Queensland racing stalls in planning vacuum

WITH Racing Queensland still unable to confirm a release date for its Tracking to Sustainability plan, fears are growing for the industry in the wake of Racing NSW’s massive prizemoney increases this week.

Trainer Rob Heathcote has voiced his concerns. Picture: John Gass

WITH Racing Queensland still unable to confirm a release date for its Tracking to Sustainability plan, fears are growing for the industry in the wake of Racing NSWÂ’s massive prizemoney increases this week.

When asked on Thursday when the new plan would be unveiled, RQ gave a hazy response.

“We can confirm the document has been submitted to the department for consideration and is undergoing due process,” a statement said. “There will be further consultation leading up to and during the implementation process. We are unable to provide further detail at this time.”

It is expected a range of cuts will be made across each of the three codes in order to balance the books.

Rob Heathcote was on a high with Buffering’s sixth Group 1 win last weekend, but was sobered returning home this week to continued uncertainty.

“It’s tragic that we as an industry, leading into the critical sales season, are left in limbo,” the multiple champion trainer said. “It’s unfathomable how they can keep an industry hanging for this long, but it would seem they simply don’t care.”

Former champion jockey now trainer Chris Munce said Queensland is suffering because it didn’t have an autonomous administration ready to fight for its interests.

“With what’s happened with NSW (tax cuts and $40 million funding injection) it goes to show when you have leaders of business who have the industry’s welfare at heart, you get progress,” Munce said. “While you have people running a business they have no interest or knowledge of, it just continues to decline.

“People can say what they like about (RNSW CEO) Peter V’landys, but what is indisputable is that he’s been a bulldog for the industry and has been prepared to fight for it.”

Those comments follow a scathing letter sent to Racing Minister Bill Byrne this week by racehorse owner, club committeeman and Order of Australia Medal recipient Ian McCauley, where he accused the Government of playing political games at the expense of the industry.

McCauley said there was “self-delusion” within the Government and sweeping aside all three code boards had plunged the industry into crisis as interim CEO Ian Hall learnt the intricacies of racing.

“Five months into the financial year there is no plan, no budget and an atmosphere of no hope,” McCauley said. “The sad fact is that while this million dollar CEO education process goes on, industry confidence collapses. Wagering income follows suit.

“Your Government can take only some of the blame for Eagle Farm delays but 100 per cent of the blame for the uncertainty and serious loss of confidence that currently prevails.

“It will take a long while for Queensland racing to recover. That time is being extended every day while uncertainty and despair continue.”

Editor's note: The Australian Press Council has advised that a reader believes more information about Mr McCauley's background is warranted because of his comments about the Queensland Government. The Courier-Mail is happy to report that Mr Ian McCauley is a committee member and Senior Vice President of the Kilcoy Racing Club and is a donor to the Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) and that his wife, Ms Di McCauley, is a former National Party Member for Callide.