When will racing administrators wake up to the fact that a national approach to the thoroughbred industry programming is vital to its continued progress?

Ongoing overlapping of major race carnivals does not help the cause of cohesion and cooperation.

Seemingly, the old-time system (yes, I know I tend to live in the past) of distinct major carnivals on a seasonal basis has been dumped. Once it used to be Melbourne in the spring; Sydney in the autumn; Adelaide in the late autumn; Brisbane in the winter; Perth in the summer.

The Queensland winter carnival, even for a rabid maroon like me, is probably too long. It virtually kicks off this Saturday with the Hollindale Cup and Prime Minister's Cup at the Gold Coast.

Incidentally, it is a travesty that the Prime Minister's Cup, originally a 2400-metre race, has been slashed to 1300 metres.

After the Gold Coast meeting the following six Saturdays are occupied by a procession of Group One races headlined by the BTC Cup, Doomben Cup, Doomben 10000, Stradbroke Handicap and Winter Stakes.

It seems a pity that Adelaide this Sunday has to squeeze in a strong program including the Goodwood Handicap and SA Derby.

Surely, it wouldn't be unreasonable for the Australian Racing Board to formulate a national program of major race meetings that would be advantageous to all.

Distinct separation of major events should guarantee the appearances of the best horses, jockeys and trainers that are available at that time.

***** 

ONCE again the Hawkesbury standalone meeting - despite dismal weather conditions - came through with flying colours, crowd-wise and with betting turnover.

Hawkesbury and Scone, which holds the standalone status on Saturday week, probably will have to be content with what they have. Once the multi-million dollar facelift at Randwick is completed plush the improvements at Rosehill and Warwick Farm, the Australian Race Club is unlikely to forego any more meetings to the country circuit.

With such a huge financial investment in the metropolitan area tracks an on-going healthy return is vital.

***** 

IT was great to see the Lee brothers - Greg and Jim - celebrating the Rowley Mile success of Keepin The Dream last Saturday.

One of the quiet achieving stables, Hayai Lodge at Randwick may be numerically outnumbered by some of the adjoining establishments but, on the score of enthusiasm, it is hard to beat.

The Lees already have a trophy cabinet adorned by a Caulfield Cup and two AJC Metropolitans courtesy of that grand galloper Hayai. And considering those wins were back in 1983-84, the Lees are pretty good stayers themselves.

***** 

FOR the Hollindale Cup at the Gold Coast on Saturday I am keeping the faith with Shoot Out.

Admittedly he has been a tad disappointing with unplaced efforts in the T.J. Smith and All Aged Stakes but he may be taking a bit more time reaching his peak after a gruelling campaign in the late autumn and spring last year.

Bear in mind, he is trained on the Gold Coast track and this may be the ideal platform for him to perform at his best again.

***** 

AS FOR the Adelaide meeting on Sunday, Right Of Refusal has the correct credentials for the Derby having emphasised his staying potential with an impressive win in the 2800-metre St Leger Stakes at Flemington.

And in the Goodwood Handicap I think the Peter Moody-Luke Nolen caravan will continue to move on with Doubtful Jack. He has been freshened up for this sprint and he has performed well under similar conditions in the past.