy, the only track we desire to attend these days.
Not going for the serious punt of course, but just a lovely day out, beautiful drive, quaint little country track with lovely people and steak sandwiches to kill for.
This was one of the several little country clubs that were in danger of extinction when the previous administration cut them off from any TAB coverage and the consequent funding.
It and several other similar little clubs have been restored by a new administration (now sacked by Palaszczuk) by reviving TAB coverage, ensuring their survival, and those of the C class horses, trainers and jockeys who compete and earn a living at such venues.
And I thought Richard Callander was the champion of country racing and its participants.
Brighton (Qld)