The Melbourne spring carnival "could be set for a dramatic revamp as officials come to grips with the reality of the competitive sporting market and want to make racing relevant in the 21st century," according to Chris Roots of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. In its "most dramatic form there could have a swap between the weekends when the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate are run, a change mooted for several years." There have been "preliminary discussions between officials 'over a beer' and many views have been sounded out." Spring racing "as a whole is on the agenda," as well as a review of all races across Victoria. Melbourne Racing Club CEO Brodie Arnhold is an "advocate for change but he would not be drawn to comment on the discussions." Arnhold said, "While we can't get rid of tradition, we have to challenge ourselves to make racing better. We need change in the industry and we are going to drive it at the MRC." The fact that 25% of races "fund the majority of programming in Victoria doesn't sit well with Arnhold, who has made his career in the financial industry." Arnhold, however, "understands racing and wants to get the balance right." Arnhold: "I have been an owner and a breeder for 20 years but I'm also a realist, and losing money on 75 percent of your races doesn't make sense for this industry" (SMH, 10/16).
