AGANIST SAA MONOPOLY? NOW REALLY MR KANTOR! :S

Don - That is an entirely different issue altogether. What has never satisfactorily been established was whether it was REALLY NECESSARY to sell assets ( eg racecourses ). Some courses, or parts thereof, were disposed of BEFORE corporatisation which would suggest that, yes, they really were in big trouble.

The sale of current assests requires management to make an educated guess as to the future well being of the sport as the assets are effectively irreplaceable. Only history will accurately reveal whether they were right or wrong.

None of this would have been necessary had the sport being growing as increased turnovers would probably have supported the infrastructure. What I think a lot of people forget is that ALL things change so it is quite remarkable that horse racing has/had been able to plod along ( pun intended ) for as long as it did whilst remaining seemingly impervious to pretty much all that went on around it barring world wars.

For example - Horse racing was probably the effective forerunner of F1 racing today when you consider that the horse was formerly our primary means of transport. That changed a century ago yet horse racing remained!

One of the changes effected by the operator which I am adamant the clubs would not have successfully achieved was the 'internationalisation' of our local product. At this point it appears to be the foremost reason why we are not more distressed than we could/should be. So despite the fact that locals are less interested ( affordability? ) there is a paying market for our product overseas.

@ DON:

tnx, rest my case!

@ Garrick:

However, I understand that these aspects are being raised at the CC, however disconcerting it might be to some.

What I fail to comprehend is: why conspiracy theories & jealousy when such questions are asked? When the industry people make comments tantamount to conspiracy theories, its' kosher?

Many of your type cannot handle an outspoken, honest persons like me as we are deemed to be from the 'other' side! Yet, many within your ranks cannot hold a candle to me when it comes to integrity (even if I say so)!

I presented facts / allegations/ developments; dispute them first!

The industry operates as a monopoly; yes or no?

Assets have been stripped; yes or no?

The MOU has not been abided by; yes or no?

The Grooms Associaiton is not recognised by the industry; yes or no?

Horses were placed with trainers at Randjies, then Province inveigled to 'buy' it on the backing of these trainers; yes or no?

Tigershark, Garrick, all correct and yes, if it were not for the Phum Listed company being established, racing would've gone down the tubes sooner, the separate club system was not working and needed a change. What worked then however doesn't mean it works forever after, more change is needed now, and some form of regulation.

When a free market system starts breeding monopolies, oligopolies and cartels, that's when it becomes necessary to step in and regulate, as let's face it, very few companies at that level worry about the wellbeing of the industry and dependent communities they are active in as a whole. They are only interested in their own bottom line (shareholders' pockets)- case in hand - the big oil companies - do any of them have post-drilling sustainable repair strategies in place, is this being enforced, commonly known as social and environmental responsibility? (example fracking). That is the culture and nature of the animal - strip and take and deal with the damage after the profits are in, if ever. Secondly, at this point a market of monopolies and oligopolies is not very free is it - at what point does a free market become not free? Therefore you have competitions commissions and tribunals etc in a country such as SAF - to regulate that a free market operates as just and fair and to protect the consumer, competitors and entrants. Which you know already, so not going to beat on about it.

And correct yes fully agree Garrick - there is a market here, and abroad, segments still unattended if you ask me, as all drive and focus is on betting only - thanks to Phumelela, so why would they now change their market strategy? they are clearly heading for a monopoly with a strategy of aforementioned as their track record spells out - look at how they have performed and conducted their market share gain in the last 5 years. Will the whole of the racing industry be forced to focus on the same because the single controlling body that is Phum dictates? no conspiracy nor jealousy, just observation and debate - they call the shots right?, and all the other bodies are merely handmaidens?

Don, 100% correct, Monopolies happen where they are allowed to happen & are prevented/changed from happening by challenges resulting in new legislation and controls. Not a conspiracy......... just free market behaviour.

@dON:

'very few companies at that level worry about the wellbeing of the industry and dependent communities they are active in as a whole.'

Like the debt exploitation of the Marikana miners; worse than tenderpreneurs!

* New company launched:
(Sequel to Madiba and Tambo... lol!)

Don & Umlilo!


()

Umlilo - I'm curious. What exactly is 'my type' seeing that we have never met.....

@Garrick:

'What exactly is 'my type' seeing that we have never met.....'

Thinking type; always 3 sides to a view I presume?

Don't mean anything sinister however!

()

oh thought you'd say whiskey.