Turf Club responds to ‘unfair’ criticism

Clifford Park rider criticism labelled as ‘disrespectful’.

Toowoomba Turf Club chairman Kent Woodford has labelled criticism this week of Clifford Park’s race riding standard as unfair. Picture: File.

RACING : The singling out of Clifford Park race riding standards as “shocking” has been labelled as unfair and disrespectful.

Toowoomba Turf Club chairman Kent Woodford today responded to criticism offered by former leading jockey Brent Thomson.

Thomson on Saturday night tweeted his views on Clifford Park’s riding standard, describing it as “shocking”.

“I don’t like to be scathing. I don’t know what they do with apprentices, but it doesn’t seem to be working,” Thomson said on Twitter.

Thomson later told the Sunday Mail younger riders appeared to struggle with balance and from an aesthetic point of view looked “very untidy”.

He added it’s “not something impossible to improve”.

But Woodford believes the comments specifically targeting Clifford Park are potentially damaging to Toowoomba’s reputation as a racing centre and industry contributor.

“I think it’s a bit disrespectful and unfair to be singling Toowoomba out for criticism,” Woodford said of the comments.

“Brent Thomson probably tried to generalise his comments, but the fact is they were directed at Toowoomba and riders at our meetings.

“It’s disappointing and potentially damaging to our standing and reputation.”

Toowoomba has a proud reputation as a jockey nursery with the former Downs Apprentice School producing riders including the late Stathi Katsidis, Chris Maund, Lacey Morrison, Kristy Banks, Nozi Tomizawa and Kenji Yoshida.

Current Brisbane jockeys Jimmy Orman and Luke Tarrant also gained the majority of their provincial riding grounding at Clifford Park.

Toowoomba apprentices Baylee Nothdurft and Nick Keal currently sit second and ninth respectively on the Brisbane jockey’s premiership table.

“Over the years Clifford Park has produced some great talent under the tuition of people like Jim Childs,” Woodford said.

“Riding is a very demanding job and there will always be some who make a better fist of it than others.

“There is a national shortage of young riders and Toowoomba is no different to any other racing centre when it comes to the talent available to ride at our meetings.”

Woodford added the adverse riding publicity coincides with a strong finish to the club’s racing and social year.

“The Clifford Park course proper is continuing to perform well in tough weather conditions and our meeting nominations are healthy,” Woodford said.

“We are also enjoying what has probably been our best function lead-up to Christmas during my time in charge, so all-in-all Clifford Park is in a sound position.”