DEATH KNELL
Gold Coast racing leaders fear future amid tax furore
GOLD Coast thoroughbred powerbrokers say they will support any strike action and warned the Queensland Government could kill off the racing industry after refusing to reinvest any of the new wagering tax it has introduced.
Bookmakers have been taxed 15 per cent of all revenue generated from Queenslandbased customers since October 1, while Victoria and NSW have been hit with significantly lower rates of 8 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.
It’s estimated the Point of Consumption Tax will generate in excess of $70 million this year but the State Government has said it would only put $17.5 million towards an existing loan and commit to a oneoff $20 million grant for harness and greyhound infrastructure.
The move has led to trainers and jockeys threatening strike action during Queensland’s Spring Carnival.
“We have done it tough as an industry over the last 10 to 15 years, with all Queensland clubs slowly having their existing and potential revenue streams reduced by external decision makers,” Gold Coast Turf Club chairman Brett Cook said.
“There is a massive lack of investment, commitment and understanding of what this industry is about, what it supports. Now we have a new tax being introduced, which is going to generate millions in revenue, yet the Government continues to snub the very industry it’s capitalising on. This is the industry that provides jobs and generates millions of dollars in tourism each year but the Government just expects the industry to cop it.”
“I have seen changes over the years of government and Racing Queensland boards and some volatile situations along with that, however this is by far the most heated and unhappy I have seen people in the industry.
A DECISION to dodge a showdown with dominant Gold Coast gelding Freddie Fox Trot has led to a fourth career win for experienced mare Soft Top.
The Stephen Lee-trained six-year-old settled midfield in the Fillies & Mares BenchMark 65 Hcp (1100m) at Aquis Park on Saturday before beating fellow $3.20 equal favourite Jayaqua in a sprint home.
Soft Top was nominated to race in last Wednesday’s midweek meeting at the Gold Coast in a Class 5 over 1200m where he would have faced the Les Kelly-trained Freddie Fox Trot, who has lost just twice in his six-race career.
Ballina-based Lee opted out of the match-up and saw an opportunity for a victory on Saturday.
“She has been knocking on the door,” Lee said. “She ran well the other day when she finished second at Ipswich.
“I had her in on Wednesday against Freddie Fox Trot but I chose to dodge him. I just didn’t think he could beat Freddie Fox Trot.
“It was a good run. It was a bit short for her but she got over the top of them.”
Soft Top has four wins from 29 runs and Lee said he believed she would have more victories to savour in the future.
“She is still racing well,”
Lee said.
“She has had a couple of good seconds this preparation and we are racing her right where she can win. I think she has a couple more wins in her.”
Meanwhile, trainer Helen Page and apprentice jockey Jed Hodge have celebrated dual wins at the Coast.
Page and Hodge combined to win with Excalibrator and Too Easy Bro at Aquis Park on Saturday.
Excalibrator won the BenchMark 80 Handicap (1400m) before Too Easy Bro took out the Colts, Geldings & Entires BenchMark 65 Hcp (1100m). It took Page’s winners this season to three.