TABCORP'S NEW 'SIMPLER AND MORE EFFICIENT BROADCASTING MODEL' TAKES SOME FLAK

By Graham Potter | Thursday, May 1, 2025

The axing (whatever you want to call it) of race-caller Josh Fleming by Tabcorp has left the majority of racing enthusiasts bothered and bewildered.

While it can be acknowledged that any employer has the right to make any call on their staff quota and structure … in an industry where, arguably, so much work needs to be done to improve so many areas, to ‘fix’ something that isn’t broken beggars’ belief.

Fleming is vastly experienced. He is on top of his game. He is well liked on a personal level and very well respected professionally by all sectors of the racing fraternity. He displays an unwavering commitment to the racing industry in general and to the accuracy of his craft in particular, and he is young enough to ensure that the future of the area he operates in will be in good hands for the foreseeable future.

So, what did I miss?

Maybe just another case of nice guys come second.

Fleming is not alone in being shown the door … other Tabcorp media identities have suffered the same fate in this sweeping move, and they obviously all now find themselves in the same predicament.

All of them with have their own very personal view of the reason/excuse given for their termination. That was posted on Racenet who reported: “A Sky Racing spokesperson said on Wednesday that the changes reflected "a simpler and more efficient broadcasting model" which "forms part of a broader modernisation of the network"

The spokesperson reportedly added, "Sky Racing acknowledges the significant contribution and service that our departing on air talent have made, not only to the network, but their local racing industries."

Does that all seem to have a hollow ring to you? The word lame comes to mind.

Whatever happened behind the scenes to reach this outcome … and there are theories out there … simply doesn’t matter now. The result is past the post.

As trainers have been known to say when a runner suffers a minor injury setback and comes back stronger … this ‘setback’ could well be a ‘blessing in disguise’.

In Fleming’s case, a combination of his talent and standing within the industry … those very attributes that were apparently not fully valued by Tabcorp … should see him back in the saddle after not too long and he will hopefully be able to move on to a position, sooner rather than later, where his work is more appropriately appreciated.

While one door might have been slammed shut, another door will surely open and an opportunity will present itself, not only for Fleming but for the others involved in this cleanout.

Certainly, that is the hope.

Racing just cannot afford to lose good people.

Josh Fleming