I have country racing to thank for where I am today. Since I could walk Ive been attending races and for the first 17 years of my life those meetings were mostly non-TABS in South Australia. It saddens me to see the decline of country racing in many parts, but particularly my home region. It is extremely disappointing that TRSA in their wisdom have taken another meeting off Ceduna for 2015. Ceduna used to have four meetings a year - now its going to be two. Perhaps our officials forget where people in this industry start and learn their crafts. Whether it was me in a media type role, or whether its a debuting apprentice or a part time trainer - these country meetings are essential for the growth of participants. Clubs like Ceduna work so hard, are financially in a decent position and operate through voluntary work. Its a shame that its the country races that have to suffer for racings issues - issues which I might add are not the result of actions of people in country areas. With Iron Knob, Cungena, Whyalla, Kimba and Port Pirie among clubs that no long host meetings - I fear for others like Penong and Lock - having to move to other tracks or die. Country trainers and riders are already doing it tough - a deleted meeting here and another there is terrible. How are you to promote horse ownership to country people and give them a taste of how good the industry is when horses at a non-TAB level get fewer and fewer opportunities to do so. Lets hope TRSA might re-think some of their decisions and show this industry that no matter at what level you are - theres support for you.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 05:11:30 +0000