October
DecemberRip it up and start again
It’s encouraging to hear that at least some of those in charge understand racing must evolve around the customer. Punters and owners both want to see their horse race.
Therefore programming must gravitate towards twilight and evening racing.
If that occurs, trainers transitioning to later trackwork starts can only help.
The first step in overhaul of national programming should be moving the start of the race year back a month to September 1.
With all carnivals put back by about a month, a cooler Melbourne autumn and a warmer, footy-free spring are guaranteed without adversely affecting any other state.
Then, with a clean slate and in consultation, programming should be tweaked so no like majors clash, for example the Australian/Randwick Guineas.
Run the Cox Plate before tthe Caulfield Cup. The Manikato and Schillaci could both be run before The Everest. The Melbourne Cup stays on a Tuesday, albeit a later one.
Condense the calendar a little so the break between the Brisbane winter and the spring is week longer, and allow two extra weeks between the Melbourne spring and autumn.
Then, in my opinion, Australia’s racing calendar would be close to optimal.
The Japan Cup and Melbourne Cup might clash, but I doubt that’d bother many from either country.
Hong Kong could then put its international meeting back a week or so, probably with improved Aussie participation.
Tweed Heads (NSW)