IN SPITE of the lingering doubt that hangs over the immediate future of Queensland Racing it is pleasing to note there are still buyers in the bush eyeing the Magic Millions QTIS sale next month.
Rob Koch, a devotee of the QTIS scheme expects to host a party of 25 for the sales on March 20 and 21.
“It is about the same number as we took down last year-and we came home with 25 youngsters,” said the man who has enjoyed considerable success with MM purchases - including Sunday’s Ipswich winner Rock Me Crazy and the well performed Nevetus.
Townsville’s Michael Charge is still putting a party together that will depart on March 20 and return the following Wednesday.
He reports keen interest among locals possibly tempted by accommodation packages for previous buyers.
“And there is also incentives for new buyers who spend over $10,000,” said the Townsville Turf Club CEO.
It will be a busy month for Charge who is also contesting the local government elections on March 19 - the day before departure to the Gold Coast. He is a candidate for Division 10 that encompasses Cluden and adjacent suburbs.
Of course success in the council elections would require his resignation from the turf club - but until voting day it is business as usual.
WHILE the 30 minute interval between races might not sit well with the Napoleon of Australian racing Peter V’Landys - it is of little concern to Queenslanders, or so it seems.
The Queensland Trainers Association sent a memo to all members recently asking their views, and president Jim Rundle reports there was “little in it”.
A slender majority favoured the 30 minute gap - but a lot of members were not concerned either way.
IT had to be the fastest protest decision ever made. Jamie Long after riding the prolific maiden placegetter Zedaheel (having its 33rd start!) into second place on Friday at Cluden fired in a protest.
Asked by the chief steward his reason for the objection, Long said Coronation Journey (the winner) “cost me half a length in the straight”.
Chief steward: But your horse was beaten - officially - by one and three quarter lengths.
Jockey: No comment.
Alby Molino (trainer of the winner): What are we doing here?
Steward: Protest dismissed! And the jockey was fined $200 for his effort.
IT HAD to be one of the worst days - weather-wise - for racing. It is never comfortable in the tropics in February but last Friday at Cluden was the absolute pits.
And it was not a pretty sight to see horses being belted down the straight either in the extreme conditions.
The whip rules in this country are still subject to debate and many believe the authorities haven’t yet got it right.
