Island Racing

We finally kick off next weekend the 4th of April after a lot of turbulence. The new government has increased betting taxes severely. Increases in operating licenses for the tote and bookies. The MTC has a new chairman and theres been a lot of changes. The Champion stable from last year was refused a license this year. The new government seems to be anti gambling and its not gonna be easy for the MTC this year. They requested 40 meetings but were only allocated 35.

SA jocks riding here this year is Brandon Lerena, Derreck David and Shermon Brown.

Brandon at a recent time trial...

Sounds like the beginning of the end Mark

I was on his outside Titch, at the pull up he says he hopes they got a pic of it as it will be a keeper!!

Yes Rob, never thought I would see the day but racing on the Island is in turmoil. Lets hope the new board can pull it out the fire.

I heard from 2 different (but connected) sources that corruption had reared its head again after a few good years under reasonable control.
Worrying when government intervention comes into play...........when the champion stable is refused a licence something smells!
My concern is ,as I have said before ,is that SA racing needs to be seen to self regulate efficiently or we will also inevitably get government intervention .........and nobody wants that!

(the insurance industry failed to self regulate for years and is now battling to survive due to over regulated, legislated, compliance issues................with worse to come)

I am sure many disappointed punters, there is a special vibe with the racing, great attendance.
Such a pity

This is typically what happens when a few individuals becomes bigger than the game.

Racing and wagering is entertainment and it should never never be forgotten that the foundations of success is to provide people with an enjoyable experience whilst spending their hard earned cash and limited disposable income as this will ensure repeat involvement.

You reap what you sow so it's best to do things right and with a good dose of transparency and commitment.

Racing on the island IS the national sport. Such draconian measures to do what, stop horseracing? What is the betting tax?

Mac wrote: Racing on the island IS the national sport. Such draconian measures to do what, stop horseracing? What is the betting tax?

Search the site - more to do with import tax fraud I think -

This the new tax breakdown

Betting tax now 20% on the tote or off course bookies, otherwise 10% on course bookmakers.

Wow that's very expensive. They're opening the door for bucket shops.