(ROD GALLEGOS is a senior commentator with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.)

One of the great challenges confronting racing official is how to boost attendance at metropolitan race meetings.

It almost is an accepted fact that the only time reasonably large crowds flock to the course is when major meetings are staged.

Gone are the days when every Saturday people flocked to racetracks around the country. It was a tradition.

These days, life is much busier and there are greater temptations for the average punter to stay away. Cheaper food and drink at the local club plus the Sky coverage of races around the country and overseas.

Maybe the revitalised and rebuilt facilities at Royal Randwick will lure back the racegoers to be accommodated in more salubrious surroundings?

I hope so.

*****

The newly appointed chairman of Racing NSW, Allan Bell, should be a refreshing addition to racing administration. Boasting a wealth of experience as a veterinarian, as well as an owner and trainer, he foreshadowed an evaluation of all aspects of racing in an interview on Sky Sports Radio this week.

As he said, racing remains an enthralling spectacle; yet the biggest challenge is maintaining the attention of the somewhat sporadic racing public.

That will be the true test for the new chairman.

*****

Shawn Cosgrove on Sky Sports Radio also had a couple more outstanding interviews during the week.

His chat with Wendy Roche - trainer of Here de Angels - was a delight. She put humour and humility into how she overcame the eccentricities of a troublesome racehorse.

Another Cosgrove gem was a blast from the past with former trainer Martin Riley, now living in retirement in northern NSW. Riley praised former chief steward, Pat Lalor, as a "great steward" even though he imposed a 12-month disqualification on him. "He only was doing his job" the taciturn former trainer remarked.

What I really liked about the Riley interview was his advice to young jockeys. "Take a look at (the riding styles) of Roy Higgins, Harry White, George Moore and Neville Sellwood," he said. "If riding with their toes in the irons and having their knees under the chins was a good idea they would have tried it."

*****

It is no secret I am a fan of female jockeys. May I point out that there is nothing voyeuristic in my observation, it purely comes from an academic assessment of their riding skill.

Only a week ago there were a couple of top efforts - Kathy O'Hara on Aruriteson at Randwick and Linda Meech aboard Glaneuse at Flemington.

While the numerical strength of the female jockeys continues to grow they still have to battle some air of discrimination that they are not equal of the males.

Maybe the barriers are being lowered, if not completely, broken down.

*****

Recently my tips have been about as useful as an ashtray on a motor-bike, but as they say, faint heart never won a fair woman, so here we go again.

In the Winter Stakes at Rosehill as much as I would like to see Sniper's Bullet bounce back as a winner, I am going to back Madibagold.

After a few disappointments, there looked to be a bit of gold at the end of the rainbow when he rattled home a fortnight ago to finish second at Rosehill in the Listed Civic Handicap. The extra 100 metres this Saturday may be beneficial.

As least, I hope so.