Colin Barnett talks about the sale of the TAB and Ascot Racecourse

DamienWyer · February 2015

Yesterday in Parliament, Premier Colin Barnett spoke about the proposed sale of the WA TAB, seemingly as inevitable. It was valued apparently at $1 billion. That is an awful big carrot for a money depleted Govt.

What was a bit of a shock however, was his reference to selling one of the tracks, as Perth couldn't sustain two city tracks.

So I took advantage of him being on 6PR this morning, and asked him on air if he could clarify his statement. He simply expanded on it by saying Ascot should be sold to developers and a purpose built track in the Southern corridor ( I think he said) be built with on course stabling like Melbourne has got, would be a better solution for the Industry, that he said is in decline.

So it seems like we are about to enter a new phase of discussion and argument here in Perth. Many won't be happy with this proposal.

What do you think ?

TheDiva · February 2015

yep banging a new track in Beeliar should really help on course attendances.

Radman · February 2015

The way the liberal governments are getting decimated around the country, I'd bet that the Libs will be ousted next election here too. For the sake of WA racing, I hope so.

Perhaps the industry could do a better job of getting the next premier on side?

SKIDS · February 2015

$1 billion wouldn't last long with those clowns holding the purse, then what, no income for future governments, that's what.
He's a dead set moron and has to go!

SLIPPERGOLDEN · February 2015

The Diva said:
yep banging a new track in Beeliar should really help on course attendances.

It won't be located in Success.

thefalcon · February 2015

be the end of bookies if they "go south".
suits will be banned and the only accepted dress code will be boardies, bintang singlets,mis-matched thongs and a tatt will be mandatory. that's only for the guys, the gals can please themselves... >:P
winter will entail trackie pants, a duffle coat and ugg boots.

Tivers · February 2015

The Diva said:
yep banging a new track in Beeliar should really help on course attendances.

The sooner everyone joins the 21st century and stops worrying about attendance the better.

But other than that - meant a training track only (I assume). all racing at Belmont.

TheDiva · February 2015

I dont think falling attendances should be a foregone conclusion. There are sports that have taken the bull by the horns and re-invetned themselves.

The Big Bash is a great example. Im sure attendances at cricket were waning, but they have managed to get on the front foot and there is a real resurgence in people going to the cricket. I hadnt been for years but went to a few games this year.

I also went to the basketball and they seem to be doing things right and having crowd attendances heading in the right direction.

It can be done, but not doing the same things we've always done.

DamienWyer · February 2015

There once was a horse, a mare in fact. She was undefeated in the early part of her career, and her fame grew outside of those who follow the sport. She brought people to the track in numbers not seen since prior to B & W Television. It briefly changed the entire World.

She is of course Black Caviar.

So it can be done.

paraletic · February 2015

I have no problems with going to Pinj or Northam for Sat races. In fact, I think we should be doing it now on rotation every now and again. However, I will say that all listed and group races that have been held in the city are to stay in the city. Its only the race meeting that don't have listed/group races can be moved.

TheFunkster · February 2015

The Diva said:
yep banging a new track in Beeliar should really help on course attendances.

Beats going to Ascot which has f all transport links

RIO · February 2015

and 5 race Thursday nights from 4.30 - 6.30pm and then a competitively priced smorgasbord to keep the patrons there for a meal on the way out the door.. Hubby drops in after work, the missus and kids come down for a good feed to end the night off... Everyone goes home happy.

Tuesday and Wednesday full meets elsewhere.. and don't mess with Saturdays too much.. apart from para's suggestions 4 or 5 times a year.

thefalcon · February 2015

never ever happen, rio.

I have no problem going to pinny, para...its 1 hr door to door...its getting home that's the problem... :!!

paraletic · February 2015

maybe northam is a bit of a stretch, but i would go to Pinny no problems. Shuttle bus to and from Mandurah train station put on by the race club, no problems getting there and getting home.

goose · February 2015

If they are going to one track maybe they should save the expense and spend some on Pinjarra and just make that the second track and as Paraletic said give a stand alone meeting to country clubs Kalgoorlie,Northam and Bunbury from Pinjarra meetings.

Better off spending the money on country tracks which can still pull a crowd.

