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2010 Magic Millions
Yearling Sale Preview
2010 New Zealand Bloodstock
Yearling Sale Preview
Australia Post's Search for "Letters Of a Nation"
by Graham Caves
Meet A Special Racetrack Guest
- Bart Cummings
"It is an honour to be chosen as the first guest editor, as we progress to what should prove an outstanding future for the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries.
This was emphasised by the success in the recent sales with record prices for yearlings.
Now more than ever, the perceived value of the thoroughbred is being matched not only in the sales ring, but in prizemoney in general and most importantly on racecourses around the world.
Over the last 30 years I have travelled much of the world and seen how racecourses such as Sha Tin in Hong Kong, Singapore, France, Japan and others are now being rivalled on a world level by our own Caulfield, Cranbourne and even Caloundra. Racing administrators are making sound and informed decisions for the racing fraternity when the needs of the thoroughbred are a priority. I can only support moves to protect the thoroughbred and its rider and improve the efficiency of the increasingly busy racecourses and training facilities.
One such improvement which I found common in the earlier referrals to racing and training establishments, is the elimination of all roads and crossings. Traffic to the centre is by means of tunnels and underpasses. This goes a long way to eliminating many of the injuries caused and wastage of potential champions, by variations in the surface.
As explained by renowned veterinarian Percy Sykes, “Half a tonne (500kg) of horse travelling at 40 miles per hour (60km) and landing on one leg, represents a massive concussion force, and slight deviations landing on anything other than a level surface can cause irreparable damage at that speed.”
Owners of expensive charges also rest easier when variables such as horses trying to jump crossings in full flight are eliminated, and a lesser risk of injury to Group performers can only be welcomed by clubs to help promote their feature race days – losing a champion such as Saintly or Might And Power from a raceday can affect the crowd by over 10,000.
Racing now and beyond can only be a winner if the momentum to promote and support our industry continues and I can see no reason for it not to."
BART CUMMINGS
Order of Australia
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