The Championships have the potential to become an international spectacle. But first, the Australian Turf Club must work with the United Arab Emirates to ensure maximum exposure for international raiders.
The success of a racing carnival can be judged on various merits – prize money, betting turnover or quality of winners. But from a pure racing perspective, a carnival will be judged on the quality of fields it attracts.
England has Royal Ascot, the United States has the Breeders Cup, Hong Kong has International Day and Dubai has World Cup night. Australia, however, is now stuck in limbo between The Championships and Melbourne Cup as Australia’s headline carnival.
Melbourne’s carnival has long been the benchmark in Australia due to strong fields it attracts from all corners of the world. It forced the ATC to shake things up and create The Championships, which received a small response from overseas interests.
Gordon Lord Byron gave the ATC a big tick when he took out the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes but he is just one of three international raiders across the entire carnival. It’s certainly not enough to call The Championships a legitimate international event, not yet at least.
One of the biggest issues facing the ATC is the Dubai World Cup meeting, which is held at the end of March. This year it attracted competitors from Australia, England, Ireland, Germany, France Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, South Africa and Qatar.
It was the epitome of an international meeting. It is also in direct competition with The Championships.
Quarantine conditions for racehorses in Australia are strict. They require any horse which comes from overseas to stay in quarantine for 14 days at home and then for a further 14 days in an Australian quarantine facility.
Because there is only 21 days between the Dubai World Cup and $4million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), horses cannot run at both meetings. It is even more difficult for sprinters that only have 14 days between World Cup night and the $2.5million T.J Smith Stakes (1200m).
Quarantine regulations are in place for the safety and wellbeing of the horses – our number one priority – and are unlikely to change. This leaves the ATC little choice but to reschedule The Championships if they want horses to come straight from Dubai.
In order to do this, there must be an approved pre-export quarantine (PEQ) facility in the United Arab Emirates and there currently is not. Horses racing in Dubai must therefore move to an approved quarantine facility in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan or Singapore before arriving in Australia.
International fields should be the aim of future editions of The Championships but to achieve these, the ATC must liaise with Dubai governing bodies to build a PEQ facility capable of meeting the Australian Department of Agriculture’s stringent requirements.
In 2010, Melbourne opened the $2m Werribee International Horse Centre, which is now Australia’s premier quarantine facility. It also provides a rough ballpark figure of what would be required in Dubai to build a PEQ facility, a minuscule figure compared to the $18m of prize money on offer across the ten Championships races.
Once an approved PEQ facility is established in Dubai, the issue of timing still remains, with 28 days required between runs to meet quarantine requirements. There is, however, leeway for the ATC to manipulate the Sydney carnival dates without impeding on the national calendar.
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes and T.J Smith Stakes can be pushed back to the final day of the Sydney Carnival. It would enable horses to enter Sydney’s two biggest races and still race in Dubai.
The Championships has shown immense potential following Gordon Lord Byron’s success, but the prize money on offer is still a long way behind what owners can make in Dubai. Rather than competing against another international carnival to draw international fields, more can be done to integrate the two and a PEQ facility in Dubai is a start.
kv joef
Guest
Scott, let's NOT move on as this is an v.important subject. write an article detailing "The long term strategy of trackside and the damage that it will do to REAL horse racing" that seems to have gone over my head. if your argument is based in evidence i will acknowledge - if it isfaulty expect to be ticked off. i don't suck-up to anyone scott. the privilege of being a reasonable player. you create your own income ... bit like robin' hood :). As for Messara i don't know as a person but i know a lot of people who do and their appraisals are on both sides of the fence but nearly all agree he is a savvy businessman and i think NSW racing needs a savvy businessman steering the ship that was rudderless until recently. As for questioning his motivation ... seriously ... he could buy the Hunter Valley and the coal mines and still go to Maccas for a family pack.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
kv The long term strategy of trackside and the damage that it will do to REAL horse racing seems to have gone over your head. That's fine, we will move on. I have known Ken Callendar for most of my adult life and he is highly respected because he says what he thinks and does not suck up to anyone. He is not always right, but the industry needs clear thinkers like Kenny to keep officialdom honest.
