Former steward Schreck quick to change tack
We aren't sure if this qualifies as Schreck Three, Four or even Seven, but never let it be said that former Hong Kong chief steward John Schreck has not been versatile in his career in racing.
A one-time race caller, general administrator and, of course, steward, Schreck's latest move is to the bookmaker's pitch.
Schreck has been appointed the independent chairman of the Australian Internet Bookmaking Association (AIBA).
'It is not right to be allowed to bet against a favoured runner and to profit from laying losers,' Schreck vigorously vowed at the 2003 Asian Racing Conference in New Zealand. While it would be unfair not to put that line into context as part of a presentation opposing betting exchanges, it is nevertheless the pursuit in which his latest clients are engaged.
One wonders whether the odd eyebrow might be raised at Sports Road, too, since more than one of the bookmaking operations represented by AIBA falls under the banner of the 'turnover pirates' accepting fixed odds bets on Hong Kong racing, without the permission and much to the displeasure of the Jockey Club.
'People are using the internet for betting because of its convenience, its value and because they have access to the wide range of wagering options offered not only on Australian events, but overseas events as well,' said Schreck in a press release, though we are not sure whether he had a patch over either eye at the time as there was no accompanying photograph.
