Add bookmakers to the endangered species list as racing turns from on-course sport to an off-course one, reports the Age/Sydney Morning Herald. It says: Punters have never been better looked after than this year. They have the TAB and a selection of corporate bookmakers to choose from, and the on-course man with the bag has been left behind. It used to be part of the fabric of a race day to go to the track and "try to take some of Waterhouse's money", as one punting friend put it. It o

Add bookmakers to the endangered species list as racing turns from on-course sport to an off-course one, reports the Age/Sydney Morning Herald.

It says: Punters have never been better looked after than this year. They have the TAB and a selection of corporate bookmakers to choose from, and the on-course man with the bag has been left behind.

It used to be part of the fabric of a race day to go to the track and "try to take some of Waterhouse's money", as one punting friend put it. It once was considered a skill to jump on the right price in a betting ring that was alive with action.

Technology has conspired against bagmen, making it easier to have a bet from home and open accounts. A punter can even turn bookie should he wish - try Betfair. Our punting friend can sit at home and "try to beat Tom", the latest member of the Waterhouse dynasty, from the comfort of his lounge room.

His iPad or iPhone has become his chosen weapon, rather than having to jump over a couple of fellow punters and yell out his bet.

The Sydney ring is shrinking, and there is no sign of new blood. The man on track isn't the centre of the action - most of it has happened by the time he puts up his price half an hour before a race. The on-course betting plunge has been consigned to the past, except for special occasions. No one turns up with bags of cash these days, but that just reflects society.

On-course bookmakers still offer a service but they are like a corner store taking on Coles and Woolworths in a part of the industry that continues to grow. These days, on-course bookies have their offices to take bets when they can't stand at races but they still can't match the might of international firms. (www.smh.com.au)