Trainers Feeling The Pinch Of Racing's Credit Crunch

Aug 10 2008 Joe Punter

WANT to know why racing is in the grubber? Here's a wee stat from Carlisle on Tuesday that will provide the perfect answer.

The Cumbrian course staged the richest race of the day in the UK involving a total prize fund of just £7,500.

Newmarket trainer George Margarson sent Generous Jem on the long haul north and his charge had to finish first or second to avoid a loss to connections.

Jem trailed home in fourth, leaving the owners roughly £800 out of pocket for their troubles. And that does not take into account training fees.

Anyone who believes the Levy contribution to the sport should not be controlled by an impartial body so this miserable state of affairs can be improved must be barking - or a bookie.

I SEE Cockney chancers Chas & Dave (left) were forced to turn down the volume at their Brighton gig earlier this week because they were frightening the two-year-olds. Great, I thought, there are weans on the south coast who have somemusical taste. Turns out they were scaring the bejabbers out of the the juvenile horses in the parade ring.

Still, anything that quietens the babble from these London loafers (right) is welcome!

SO it's farewell to Mick Fitzgerald the jockey ... and hello to the 38-year-old as a welcome addition to the media ranks.

Fitzy announced his retirement this week after more breaks than your average waiter in a Greek restaurant on traditional dance night.

At least the Irish charmer is going out not on his shield but with his health and wit in fine shape. Long may he grace our game and screens.

THIS is not the People's Republic of China. All views I hold are up for dissent, even those I firmly believe to be true. But I have to take exception with an email from Alister McAndrew who ripped in to me for last week's column about the farcical Panorama attempt to pinpoint the villains in racing.

Alister says I attempted to gloss over the cancer at the centre of the sport. I say you are a million miles off the mark sir.

I have long campaigned to have the true extent of the turn-a-blind-eye brigade's cover-up of corruption brought into the open.

What I said last week, and I stand by it, was: If you don't have the hard evidence what on earth is the point.

You would not go to court on the back of hearsay and suspicion in any case and expect to win. I abhor the cheats as much as the next man Alister. And when the day comes, as we all hope it will, that measures are taken to drive them out of the game I will join you in a pint at your favourite pub to toast the victory.

GOT a racing query? Write to Joe Punter, Sports Desk, Sunday Mail, Glasgow G3 8DA or email joepunter@sundaymail.co.uk