kv joef
Guest
Just had a look ... Its a poker machine game - a casino game meaning that the house wins. having had experience of the casino/slots run racetracks in the U.S. - never want to see it here (or anywhere). and are you sure that game isn't where the $110m came from? i am not happy when a gambler can't win in the long run. in fact i HATE casinos = parasites! i've been into a lot of casinos around the world and my contribution is usually handing over a few bucks to someone (usually a cutie) who might enjoy that sort of rubbish. Generally, I just see a bunch of mugs ... arrogant i know and please exclude BJack from casino games. quite few of my friends play that quiet well ... but not in casinos anymore, many are applying the same principles to the track and doing OK as you know. Our industry is tough enough without having to resort to parasitic practices to raise revenue. I'm personally pleased that the industry isn't involved in this gaming-corporate's stream of revenue but can understand those who have a different viewpoint. the basic principle underpinning turf gambling (or any kind of sport-gaming) is that you are trying to win my money and i am trying to win yours with the bookie as the comm.-claiming broker. Whoever understands reality best wins the cash. There is little difference between a casino gambler and standing on a spot ripping their money up. i post on this site because i want to encourage competent gambling and the enjoyment and romance of the turf contest - it can be great fun ... and while logic tells you some win, most lose (reality is v. hard to get a grip on) at least it starts out as a fair fight. i'm not sure what you mean by 'contribution' other than telling people what he thinks. I have known many turf journalists over the years (including calendar), some are friends and are all important to the industry.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
kv Dont bag Ken Callendar mate, his contribution to the industry is enormous and they should name a race after him as opposed to a person or horse from the UK. You are obviously not up to speed with http://www.tabtrackside.com.au/ Trackside is a digital or cartoon horse race every few minutes and competes with REAL horses for the punters dollar. You need to get what I just said as in 100 years time, the market share will be substantial. Why? Because it costs virtually nothing to run and gives returns up to 35%. The industry should be getting 1.5% product fee from Trackside but the naive RNSW signed off of zero and the TAB get the lot. This will result in hundreds of millions being lost to the industry and will also cut into the punters dollar big time as they can bet on it and play it anywhere 24/7.
johnny nevin is a legend
Guest
Scott why would the Dubai World Cup change their schedule, they are an unqualified success attracting horses from the major racing nations. Cirrus des Aigles and Gentledonna are among the top horses in the world. It's unfortunate that the 2 festivals are so close.
Trent Masenhelder
Roar Guru
Agree, kv joef. Hopefully we'll see some developments that are for the good of the sport globally.
kv joef
Guest
Conflict of interest? major stud/racehorse owner and/or elite businessman with a profound understanding of the national/international racing industry stretching over decades. What's a poker machine got to do with the racing industry? people will play poker machines whether they are in a tab/ club or pub or online. i don't play poker machines. i'm not tuned up with that 'digital' aspect but i do remember some deal being struck about NSW gov about funds going to the $110m redevelopment of randwick or maybe it was something else? i should've paid more attention. and i think when Messara took over the first thing he did was bump the prizemoney from unsustainable to a base survival level and a commitment to continue focusing on that area. Wasn't he behind the push to get all the quality meets from NSW/VIC racing back on free-to-air TV? Someone is noticing what we are doing as we have 5 of the world's leading stables operating in australia and that employs a lot of people. And other then the NSW Racing Authority standing it's ground nearly about copyright issue at the time universally unpopular and heavily criticized in some quarters. Nearly all funding, except for loose change, would have been lost to the WHOLE industry, every state. Most have politely has forgotten about. Yeah, i'll back 'my' JMessara to make a success of this new gig ... BUT... who am i to argue with a fearless, independent voice like k.callendar?
kv joef
Guest
Yes Trent, it was absolutely outstanding. Winners from everywhere and a couple of shining diamonds unearthed. I'm sure there is no intention by either side to harm each other's carnival but working together they will take control of the early part of the year. Just noticed UK is stumping up a lotto truck of cash in support of their 'champions series' culminating with october's Champions Day at Ascot before the focus shifts to the Breeders Cup meet in the states.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
kv I dont think anyone disputes he is a winner, but I agree with Ken Callander here. There is an enormous conflict of interest having a major stud owner as the industry boss. As a major breeder and someone who is suppose to protect and grow the breeding industry, I cannot fathom why your J.Messara signed off on the TABs digital horse racing product. Not only is it in direct competition for the punters dollar and WILL take market share off the industry, but the industry will get a zero product fee. This was an inane short sighted near jerk deal with a total lack of vision and understanding of the long term ramifications.
Trent Masenhelder
Roar Guru
Good piece Alfred and some healthy debate going on. I was at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, including World Cup a couple of weeks ago so I'm interested to see how The Championships stack up. I think we should what unfolds then try and find a solution so both can coexist without having to give much ground. I've got to say, the racing on WC Day was outstanding and the buzz around Meydan/Dubai during the week was sensational. Horses representing 13 countries - it really was top-quality international racing. And they were accessible, too. Scheduled press conferences every day, access to trackwork, etc.
Luke Andrews
Guest
I had a laugh when I saw her nomed for the Chairman's on Saturday. Rating 46.
Scuba
Guest
Alfred, please tell me you're not counting Hana's Goal's travelling companion who couldn't run a place in a Goulburn maiden last week as the "third international"?
kv joef
Guest
Absolutely Luke. It would have been nice to have last Saturday's HK B.Sprint G3 winner, Divine Ten here - won 5/6 - L3 straight ... L5 starts broke 57s down the Shatin 1000m including a sub 56s. Maybe next year ... after he cleans up the King's Stand at Ascot in a couple of months.
