Austrotforum

Is this water restrictions level 3,or a portent of things to come in Queensland's light harness game.

Posted by dlsmith at 09:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOTRA meets again on Monday June 5th in PACESETTERS BAR at ALBION PARK.Come along and join a group of people,Breeders,Owners,Trainers and Reinspersons who are CONCERNED AT THE DIRECTION OUR SPORT IS TAKING.BOTRA INTENDS TO HAVE OUR VIEWS PUT FORWARD...AND HEARD..

Posted by dlsmith at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

HARNESS RACING INTERNATIONAL is on the newsstand again.Check out the best thing ever to happen in a bi-monthly time frame.There are six major features,but the mag would be worth the money just for two of them.Trainers who want an insight into the why and how of equine behaviour and movement,will be fascinated by Nick Hooper's review of "THE NATURE OF HORSES",by Stephen Budiansky.They will buy the book.
Where will you be on SUNDAY,JULY 23rd.If you dig the trotters you will be at Maryborough in Victoria,to see the 'REDWOOD 2YO CLASSIC" and the "VICTORIAN TROTTERS DERBY".It's all in the mag,in the "REDWOOD BROCHURE 2006"

Posted by dlsmith at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A radio report has it that South Australia is considering a trial of what will be,in this part of the world,a radical handicap starting procedure.
Currently in embryo,the system is said to be a hybrid of the Swedish and French "volt" start,where runners circle on their handicap marks at a jog speed.When the "off" is given,they unreel across the track,turn in unison and are away.
It sounds like an honest attempt to salvage handicap racing,which has suffered for many years under unwarranted attack from blanket supporters of the mobile barrier and all things American.The South Australians have nothing to lose,and everything to gain.Denis.

Posted by dlsmith at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last Monday's BOTRA meeting produced several requests for long needed reforms to the current racing product.
Item 1..Removal of the "SPRINT LANE" at Albion Park,Gold Coast and Redcliffe for a trial period of 6 months.The purpose being to identify any variation from the current tote hold pattern.It is also thought by some members that the early appearance of the "three deep" line may in some way be connected to the sprint lane.(mind set of drivers).
Item 2. The "RELEGATION" rule to be enforced in all cases of identifiable interference. The purpose being to stamp out interference,simplify the task of the stewards panel,open up the race,and,restore and enhance "JOE AND JOANNE AVERAGE-PUNTER'S" confidence in the product.
Maybe you don't agree with these initiatives.BOTRA is a democratic organisation.Join yourself and your family up for a $5 note and have a say in such decision making.If you wish to speak at the meeting(and you should),you will be heard.(subject to normal parameters of speech) .. Denis Smith.

Posted by dlsmith at 02:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The yellow flowers of Spring form the backdrop for Austrian foal,MARIELLA growing up on the other side of the world.All the same hopes as here.

Posted by dlsmith at 10:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For the fans of the Trotter. 4yo mare SOME PRIDE,by ARBRO INVASION,with filly foal at foot,by first season boom sire,CONTINENTAL MAN.Juvenile speed potential to burn here $5,000....... also "SHANGHAI ROOSTER" 3yo gelding by LIVE OR DIE from BLACK ICE. Price on application. ring 07 55 464 084...

Posted by dlsmith at 09:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Launched on the fans and participants of Australian light harness sport in the late 90's,John Peck's high quality magazine has not only stood the test of time,it has gone from strength to strength.Beg or borrow a copy of the March/April issue and read of the onset of the Swedish V75 trot bet product.This system is the backbone of Scandanavian trotting income and is putting a floor back in those European countries which have been smart enough to purchase a licence from the Swedes.We have to have this product,it's too good to miss.
Follow up the optimism of V75 with an open minded read of Wayne Peake's coldly factual assassination of the mobile barrier and modern programming.Entitled,"Taking the heat out of the "Red Hots" the article goes on to pose the question---has the Americanisation of harness racing in Australia,been a shot in the arm---- or in the hoof.
JUST SUBSCRIBE TO IT. Ring John Peck.. (03) 9417 3121. Outside Australia (613) 9417 3121.

Posted by dlsmith at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)