Mandatory penalties aren’t mandatory and racing should stop pretending
There has been a lot of debate about the Anthony and Sam Freedman case, from the penalty to the special condition from Racing Victoria allowing the business to continue.
It is becoming clear that the rules relating to mandatory penalty are mandatory in name only.
If a trainer finds themselves charged with a six month mandatory disqualification, they simply plead guilty and co-operate looking for a reduction in their time out of the game.
Many would argue one month for two raceday treatments is overly generous in the Freedman case nearly a year after the offence.
It allowed them to continue for two major racing carnivals and buy the next generation of the stable.
This is not the fault of the trainer, rather the way the rules are enforced.
Racing has moved to a model of bigger stables, where a trainer and or trainers’ disqualification has a flow-on effect to big numbers of staff.
There is a discussion if bigger stables get more of the benefit of doubt.
The way most of these training businesses are set up is that it separates the training of the horses from the business, so that it can syndicate horses and run payrolls.
The business sits over the stable and often pays the trainer as simply another employee. But the trainer is ultimately in control of everyone’s destiny if disqualified.
It would be argued that if you don’t break the rules you don’t have to worry about the consequences.
But think of the 60 or 70 staff at Freedmans, who had their work conditions changed because of an action they had little or nothing to do with, that was only deemed to be worth a month.
Anthony Freedman was right to protect his staff by applying to Racing Victoria to be allowed to continue the business.
Racing Victoria was right to accede to it under restricted conditions to protect the 60 or 70 people they licence.
Most of the staff at the big stables are loyal and have built up years of service, which comes with entitlements like holiday and long service pay.
To lose that because of a month disqualification would be unfair to them.
The Freedmans will lose a month’s income in this ban and also a reputational hit, but no matter what happened, the business was going to continue.
Hawkesbury should be unencumbered for Porteous
Hawkesbury named Lea Porteous as its next chief executive last week and she should be taking over a club that is out of administration.
Racing NSW placed Hawkesbury in administration several years ago and outgoing chief James Heddo has worked with administrator Jo Moore to get the business back on its feet.
Moore indicated in last year’s annual report the club was in a strong financial position because of its hotel and racing revenue and ready to take control of its own affairs.
The appointment of Porteous give continuity to the front office as well as maintaining two decades of experience.
“[I] am looking forward to continuing to work with her as she puts her own stamp on the next phase of the Club’s growth and development,” Moore said
“She will be a familiar and trusted face for not only our staff but for all the Club’s members, sponsors, trainers and industry participants.”
Porteous knows the business and has been there as Hawkesbury has become one of the most successful provincial clubs.
“I am proud of the Club’s history and its impact in the racing industry and the local Hawkesbury community,” she said.
“I am excited about the future of the Club and look forward to partnering with our staff, members and all stakeholders to continue to deliver exceptional racing and community experiences.”
Hopefully, Racing NSW will see fit to release Hawkesbury from administration and let the club continue to grow.
Australia’s best $80,000 race starts Grafton carnival
Grafton chief executive Michael Beattie believes Sunday’s South Grafton Cup could be the best edition of the race since the Big Dance eligibility was associated with it.
The Grafton carnival is up with Wagga as the best country carnival in NSW with the two days of the Ramornie Handicap followed by the Grafton Cup always attracting attention from Sydney and Brisbane stables.
However, South Grafton Cup day has become a place where promising horses target. It’s the best $80,000 race in Australia.
Last year, Hedley Grange started favourite and was unplaced, as Vivy Air went down in a blanket finish to Boys Night Out.
Hedley Grange would win the Alan Brown and Cameron Handicap in the spring before taking out the Kingswood Smith Cup and starting Stradbroke favourite.
Vivy Air was the Big Dance runner-up before winning the Five Diamond.
“The Big Dance has certainly made that race a lot better,” Beattie said. “We have always had good horses win at this carnival.”
“Kensei won the Grafton Cup before his Melbourne Cup.”
“Takeover Target won a Ramornie before taking on the world and more recently Arapaho won the Cup before winning a Tancred and a Sydney Cup.”
“You need to follow the horses from this carnival. The Ramornie has become our dress rehearsal for the Kosciuszko.”
Hollywood Hero and Mr Chaplin set to make the trip north to take on last year’s South Grafton Cup winner Boys Night Out with Loch Eagle and Group 1 placed Pier Pressure set for the race by Kris Lees.
One for the punters
Chris Waller loves to bring horses through off-season and while Omolong is getting a lot of attention, Hello Captain is the one to take out of Saturday. He looks a miler in the making and after a short break could be an outsider hope in a Golden Eagle.
Hello Captain ($1.70) with a big win at Rosehill!
These favourites are winning everywhere! @Sultan_Racing & @NickoNoonan were all on-board #GetOnExtra #GetOnNowpic.twitter.com/lxU8Os64KT
— Get On (@GetOn78) July 4, 2026
One from the stewards
Columbia Blue was beaten in a photo, first-up, on Saturday, but stewards noted that he was “inconvenienced” at the top of the straight as he began to make his run. Joe Pride horses get better with each run and he is in for a big preparartion.
One for the bookies
It is the right time to drop off Puntin. He travelled well in the closer at Rosehill on Saturday but found nothing under pressure. He has reached his mark and can win without me from now on.
