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The Roar

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MUNCEY: Racing in Queensland damaged, but things aren't always what they seem

Chris Munce has jumped out of the saddle and into a new life as a trainer. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
Expert
5th June, 2015
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Racing up in here in Queensland was given a mighty shock over the week with the Queensland Government abolishing the Racing board across all three codes over the greyhounds inquiry.

It’s unfortunate that one code penalises the other two. But that’s what happens when all codes are put under the one umbrella.

Truth is, former Chairman Kevin Dixon actually did a good job. While someone has to be accountable for the disgraceful greyhound ‘live baiting’ practices, thoroughbred racing was under pressure before Dixon restored some balance up here.

Saturday racing has come back to being very strong again, while the midweeks are improving.

The increase in prize money in Queensland back in August last year was something necessary – trainers and owners were actually struggling to make ends meet before this. And for those worrying about this ‘shocking black hole’ with finances, take another look.

While it looks like a $21m hole to the public, the truth of the matter is that $19m is owed to the club by wagering operators.

The true indication is more like a $2m debt – which is still not ideal – but it’s easy to be alarmist and the public won’t understand the true figures.

Hopefully Eagle Farm will get a final boost to get it over the line and back going good but we also need leadership that can increase turnover, improve prize money, and work on making racing in this state great.

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Integrity is the most important aspect of the sport. What’s been done on the front has made racing the cleanest it ever has been under the current operations. Integrity is very high – that’s why they’re catching people with horses on cobalt, ice, and all the rest.

My concern is always integrity, but you have to worry when Governments want to run things, given a history of skyrocketing costs given their involvement. Let’s get integrity right and always improving, let’s put in safeguards and be as stringent as we can, but those in charge of the purse strings need to make sure they’re wise with spending.

With all this playing out, I thought Racing Victoria’s moves to boost prize money for country racing and maidens not to be a bad thing at all, as well as the shift in prize money percentage for the winner.

Here’s the thing for me – there’s so much racing now. There’s not only Wednesdays and Saturdays. There’s eight races a day somewhere – we have to look after all participants.

Will it result in more owners? Well, it can’t hurt. It’s not a bad idea.

The Stradbroke is a completely different race this year, being at 1350m. You used to need a good miler and to get the best run at Eagle Farm. Given it’s at Doomben, it will be a different winner than we’d see at Eagle Farm.

I like Lumosty, if she gets a run. I don’t agree with the line of thinking that she should be in the race – that’s racing. You have to have the rating and have the runs on the board.

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Boban is obviously an impressive horse but I’m not sure about him at the 1350m with the handicap, and the freshness out of his legs. Knoydart was impressive and will give a sight. It’ll be a big finish, that’s for sure.

From my stable, we were very pleased with Savannah Dream’s win at the Sunshine Coast. She did it well in the Benchmark 70 over 1200m and made it our ninth city winner this season.

Our other runner Provocateur was just off a third placing and she’s improving every step.

We’ll race Wicked Intent on Ipswich Cup day in the two-year old Bundamba Cup over 1100m. He’ll be fresh and raring to go, I’m really happy with the way he’s progressed since the Sires, he was just found out at the distance that day.

He’s been working very well and 1100m around Ipswich will suit him down to the ground.

Finally, the stable has Stick With Me tomorrow at Doomben in the Lancaster Stakes. She’s a new filly for me, and she raced well at Calounda first-up for me and first-up from a spell. I’m looking for a much-improved effort from her tomorrow as she tackles a good race on Stradbroke Day.

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