I live in a country that disallows children attending the races (yes, yes, appreciate the anti-gambling angle) but in a city of skyscrapers that ensures horse-riding is limited to a financially elite circle at downtown Pokfulham riding school [don't forget your white breeches and high top Aigle boots], allowing Hong Kong children access to race courses is probably the closest most will ever come to a horse.

One of Australia's finest racing journalists - The Sydney Morning Herald's Max Presnell - has similar comments regarding last Saturday's Randwick's meeting. Titled 'Heavy Handed Dinosaurs Have Forgotten Past' Presnell's column asks a few pointed questions of a department whose objective is to INCREASE patronage of race courses:

"Toss potting and bird watching, supplemented with a little equine action, are obviously the focus of the Australian Jockey Club marketing for Royal Randwick on Saturday. Children are being discouraged. Well, that's the impression received from the $10 admission fee for those aged five to 17. Surprisingly, AJC chief executive Tony King and at least one committee person were unaware of the situation when alerted to the slug on Saturday. Perhaps those responsible figure the race course is no place for youngsters. However, some of the fondest memories of the dinosaurs who still get a buzz at headquarters were of being taken to the hallowed turf by their fathers to experience magic moments in the company of great horses and jockeys. As emphasised on Saturday, the "product" is still good. Sure, small fields but great contests".

I couldn't agree more.

Presnell's full column is at the following URL.