All eyes on Sky at Gold Coast meet

No sooner had the field crossed the line, in races at the Queensland’s premier meeting that hosted the big name Australian jockeys and trainers (and New Zealand as well), the Sky cameras switched to provincial Newcastle.

It must be conceded that there were far too many hold ups at the barrier at the Gold Coast.

And the delays obviously got up the nose of the Sky producers who obviously work to a busy and strict timetable.

The Gold Coast starter showed amazing patience with a couple of unruly gallopers before they were finally withdrawn.

In another instance a horse, with the field already loaded, had a last minute change to its head gear that took an age to complete.

That incident should not have happened and, surprisingly, not a line in the steward’s report nor an on course explanation of exactly what was occurring. 

I must say I had a giggle when I heard that a frustrated Sky staffer approached the Gold Coast stewards to “get a move on” because he had commitments to other venues.

Such audaciousness would not have been tolerated in the days of former northern chief stipe Alan Cooper.

Reckon this TV bloke might have been escorted from the track - as was a pesky RSPCA officer one day at Cluden when he put his nose into matters that chief stipe Cooper deemed he had no right – and as unceremoniously bundled out the gate.

There is no doubt the so called Sky Central is designed for the benefit of NSW and yet is still at least part owned by TABCORP - soon to be the new owner of Queensland’s UBET .

Surely things will change then - or certainly when the Sky contracts with QR are due for renewal in 2020.

THE Racing world was shocked to learn that two of Toowoomba’s best known riders were seriously injured in an accident at Clifford Park on the morning of the recent Weetwood – Toowoomba Cup day.

Both Ben Saunders, a former jockey and then track curator, and Brad Chasolm are both undergoing treatment in Toowoomba Hospital with injuries that will prevent them from walking again. The response from the racing public has been overwhelming and on Saturday night an aptly named Racing Reaches Out Dinner will be held after the races at Clifford Park.

It also incorporates a monster Auction that will offer a host of prizes from Buffering’s plate that he wore when winning the 2014 Moir Stakes, to a signed Billy Slater jumper plus corporate boxes and signed jumpers from Broncos and Titans. There is also a set of colours donated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club signed by the some of the world’s leading jockeys.

And a very special photograph of the 1939 Wallabies Team taken in London before what is commonly known as the Test That Never Was. England declared war on Germany the day before the test was to begin. The photograph of the Wallabies was taken in front of the empty grandstand.

It was donated by a resident of the North Coast and not even the ARU were aware of its existence. They would love to have it of course - “but we haven’t’ got the funds” lamented a spokesman.

It will no doubt be a much sought after item at an auction that is certain to be a sell out and will be attended by senior members of QRIC - the integrity arm of Racing Queensland.

The growing number of stay at home punters will be pleasantly buoyed with news that the up coming feature Winter Racing Carnival will be broadcast on Racing.com.

An agreement has been finalised between Racing Queensland (RQ) and Racing.com to secure live free-to-air coverage beginning with the Doomben 10,000 meeting next week and concluding with Stradbroke Day on June 10. This will include Racing.com presenters broadcasting from the track.

A total of seven Group 1 races will be conducted during the period across Brisbane's two premier venues, Eagle Farm and Doomben.

RQ CEO Dr Eliot Forbes believes that the agreement will provide a much needed boost for racing in Queensland, providing a valuable extension of coverage to the wider community.

“We expect that this coverage will also promote wagering in Queensland to a new audience and ensure as many people as possible enjoy the thrill of racing.”

Racing.com CEO Andrew Catterall said it was an exciting time for greater exposure for Queensland racing.

Neville Bell, the chairman of Brisbane Racing Club, said the agreement was a major boost for their club.

“What this means is we will have a unique opportunity to showcase to a greater national audience than ever before the quality of our facilities and the high calibre of racing that is a feature of the Brisbane Racing Carnival,” Bell said.  

“Doomben and Eagle Farm have fantastic settings in premier locations. To know that people all over the country can watch our events through a full media spectrum is fantastic.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Tabcorp for their assistance in enabling this opportunity.”