Victoria's State Govt is in panic mode behind the scenes following Racing Victoria's shock decision to axe juimps racing. Insiders say the Govt is suddenly realising the economic repercussions of the ban. 'No-one seemed to realise what damage this will wreak,' an informed source told PPD. Liberal racing spokesman Denis Napthine says: ''I grieve for the community of Warrnambool, which will lose the heart and soul of its famous three-day May racing carnival when in 2011 it cannot run the time-hono

Victoria's State Govt is in panic mode behind the scenes following Racing Victoria's shock decision to axe juimps racing. Insiders say the Govt is suddenly realising the economic repercussions of the ban. 'No-one seemed to realise what damage this will wreak,' an informed source told PPD. Liberal racing spokesman Denis Napthine says: ''I grieve for the community of Warrnambool, which will lose the heart and soul of its famous three-day May racing carnival when in 2011 it cannot run the time-honored magnificent Grand Annual Steeplechase, Galleywood Hurdle and the Brierly Steeplechase...'This carnival is worth at least $20 million a year to the Warrnambool community, providing jobs in tourism, accommodation and the food industry, it is a magnificent carnival.'

Denis Napthine has gone on the attack over the alleged complicity of Racing Minister Rob Hulls in the decision to ban jumps racing. In State Parliament, Napthine has accused Hulls and his wife of running a campaign against jumps racing. There is even a claim that Hulls threatened to disband Racing Victoria and appoint a commission to run racing -- unless the jumps were given the boot. Hulls has denied the claim.

Great ride by Sally Wynne to score a last-stride win on outsider Sensational Swing at Sale on Wednesday. The old-timer came from last on the turn. It was his 100th start and Sally has been aboard for every one of them. Is that a riding record?

Friday night racing in Sydney is likely for Canterbury as soon as Jan 15. Racing NSW and the NSW Harness Racing Club are discussing a trial of shifting thoroughbred racing from the usual Thursday night timeslot. With Moonee Valley staging Friday night racing in Melbourne, the Sydney Turf Club and Racing NSW are keen to align Canterbury night meetings with their Victorian counterparts to increase turnover and exposure.