de Kock:
(1)RSA govt makes thumb suck policy decisions
(2) There is no logic and common sense to the Regulations
(3) Very close to making a decision to packing it up in RSA
(4) when racing resumes, SA will be racing for 75% less of the previous stakes
Without wishing to be too critical I have to say that I cannot believe that this is the same man that appeared so positive about Phumelela on many a previous occasion.
I truly feel for Mike but can sense from the interview that he is only now entering the territory that many of the smaller trainers have had to endure for a very long time.
Its hard when you become disillusioned with people that you thought you could trust and suddenly see what others have seen and been commenting on for a long time becoming your own reality.
i take no pride in the bursting of his bubble and he will be a huge loss to the industry and the country but this capitulation is a sign of the seriousness of the situation and the edge on which racing finds itself.
Covid is making fools of all governments and all of us and the reality is that its no easy decision to open the economy when the infection rate is nowhere near its peak. This is the terrible situation we all face and it would not be surprising to see an opening of activities with another shutdown just around the corner.
I thank you Mike for your dedication to racing and wish you well in whatever you may do in future and wherever that may be.
Hope that racing can resume shortly as the hopelessness and uncertainty in all industries has to end for the sake of the entire nation. May God bless the research being done and allow for a cure and a vaccine to be found well ahead of projections.
Last edit: 5 years 3 weeks ago by LSU. Reason: Spelling
Well said LSU.
Good Luck MDK hopefully you will be best remembered for being a master trainer who conquered the the world and not for your administrative roles that you have recently undertaken.
What makes racing so special ? How can govt commit to a date with all of the uncertainty. Just look at the uproar from parents when a date was given to reopen schools.
To the majority of the population racing is seen as either gambling or entertainment. It’s not even a sport. Apparently it falls under Agriculture.
Racing may be forgotten now by govt and lobbyists but just wait until it gets the green light and then you will see opposition (parties) who will suddenly question the decision and will highlight the risks just as they did with cigarettes. We may even have jockeys unwilling to ride due to the risk.
This is unfortunately the new normal
We are all aware that there are many upset people on the planet due to their Governments making unpopular choices.
Let’s put racing one side in SA
Let’s look at what MDK says:
“RSA govt makes thumb suck decisions and many calls make no common sense”
This is an accurate statement in my opinion, we also have unpopular calls but in SA they are not based on logic.
They tend to make calls without any background consideration and then “bat” (bad choice of word) their decision, they then get sensible questions, which are met with shocking and embarrassing replies.
Just take a look at the question/answer videos on Education.
“We are going to use a JIT system to get schools ready”
The normal system has been JTL (just to late) .
I look forward to this massive logistical exercise being ready for students returning.
Poor Pinnochio. Just a few short weeks ago you were chastising keyboard warriors for slinging off, now you have slung off in the worst possible way, and have potentially cost us the chance to start racing earlier. Consider for one minute what the reaction from all and sundry would be if one of the keyboard warriors had said what MdK has. It would have been carnage with widespread condemnation of the individual. The question must now be asked if you are the right person to represent owners with the obviously negative mindset you are displaying towards your government. Perhaps its time for the great MdK to stop talking and get on with it, move to that great continent he has so obviously set his sights on? I for one would suggest that it is the Racing Associations duty to assess the situation and replace MdK with someone who wants to stay here and save SA racing. Often when an individual displays brilliance in one area, it hides weakness in others. I would suggest that the master stick to training horses and remove himself from racing administration.
Last edit: 5 years 3 weeks ago by Over the Air.
The following user(s) said Thank You: fingers, Garland Greene
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