Luke Andrews
Guest
Scott, If you don't think The Championships have changed the nature of some of our Group 1s, have a look at the T.J. This race has always been small fields and often ends up with big gaps. This year every man and his dog has set a horse for this race. It is like the Newmarket 20 years ago where the stars would take on all comers, but this is at WFA. In a few years take out the bottom 4 and replace them with top International sprinters and you have yourself one hell of a race.
Luke Andrews
Guest
In regards to Dubai and quarantine, surely it is possible to create a system where they are in quarantine in Dubai while they train and only leave once to race (where you manage all possible risks and that the only time they are exposed is during the race itself) and that they continue as an isolated population here in Australia prior to racing in The Championships. There is a need to generate a best practices system to transport these horses around the globe as the economic activity they create is greater than the costs to make it happen. We need to find a level of acceptable risk and then strictly enforce all guidelines, as this will allow ourselves to be a routine follow on from the World Cup meeting. If we are thinking global why not, get the Singapore International meeting in May involved and create a challenge series for he southern autumn where there are bonuses for winning the big races over the 3 meets?
Haradasun
Guest
Agree 100%
kv joef
Guest
what do you want alfred? Grand Final championships for 'pussy' horses. Triple Crowns should be hard to win - not easy so when it is accomplished regardless of the quality of competition you have seen a special animal. As for our handicaps being championships - well when a top-weight wins a handicap G1 like Filante, Super Impose, Maykbe Diva, Black Caviar, Hay List and the list goes on and on, they are usually v.serious racehorses who perform at WFA. When a horse can perform near or better than their WFA weight in G1 Hcps, generally they get a big tick. If scale lightweights figure prominently then the race is usually binned and just given lip-service but everyone gets an insight into the field quality. Handicaps are our (AU/NZ) way and we should be proud of them.
Alfred Chan
Expert
UAE moving their carnival would definitely make sense. I don't buy into the idea of backing up horses into or out of The Doncaster. RSN's Shane Anderson had a great tweet yesterday. "Europe's richest flat handicap race: £250k. Australia richest flat handicap races: 1 x $6.2 million, 2 x $3 million. 3 x $1 million..." At the end of the day, handicap racing is not 'Championship' material and I would much rather see it decrease in money or be moved towards the start/middle of the carnival. If the TJ Smith and Queen Elizabeth are going to have large purses, they have to be the final events of the carnival for mine. On another note, it pains me to see how compressed the Championships is. 7 days between the Doncaster Prelude and Doncaster. 7 days between the Golden Slipper and Sires Produce? 7 days between the Doncaster and Queen Elizabeth? Please fix this next year.
Alfred Chan
Expert
Tim, I wholeheartedly agree but I can't see it happening. The last thing we want is another equine influenza outbreak. If there was some way to shorten it to 7 days there and 7 days here, even the spring racing carnival would get an enormous boost because it could be opened up to horses running in France during the Arc carnival. Japanese interests have openly said they refuse to travel to Australia because of the stringent quarantine rules which I think is an enormous loss considering they quinella'd a Melbourne Cup when they sent a proper brigade. At least we're not as bad as South Africa. Mike De Kock's horses have to spend about three months in quarantine if they want to race overseas.
kv joef
Guest
give you a tip about J.Messara (driver of the championships). he isn't and never has been anyone's fool. if you don't think a complete thorough exhaustive research has taken place from EVERY angle then you have never dealt with Messara. Everything has been examined and qualified. I am not a Messara buddy and only met him casually a couple of decades ago so i can only judge him on his results and just like i assess horse-form, i assess his career performance to date. i know some ill-informed people that detest his arrogance but that is a confusion from dealing with an individual who knows what he wants. everything he has touched has turned to gold - firstly as a merchant banker who quit the market before the 80's collapse. Then cashed up he turned his attention to the breeding industry and turned a relatively cheap purchase in Danehill into an international legend. He created the 'shuttle-stallion' and some say he dragged our (AU/NZ) breeding industry screaming and kicking into the international market. He was the one that brought Coolmore to Australia selling them Arrowfield Stud (Mk1). Around the turn of the century he developed strong relations with Japanese breeders - the first major international to do so (inglis tagged along as well). And if you think his skill has waned then look at Arrowfields (Mrk2) Inglis Sales results yesterday. It is important that our major 'carnivals' are developed on 2 tier aspect so there is plenty of cash about for the locals BEFORE the internationals show up. This has been a constant criticism of the Melb Spring Carnival. From my point of view they have got it right ... JMessara epitomises one of Pittsburgh Phil most famous maxims (ie a self-evident truth) = "Winners repeat frequently while the defeated are apt to be defeated almost continuously." JMessara is a winner and i choose to back him.