Time for an overhaul for SA racing

Trainer Tony McEvoy is urging racing officials and the South Australian government to work together to ensure a viable future for the state’s racing industry.

His call comes after the debacle at Balaklava on Wednesday when one race was deleted from the program and the distance of the Cup shortened 300m because of a wet spot on the track.

McEvoy said South Australia once had tracks that stood up to all weather conditions but it was not happening now.

He says Balaklava, Strathalbyn, Murray Bridge, Bordertown and Mount Gambier are just a few tracks in need of urgent attention while Morphettville is showing the effects of constant racing.

He said it may be time to consider building an all-weather track, perhaps at Strathalbyn, or maybe re-invent Victoria Park.

“I believe it is time for everyone to move on from past decisions, recognise there is a problem which is affecting everyone and return racing’s credibility as a major employer and popular pastime,” McEvoy said.

McEvoy thinks it’s time for racing officials to come up with ideas to improve the industry and, possibly even more important, for the government to support them.

And he said the time has come for the industry to forge a close working relationship with the SA government.

McEvoy believes any initiative to raise additional capital for the racing industry must be a good thing.

While an additional tax on gambling for South Australians may appear detrimental to the punter, McEvoy believes if a large portion is put back into racing it could be the best thing for the industry.