In New South Wales a number of trainers have formed a break away group from the Australian Trainers Association whose main membership seems to be in Victoria.

Anthony Cummings heads the new group of NSW trainers.

In Queensland there is a move to change that part of the constitution that sets out the timeframe where members must resign from the Racing Board. At present the scenario is 2 members must retire in 2009 another 2 in 2010 and the fifth member in 2011. The proposal being put forward is for the present board to remain intact until 2012.

The Australian Jockey Club has copped plenty of criticism recently over its ability to manage its financial affairs. Reports are saying some members want to know why the Club wishes to employ Richard Freedman on a reputed salary of $400,000 per year to make decisions on matters that seem to be under the jurisdiction of the CEO who is on a salary of around $500,000.

Cynics are suggesting a comparison of the Australian Jockey Club and the Sydney Turf Club’s recent decisions could be food for thought. Everyone knows Clubs have to source every avenue available in today’s competitive world to balance the books. The STC has decided to build a golf course inside Canterbury racecourse. It’s right in the center of the city and golf club members can use the club’s infrastructure. Reports say the AJC has decided to build an exclusive health farm inside Randwick?

There are people who ridicule claims of hair-restorers, yet still believe politicians’ promises.

They say scotch gets better with age. The same could be said of Moree jockey Danny Frahm. Many “experts” are adamant that Danny is riding as well as he has ever done throughout his long career.

Those who witnessed Danny’s ride on Tamworth mare Suma Suma in the last on Saturday would have to agree.

Punters who had supported the horse were tearing their hair out as they turned for home. Suma Suma was locked away in a zip tight pocket among a group of horses with nowhere to go. Halfway down the straight Danny spotted a needle eye opening on the fence. Like a cat pouncing on a poor unsuspecting canary Danny was through in a flash and lifted the mare over the line to the plaudits of the punters.

“We were at the Marriage Counsellor,” Rather Rotund Resident of Baker Street confided to Drinking Partner, “and he said to the wife, why do you keep referring to your husband as a LOSER?” And the Missus said, “I’ll tell you what a LOSER he is. Last time he was in Hospital, all the nurses kept sending get well cards.”