Trots caller Chris Barsby maintains high standard from makeshift stand at Albion Park

IN our frantic, modern world it is often said a person is “between’’ jobs, houses or even relationships. Chris Barsby is between grandstands.

Chris Barsby

IN our frantic, modern world it is often said a person is “between’’ jobs, houses or even relationships. Chris Barsby is between grandstands.

The high quality of Barsby’s Albion Park harness racing calls belies the primitive conditions in which he works.

The old Albion Park grandstand had an outstanding broadcast box designed by the late calling king Wayne Wilson, but when it was demolished in 2008 the caller’s box was moved to a glorified shipping container on top of metal scaffolding near the finish line.

The temporary facility was expected to be in place for a few months while a new grandstand was built but eight years later, despite repeated State Government assurances, they are still waiting for the new stand and Barsby has known no other home as an Albion Park caller.

It is a poor position to from which to call because it is too close to the track and not high enough to gain a perspective on who is finishing fast, which means Barsby must occasionally take sneak peaks at the monitor beside him to get full appreciation of what is happening in front of him.

When Perth caller Richard Bell visited Brisbane he considered rejecting an offer to call a race, saying to Barsby “how do you call in conditions like this?’’

The earthiness of the setting is completed by the presence of a hired portaloo at the bottom of the stand which has been supplied by the quaintly named firm Dunnies With Dignity (who knew there was such a thing?).

“When I go to the gallops it does feels like a different world,’’ said Barsby, nephew of popular Queensland Sheffield Shield-winning opening batsman Trevor Barsby. “You are higher and it feels like the way it should be.’’

The only benefit of being so close to the track is that when Barsby’s daughter Chelsea makes an occasional appearance in the box she is so close to the track the drivers occasionally spot her and wave.

“She thinks it’s great because she is so close and she has her favourites and gets a response.’’

Top Perth trainer Gary Hall told West Australian officials after a visit to Brisbane that Barsby’s calls enhanced the flavour of the Winter Carnival.

“I’ve been lucky,’’ Barsby said. “I have been to all parts of the world as far as harness racing is concerned. I have called races at the Meadowlands (in New York) when I was over there for a scholarship.’’

Barsby’s interest in horses started early.

“I spent a lot of time as a kid on sporting fields playing cricket and hockey,’’ he said. “It just seemed to be always the way that there was that group of guys who liked having a bet and smoke and beer and there was always a transistor radio going listening to a race.

“I have always enjoyed and appreciated the horses. I knew I was never going to be a jockey and did all my work experience in radio when I was at school through Wayne Wilson and things seemed to snowball from there.’’

Barsby’s wife Kylie used to drive pacers and his professionalism shone through.

“I may have become a little excited at times when she drove but there were plenty of times when I was deadpan about it and you would not have known’’’ he said. “You don’t get any special treatment.’’

HOME AGAIN

Nathan Purdon, the son of champion horseman Mark, is set to call Brisbane home again.

After enjoying great success in Brisbane before heading to Perth then Melbourne, Purdon has decided to link up again with owner-trainer Ian Gurney.

HOOD IS GOOD

Glenferrie Hood, a winner of the Terang Pacing Cup five starts ago, has joined the Brisbane stables of leading trainer Vicki Rasmussen.

At his most recent start, Glenferrie Hood finished ninth in the Mildura Cup won by Hectorjayjay.

The Christian Cullen gelding has earned more than $200,000 and adds further depth to the local open class ranks.

SOUTHERN HOPES

A number of rookie Queensland pacers will step out in Melbourne on Friday night and Saturday in the Australian Pacing Gold series.

Three Of The Best starts in the $322,000 final at Melton while Maestro Bellini lines up in the consolation.

At Menangle, talented filly Park Life will contest a semi-final.

CHAMP RETURNS

Owner-trainer Ian Gurney will unveil his stable stars next Tuesday at Albion Park, including dual Queensland horse of the year Avonnova.

The free-legged pacer has not raced since January 1 when he failed in the Village Kid Sprint at Gloucester Park.

Gurney will also start talented pacer Birdy Mach at the meeting.

Originally published as Trots caller Chris Barsby maintains high standard from makeshift stand at Albion Park