www.africanbettingclan.com
Good morning to you all and a big week planned for the run up to Summer Cup day.
I must say. I always enjoy the big racedays, but with the addition of the jockeys test this should be a day to remember for all who attend.
You may have seen on the site the pics of the new parade ring, new deck next to the Furious room? well I suggest you check it out live on Sat.
I have been invited by Betfair to a function at the U.K. trade commission this evening in Joburg, in addition I have a JWBlack evening and a Malt experience plus the R.A. (A.G.M.), so a rather hectic week planned.
There has been plenty activity on the Forums this weekend and a rather unfortunate ban from Freeracer with regards to Steve Reid, which has been much publicised.
I would just like to take a step back and remind all parties of the "birth" of Forums in S.A.
To my knowledge, MDK tried the first "open" Forum, I don't regard attempts by SA Horseracing, where the post is first screened to be in line with a proper "voice of the punter". I was a big supporter of the MDK Forum, however after a few "nasties" he pulled the plug.
My intention with A.B.C. was to have a Betfair facility in S.A. a link between the punter/bookie where the man in the street could have his say, with regards tips/jockeys/trainers etc,
The ideal match was Interbet/A.B.C.? There are valid reasons why this did not materialise.
The racing community in SA is small and personalities become more an issue here than they do in the U.K., however I still believe its magic to have this facility for the "punter", big or small and if not abused can become a useful tool to improve communication and hear constructive criticism, and get marketing information to improve local horseracing, much has been documented and in my opinion actioned without the necessary recognition to Forums for pushing or accelerating change.
I would also like to state very clearly that the "CLAN" do not meet on a regular basis and discuss conspiracy theories etc, and draw up action plans. The site is used to convey information to the racing community and has a 24/7 open door policy to allow "anyone" to post their own views, and at times its an extremely difficult position to make the correct call on the difference between opposing points of view, personal attacks, bad language, etc, etc.
The content of any Forum is based on the inputs from the "posters" not some perceived secret society trying to bring down the establishment. The difference is that this site is "open to all", for better or worse, and hope you continue to use in the manner that its offered "to give you a voice" to obtain immediate feedback with your concern/frustration or valued contribution to the Sport of Kings, I only ask you use and not abuse and "everyone's a winner.
Enjoy the Summer Cup week and hope to see you at the big "T".
Dave Scott
Topic Author
