No worries Thebas - and you're right about 'fuzzy'! Craig mentioned 'they will approach Racing NSW'.

This is the one part that kills me. There's no transparency anywhere. The media are all TAB (and corp to a degree) driven. Even in 2012 I have no idea what the perception of Betfair is in the marketplace (other than people are betting up!). I read the vitriol on racenet the other day and wonder is that complete naiveity? what other people have told them?

Back to Craig's point - take what I've seen in the media on face value. Betfair announced the 'boycott' - then V'Landy's said yesterday "talk about taking your bat and ball and going home - just goes to show they have never been interested in promoting racing" Other than that being obscene - the only conclusion I can draw is there is no relationship (other that at integrity level). They mustn't talk - or BF have approached NSW and they said go away.... tell me if I'm reading any of that wrong!

Gotcha. I'd be disappointed then if BF didn't speak with RNSW this week then before announcing the boycott. I'd really like to think they did.

And that could be right too...

When Rob Hines of Vic also implied they may have to 'change their model' it also sent a shiver. But at least I'm safe in the knowledge that the vast majority of us here are smarter than him.

I'm going to stick to my argument (started by someone else) - that if Bookies (as a wagering operator) get a rebate then why shouldn't that apply to traders within the confines of an exchange.

don't disagree Harry. Even 'our' CEO was very subdued on 927 on the Monday morning. It was a very quick interview (and SA would have let him go on).

Strategic plan ?, knowing what the outcome would probably be .....law of unintended consequences for PVl and RNSW

Fkn disgraceful ride G Lynch. you would have expected that ride if it had drifted 5 pts not firmed

The most important thing is the quality of the racing out on the track.  If Aussie racing was offering good quality races for the punter to bet on then maybe the high price of 1.5% of turnover would be justified.  Unfortunately the quality of Aussie racing out on the track has been dropping recently and it gets worse as every day passes.  Poor quality races are happening now even at Australia's leading tracks.  V'Landys is going to use most of the money to increase prizemoney which is good for some breeders, trainers, jockeys, vets and stablehands but it could be better spent.  Paying prizemoney to 10th place is dumb and will only lower the quality of the racing.  Pocket money paid to jockeys and trainers for finishing nowhere is the last thing Aussie racing needs right now

One thing Aussie racing has offered over the last few years has been good quality betting options through Aussie corporate bookies, tote and Betfair.  Now the Aussie corporate bookies have been mostly bought out by poor quality UK/Irish bookies so that positive for Aussie racing is gone too.  The TABs have sold out the regular punter by paying massive rebates to some big punters so the tote is now a poor place to bet

V'Landys is timing his move badly in raising the price of a bet.  He is raising the price at exactly the time when the quality of the racing as a betting medium is dropping fast.  I can only see turnover on Aussie racing dropping badly over the next few years

V'Landys and co still have a chance to get Aussie racing back on track if they act quickly to improve quality.  But that won't happen

RIP Aussie racing

Well my .02c about time they let their customers know wtf is happening. There will only be so many centrelink forms. How about upgrading Melbournes sectional times for the punters. Make a play plzzzzzzzzz.