IT is time to start counting.
Last week’s Magic Millions extravaganza might have showcased the Gold Coast and to some extent Queensland racing, but at what cost?
Thew rank and file do not know and are not being told. And the stakeholders in this state are entitled to know the exact figure.
We know Racing Queensland – in spite of its continued whinge of no funds – handballs Gerry Harvey millions to enable him to invite a who’s who of A-listers from around the world for his week-long party where the fizz flows like the Fitzroy in flood.
And that doesn’t include Queensland government support.
But for what overall benefit to Queensland racing?
Harvey is on the record of threatening to take his show to Sydney if the RQ support did not continue.
Many say “let him”. Others say it works at the Gold Coast in January – but it mightn't elsewhere.
In spite of record sales of the near 900 yearlings – some of which realised unbelievable, if not unrealistic, prices – only 10 per cent will actually win a race, according to history. And only 7pc of those will win again.
But those figures didn't deter the buyers who came from all over to put up their hands during frenzied bidding in search of other Winx.
Good luck.
WHILE it might be a opportune time for RQ to sort out its priorities when it comes to handouts (to some clubs) UBet might also revise its spending.
It threw a million dollars in bonuses to connections of two horses that won over the Christmas carnival with doubtful benefits to anyone except the winning owners.
And its sponsorship of the lacklustre Jockeys Origin series drew considerable criticism from trainers, other jockeys, punters and, of course, commentators who had to deal with completely different sets of racing colours.
Again, at what cost? What did it cost to bring all those jockeys from interstate and Michael Rodd from Singapore?
You will be astounded if the figure is ever released – and it won't. It is another case of money well wasted in an industry that is haemorrhaging.
One person most critical of the UBet splurge is Townsville punter Andrew Symington, who three weeks ago won $37,000 on a $600 all up at his local pub TAB.
The pub couldn't pay but the local office came good with $7000 on the following Tuesday. He was offered credit of course, but he placed a cash bet and wanted the cash, as you would.
Andrew finally got his money the following Saurday – a week later.
And you wonder why the corporates are flourishing.
LONG time Townsville Turf Club CEO Michael Charge has resigned and will wind up 11 years at Cluden next month.
It’s no surprise really as he was right in the middle of the turmoil that resulted in a new committee being voted in last month.
He was also recently fined a ridiculous $1000 by QRIC stewards because he was a silent partner in a racehorse that he told everyone about on Sky and whoever asked him.
That episode is not over yet and as soon as we get hold of the transcript we will name the complainants.
He said neither influenced his decision to quit Cluden.
"It is time to move on," is his only comment.
And no, he definitely wasn't sacked (or pushed) as is the popular (and predictable) rumour around the track.
