''So the rich get richer and the battlers - well, bugger 'em,'' an internet critic wailed regarding the Brisbane Racing Club initiative to attract select horses to big events at the winter carnival.
Winners of the Newmarket at Flemington, T.J. Smith (Randwick), Morphettville's Goodwood and the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham will get travel expenses and race-entry fees covered to compete in the Stradbroke, while the main oaks winners - the VRC, ATC, West Australian and New Zealand as well as South Australia's Australasian - will also be invited for the Queensland Oaks.
Gai Waterhouse and Peter Moody support the concept and trainers will also get the opportunity to win a $95,000 BMW.
''We feel this is yet a further opportunity to reward a trainer for their support,'' said Kevin Dixon, the BRC chairman.
''I see no need to pay the exes for horses who have won these 'qualifying' races,'' Brian wrote on Racenet, following this comment. ''By winning the races mentioned, owners have enough prizemoney in the kitty to take a punt and send them to Brisbane if they wish - why subsidise them? Of course Moody and Waterhouse have applauded - they and their owners are in the best position to benefit from this ridiculous move.''
Alan was in the same vein.
''Paying a lure to those whose horses have won a considerable sum in another quality race is preposterous,'' he wrote. ''It is especially so when the paying public are treated to archaic conditions at Eagle Farm and Doomben … Spend the money in better ways.''
