BRC puts shake-up ideas to bookies

THE BRC has made moves for a shake-up of the Brisbane betting ring.

THE BRC has made moves for a shake-up of the Brisbane betting ring.

Chairman Neville Bell wrote to the Bookmakers Association last week with several ideas to strengthen the metropolitan fielders.

One idea was to have all bookmakers fielding on local events. Bookies are expected to come back to the BRC with a response this week.

"We have to do something for the experience of people coming to the races," Bell said.

"We want to do it in consultation with the bookmakers and we have put some ideas to them.

"We're quite open to suggestions and we look forward to seeing what they come back with. Things just can't stay the way they are."

Bell said fears for the future of the profession are genuine, pointing out the average age of the bookmakers fielding in Brisbane is 62.

Official prices sent away from Brisbane produce the highest percentages of any metropolitan centre in the country.

There have even been calls for the Brisbane prices to be excluded from official fluctuations.

One recent example was Danagaze starting at $2.90 on track when $6 was freely available with other fixed odds operators.

Local fielders say part of the reason is they offer genuine each-way betting and that the circle of money generally always ends up back on track, with many corporates choosing to "chop back" or reject some clients' wagers.

But the fact the call is taken from just one or two boards clearly doesn't help percentages, so more fielders to choose from would be welcomed.

THE racing fraternity gathered in force to farewell popular trainer-jockey Brian Wakefield in Brisbane last week.

During the eulogy, Wakefield's son Brian Jr told how his father had a habit of always combing his hair before bed each night. When quizzed on this habit, the explanation was simple.

"You never know who you might meet in your dreams."

KEEP It Moist has given Eagle Farm trainer Jan Aitkenhead the ride of a lifetime this preparation.

He took the trainer to Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival and on Saturday he provided her with a breakthrough Saturday city win.

"I moved out on my own about 15 months ago after being a private trainer," she said.

"I've only got seven in work and this is pretty exciting.

"He's the toughest horse I've ever trained. Everything I throw at him, he just thrives on."