Jason Scott says Racing Victoria has been just as responsible as Racing NSW for the pattern’s paralysis, arguing both states have repeatedly used their veto power to block progress and leave Racing Australia unable to function.
Few know more about the current plight of the pattern than former Racing Queensland boss Jason Scott.
Now back in his bookmaking roots as CEO of The Booki Group, Scott says bluntly: “While NSW have their current position, the pattern as it has traditionally been isn’t coming back.”
But Scott says Victoria has been just as culpable in the stalemate.
“I think Victoria put as many hurdles in the way as NSW. Now, I wasn’t there for the bad blood and I think there was a little ego involved. Tim (Eddy) and Aaron (Morrison) coming in have certainly changed that.”
The pattern has been a constant source of discussion and frustration. It has effectively been in abeyance for several years, with some suggesting Australia’s framework is becoming an embarrassment on the world stage.
Scott believes that if pattern guidelines are ever agreed upon, they must deal with the sheer volume of top-level racing in this country.
“I’m strongly of the belief there is too much Group 1 racing in Australia. And, I said the same thing when I was running Racing Queensland.”
“We (Racing Queensland) were willing to concede a few races. And I think Victoria and NSW probably less so. But Victoria probably need to concede that as well.”
Listen to the full interview with Jason Scott on this weekend Backmarkers podcast.
When pressed on which races should be downgraded, Scott was direct.
“The traditionalists will scream at me, I think the Derbies and the Oaks, potentially with the exception of the ATC Derby and Oaks.”
“I think we need one grand final for 3yo stayers.”
“Even the Victorian races (Derby and Oaks) as a rule, if we look at winners that come out of those, Treasurethe Moment is a Group 1 horse from last year but over the last ten years there’s not that many.”
The politics of getting anything done remain the major roadblock. Racing Australia is the ultimate arbiter of pattern decisions, but it has become a lame duck, unable to bring harmony among its members. Both Racing Victoria and Racing NSW wield veto power, which has repeatedly stymied progress.
The stalemate began when RV blocked RNSW’s attempt to have The Everest elevated to Group 1 status. But the divide runs deeper. Despite the tension, Scott says he often found himself aligned with RNSW boss Peter V’landys.
“I find Peter and I are aligned quite regularly.”
“Peter’s fighting for what he needs, as everyone else is. It’s a constitution failure at RA more than a personality issue.”
And until that constitutional deadlock is broken, the pattern will stay exactly where it is – stuck in limbo while the rest of the world moves on.
