Racing Scandals May Have A Negative Impact On Thoroughbred Purchases
Leading syndicators fear the stain of regular racing scandals will jeopardise their ability to attract clients to race in Victoria.
Victorian-based Joe O'Neill, from Prime Thoroughbreds, said he was finding it far easier to syndicate horses interstate and race them with non-Victorian trainers while Shelley Hancox, from Hancox Bloodstock, said both existing and future clients would be 'scared off' by Victorian-centric scandals and either opt out or race elsewhere.
"They want an even playing field and they're not confident they're getting it," Hancox said. "They're going to look at these things and say 'this isn't for me', whether they like a bet and want to do it with some confidence or are in it for the fun or prizemoney."
Inglis agent and senior auctioneer Simon Vivian said the inevitable absence of Smerdon, Webb and Vasil from the sale would have a negative effect on the 'buying bench' but said he was confident the sale would not suffer because of the doping scandal.
"Most people were aware of rumours and if whatever has been going on had gone undetected, then that would have had more of a negative effect. At least that's what I'm hoping.
By Ritesh Jamkhedkar - ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com