If you ever wondered how important Flamingo was to Larry and his crew, go have a look on the RA website and the answer will be obvious. There is no news on that site about the closure. The last post on Flamingo, interestingly titled "Flamingo Park abandoned" refers to an event rained out months ago.
Bob Brogan wrote: “ My heart is broken. 40yrs dedication to this place what for in the end just to pull the carpet out under your feet. Will there be somebody out there to come to our rescue. I got my house paid for how at 62 will I get a house loan again and start all over not possible. A big thank you to my friend and top trainer for the advice and support going forward. What makes it worse is to put down some of my dear animals“.... Cliffie Miller
"Cliff - 8th Sep 2019 - Kimberley – Now Kempton - People I would just like rectify something about Flamingo when Patrick and Larry came down. Larry was under the impression that we are going to discuss how to save money on course. Patrick then said that their board said it is closed. A shock to him and all. One thing I taped that whole meeting and I must come up for Larry he did not do all the talking as someone said. I have been in contact with Larry ever since and to tell all out there is that he is working hard to keep us open. I know that we all with him and stand with him on this. There has been an offer to keep us open but can't discuss it here we will have to wait and see. I want to thank the racing public out there that simplifies ...."
For those of you who are celebrating the closure of this track, I can only but PRAY for you - I feel so so so sorry for you.
You have no idea how many families will suffer, how many horses they will have to put down, not just now but in the future as well, Flamingo Park was the last stop for a lot of horses and now that last stop is closing down. Does that make you happy?
Your nasty comments are uncalled and it leaves a bitter taste in a lot of people's mouths.
And it says a lot about YOUR character and YOUR love for the game..........
Regarding the animal abuse, you have NO IDEA how many horses come from other training centers - lame, hungry and in a very bad condition. Those trainers take those horses in, get them in condition and fit for racing without making a big scene of how the horses look when they arrive - they do it for the love of the horses, for the love of racing.
You always get to read about the negative of Kimberley but have you ever thought of actually visiting one or two stables in Kimberley to see what they do and how they do it, if you have thought of it and actually visited them, then you can have your opinion on Kimberley, the trainers, the horses and the grooms but until then keep it to yourself, your opinions means nothing.
I have a lot of respect for all the Kimberley trainers, they put in a lot of time and effort, just like all the other trainers.
It will be a massive come down for P if they now reverse the decision to close the track. will show really bad planning on their part.
i dont think the track is sustainable going forward unless P are willing to make changes to the way they run the Northern Cape racing.
Further risks ar Steph Miller and her brother withdrawing from racing, if that happens will racing make it?
Finally the "good" trainers who care about the horses will need to self regulate the backyard mechanics and ensure they are driven out the sport so as to change the perception of ANIMAL abuse and mistreatment.
and ???? or have all the Administrators and media Ostriches collectively put their heads in the sand hoping we wont notice when its is closed in a few weeks.
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