Old Trafford sky. Heralds day one of the Lords Test versus Pakistan. A touring team that looked sadly bereft of ability and fight last week – but this is sport, and we all know that everything can change in the blink of a hat trick or century…
Rain and thunder rolling in. Which will not bother the powers that be one jot as they will be desperate to extend play into at least Saturday and hopefully beyond…
When it stops raining at Lords, they play. Remarkable drainage…
Gordon Brown….??!!
His flawed proposal for a massive gambling tax hike is potentially another devastating blow to our sport’s finances. Mr Brown seems determined that the gambling sector should sit firmly in the cross hairs, and that the industry should be responsible for financing pretty much everything that needs financing…
We all support responsible fiscal policies that will benefit the whole – but Mr Brown clearly has nil concept of the ramifications of his proposals. Which would lead to further betting shop closures, many job losses and a terrifying financial impact on racing’s finances. Betting and Horse Racing are inextricably linked – and bookmaking entities underpin the fabric of the sport…
We have already seen the tsunami of revenue headed off shore, driven by the ludicrous affordability checks. I have spoken with many folk who enjoy a bet who have been pushed away from the mainstream. They are fully aware of the impact on the Levy, and the fact that their betting spend will no longer filter back to the sport, but for some that is more palatable than having to provide 47 years of bank balances, your inside leg measurement and countless proofs of identity…
I just wonder how many more nails in the coffin we can sustain….??
We have a fabulous sport. Superb owners. The best racecourses in the world. Brilliant Trainers and Jockeys. All in all, a fabulous product that should be supported by the Government as a showcase for plenty that is good about these Isles. But instead we are pilloried and marginalised, and treated like a “dodgy shop” on the street corner…
Simon Cox, our new Chairman, remains silent. Powder dry. Deep in contemplation – or terrified by the magnitude of the task…
I cannot recall across many fields of life an appointment that has been followed by such Trappist quiet. Unusual ?? We will find out soon – I hope. When will he break cover…??
KENERGY home safe after his fabulous Deauville effort. For a stride or seven, he was home and hosed. Good to be back over the Channel with runners – and now that floodgate is well and truly open…
“Ayant un Cheval, je voyagerei…..”