Legless · February 2015

The Diva said:
I dont think falling attendances should be a foregone conclusion. There are sports that have taken the bull by the horns and re-invetned themselves.
The Big Bash is a great example. Im sure attendances at cricket were waning, but they have managed to get on the front foot and there is a real resurgence in people going to the cricket. I hadnt been for years but went to a few games this year.
I also went to the basketball and they seem to be doing things right and having crowd attendances heading in the right direction.
It can be done, but not doing the same things we've always done.

Couldn't agree more
The sprint series (to win a car) on Friday nights at MV is a great idea - does anyone know if it improved attendances?

DustyCarpet · February 2015

PR had Deloitte look at racing in WA and PR's business and said that they could not sustain two venues and could be bust in ten years. I love my racing but we need to look to the future and if (Bake Beans Teeth) Colin Barnett wants to relocate and fund it is better have something rather than nothing. Belmont isn't going to save PR relocation is and getting rid of Ascot is the start.

thefalcon · February 2015

I cannot get my head around losing ascot....its "THE" track of WA....be like getting rid of Randwick or Flemington.

DustyCarpet · February 2015

Should have sold Belmont to the Government for the new stadium and pocketed the millions, got a new winter track for free and still had Ascot. Just my opinion????

paraletic · February 2015

Yeah i agree dusty, but the commitee in all their wisdom hopped into bed with a developer with little experience in high rise, sold them the dream and stiffed Barnett at the last minute. Any forum for decent discussion and working relationship with the govt died that day. Im not saying its a bad move, it may work out but it still seems a strange choice and now colin is pissssssed!

paraletic · February 2015

I still laugh (and cringe) at that racing radio interview from a few months back.....

thefalcon · February 2015

too right, they "stiffed" Barnett in a despicable manner...only hours before meeting him. you do not do that to anybody, especially the Premier.
they got what they deserve in that case.....I think we all have reservations of the proposed development of Belmont...personally I think it will fall on its arse, thanks to Teflon Ted who has jumped ship..only leaving the rats on board who would not have a frigging clue...bearing in mind Rigg has also taken the easy way out by resigning.
what a tangled web.....

paraletic · February 2015

Any truth that some items from the old grandstand at Belmont are to be saved and recycled for the new construction?

H-BOMBER · February 2015

DustyCarpet said:
(Bake Beans Teeth) Colin Barnett

:)) That is hilarious, made me laugh out loud

Baked Beans Teeth

:-j

LuckyLongshots · February 2015

paraletic said:
Any truth that some items from the old grandstand at Belmont are to be saved and recycled for the new construction?

The tote machines are about the only thing worth saving!

Sadly that grandstand is in a bad way!

RIO · February 2015

They still transfer a lot of items from Ascot to Belmont every season, so those items will continue to be multi use...

SLIPPERGOLDEN · February 2015

York racetrack resuming shortly..another track that can ease the pressure ;))

Seriously though it will be good to see them racing again at York and I will certainly get out to the track whenever I can.

Radman · February 2015

SLIPPERGOLDEN said:
York racetrack resuming shortly..another track that can ease the pressure

Seriously though it will be good to see them racing again at York and I will get out there when I can.

The track would need to be a big improvement on the cow paddock they used to dish up....

RIO · February 2015

Am a local up there - yes I know it explains a lot - and I've been told the track has been ready for several months, but they had to wait for the stand and other infrastructure to be finished...I agree slip, a great setting for a track and I'll also be getting out there as often as possible.. And as silly as it sounds we are hoping to be able to have a least one horse out there on day one.. if the stars align as many as 3.. <:-P

Ridersonthestorm33 · February 2015

Can remember being at York as a kid when the cups king jockey Bernie Ryan won the York Cup, he probably won it many times . Also can see Lois Taylor hoisting up her son a baby faced Jim Taylor to mount a roughie that got up in the last race many moons ago. Can remember when York was all dirt too. It's had a few transformations that's for sure. In the old days you could catch a special race bus departing from the East Perth train terminal to the York races. And from the city train station too.. Had a few places where you could board.

RIO · February 2015

I remember catching the midweek bus from Midland to go up in the very early 80's, Wouldn't even tell the oldies that I was out there, as I was meant to be working really hard at my apprenticeship in Perth!!! Come back after a day on the punt, then catch the Westrail bus back home on the Friday.

Many, many years later I found out that they new about it all along.. Pretty hard to hide anywhere in York if you were born there!!!!

G'day Punter!

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Colin Barnett talks about the sale of the TAB and Ascot Racecourse

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