October
JanuaryPunters? No, thanks
Sorry to disappoint you, Richard Callander (9/1), but the National Horse Racing Alliance has no real interest whatsoever in punters, other than as a source of income.
Let me quote you from an email I received from Richard Freedman on December 14, 2009, when I asked him: "Who, if anyone, is representing the punters in your alliance?"
"Thanks for your email. The NHRA acknowledges the important role of punters in racing, they are a vital ingredient and we hope to have many dialogues with members of the punting fraternity. Most (if not all) of our alliance supporters are punters too.
"However, we are seeking to form an alliance for those industry participants who create the racing product by investing their time and money in the production of the on-track product, and those who make their living from producing this product. We seek to represent the national interests of those who ‘put on the show’ for the punters, fans and wagering operators. There will be many who fit into all the above categories, but we seek to represent their interests as owners, trainers, jockeys, farriers, strappers, etc."
So just another organisation whose intention is to promote the tired old line emanating from Tabcorp, Racing NSW and the ARB. I think Peter Mair’s summation (Your Say 2/1) more than adequately covers the goals of the NHRA.
Reading between the lines, Richard Callander appears to suggest a greater financial contribution to racing from breeders. Prominent breeder Michael Sissian was due to make a presentation on behalf of the NHRA to the current Productivity Commission enquiry (but couldn’t make it), so I would not be holding my breath in that regard.
Allambie Heights (NSW)