It's the Taylor Swift effect that counts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She's become oddly symbolic when it comes to the hearts and minds battle in all forms of racing.
Here she was, the headline act, other than Vow And Declare of course, for the Melbourne Cup carnival.
And then suddenly, she wasn't.
Months of negotiations led to the big announcement and fans buying tickets for the Cup just to see the American pop star.
Any fun had at the races was a bonus for the Tay Tay fanatics.
But it all ended abruptly when she withdrew amid the outrage over animal welfare, even if the official reason was cited as a sudden scheduling clash.
#NuptotheCup.
Then the ABC expose, into the cruelty and slaughter of horses at the end of the racing careers, shined a light into the darkest corners of the thoroughbred industry, four years after greyhound racing in NSW was almost shut down for good by the government.
Is racing an evil, greed-filled industry?
Are those who enjoy a day at the races elitest? Or those who like a punt at the pub out of touch?
Are those animal welfare activists trying to bring down society as we know it?
For the vast majority on either side, the answer is no to all of the above.
But when you're talking about society's pub tests and what passes, perception holds hands with reality when they order at the front bar. In the interests of disclosure, I have a small share in two racehorses and I grew up with the Melbourne Cup as one of the sporting highlights of my year. I also firmly believe in the need in comprehensive and meaningful reform to ensure the welfare of the horses I might bet on any given weekend, particularly the slow ones.
Like the allegations of casual racism in Group Seven, society's expectations have changed and it's important the officials running those institutions involved - whether it's rugby league, or racing - recognise it and adapt with 21st century leadership, rather than 1950s ignorance.
Which brings me to Dapto and Thursday's debacle.
The Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society closed the gates, locking greyhound racing trainers, owners and officials out.
They want to redevelop the site for commercial and community interests, while Greyhound Racing NSW fought in the Supreme Court to continue an 80-odd year tradition and host their weekly meeting.
Politicians talked of protecting the interests of the community. So .what is in the public's best interest?
Greyhound racing may lack the glamour of their thoroughbred counterparts, but they are battlers, hardened by their survival four years ago.
This is a bitter showdown for governance and control, but like the Taylor Swift saga, it's a battle for community hearts and minds.
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.