Mitch I'd say there is a whole lot of difference between happy to run second and resigned to ensuring the best possibility of running second. As an owner Mitch when Gamechanger is back out there what would your instructions to your driver be?
Bankstowns stabling area could do with some attention certainly Mitch, as to the racing surface I guess you know the track record was broken several time on Treur night so I guess the track cant be too bad. You should know though that as a trainer there I am regularly at a committee man to keep the track regularly ripped and watered. The new water truck apparently promised by HRNSW hasn't shown up yet. Perhaps some new carpet in the lounge wouldn't go astray, I'm happy to chip in a little for that Mitch if it comes to it, how about you?
I don't actually believe we need any half mile tracks in Sydney, but in the long term Penrith is viable and could remain and that Bankstown will go. I do believe that if Harness Racing is going to survive in Sydney then we need an approximately 1000m track and assosciated club and entertainment/gambling facilities in a multi user commercial facility located in a densely populated region within easy reach of the CBD and wealthy areas to the east and north of the city.
I understand your rational for restricted access and it is very valid. The downside is that by increasing the isolation of the participants from the public we lose an opportunity to garner new owners and participants. Perhaps Dan can comment further, having been involved much longer, but in my time in harnes racing, around 15 years, it seems to me that the near total demise of show racing has hurt us as far as gathering interest and involvment in our sport from people otherwise interested in horsey pursuits. My understanding was from the days of the old Sydney Showground and Royal Show is that the Rodeo followed by Harness Racing and then Showjumping were the most popular ring events, I can imagine why quite easily!
Plenty of ideas and action is needed Mitch not just yours and mine. The dogs have been doing more then barking this week about the agreement that sees their turnover subsidise us