Yeah, good point crash,

In respect of rising costs I firmly believe that syndication is the way of the future. Unfortunate....yes...but it ensures the introduction to racing of potentially thousands more "battlers" who will keep this industry viable for the long-term future. These new inductees to racing can enjoy their day out for minimal cost and keep the dollars ticking over at the track(s) when their horse is running.
topsy99,-with the competition of other gambling options the authorities should maintain their efforts to prioritise horse-racing wagering in the minds of the betting public. What we need is another equine "champion" to excite the Australian betting public to draw massive media and public attention to this industry. Also, the appropriate authorities should maintain their efforts to ensure that public confidence is not diminished and thereby eliminating those nefarious perpetrators who attempt to benefit at the punters' expense.
mad-the "buck" stops with the Govt and maybe specific attention should be given to revitalising racing in S.A. as it represents such an important place in the S.A. economy.
Let's hope we do not replicate the situation which confronts the NZ breeding industry today whereby they have virtually sold a whole generation of their best bloodstock to the Asian market. Sure, how can you stop this when horses are mainly sold at auction to the highest bidder be they locals or overseas bidders but I have definitely seen a real decline in the quality of NZ horses competing in our carnivals this year. Maybe they can address this problem ....but....if not, their whole future may be affected.
Thanks for your incisive comments.

Cheers.