Remember when the old Australian Racing Board was derided as being little more than a pseudo body and a toothless tiger? Yes, we're finding it hard to believe as well.
The latest spat with the Australian Jockeys Association and its state-based riding associations over new measures - including the impending whip rule changes and introduction of mandatory safety helmets - has dominated headlines in the past few days.
But what might be of greater concern for Racing Australia - suddenly the ARB's grown-up big brother which seemingly likes to throw its weight around - is the feeling extends far beyond just the riders. 
Talk to many owners, breeders and trainers and they, too, will argue their beef with racing's national watchdog, which has been quick to make its mark with several controversial rule changes in the past six months. Speak to both sides and one will tell you the picture is jet black, the other pure white.   Maybe the truth is a shade of grey somewhere in between.
But what must be of most concern for Racing Australia's leaders is the constant refrain that they are ruling with an iron fist with a lack of meaningful "consultation". That is the word that keeps getting bandied around.
Perception is often everything, especially in racing - see the stink over the impending whip rules reining in the jockeys' use of the persuader - and nothing irks a salt-of-the-earth participant more than the thought of not being heard or getting a fair go.
The irony in all this is the disconnect - again - that is being caused in an industry often ruled by self-interest. When wagering chiefs tell you fewer resources are being pooled into marketing the three codes as sports betting becomes a beast of its own, racing again appears to have never been more divided when a united approach is desperately needed.
The whip? Watch the very best riders and it's rarely a tool that is flailed constantly these days. No doubt, though, some who have perfected the art of the backhand will have to undergo a seismic shift in their riding styles.
But will the squabbling be enough for Racing Australia to at least defer the   December 1 introduction? You wouldn't bet on it.
Smaller codes miss out
Racing NSW was quick to trumpet legislation that was introduced into state parliament last week formalising its long-held push for tax parity. What has not been as well documented is the generous slice of the pie the thoroughbred code will consume.
Amendments to the totalisator regulation show Racing NSW will now command 77.3 per cent of the tax reduction being rushed through parliament, while Harness Racing NSW (12.7 per cent) and Greyhound Racing NSW (10 per cent) continue to flounder.
The greyhound code - already mired in the live baiting controversy and with its tax parity funds quarantined by Racing Minister Troy Grant pending the ongoing Special Commission - is said to be particularly aggrieved given the percentage of racing turnover it generates has vaulted to well above 20 per cent.
Grant argued a consultancy report that was commissioned last year showed what each code's worth was to the state economy, which was how the tax amendment arrived at its percentages. The reasoning did little to appease the smaller racing codes.
Handicaps on right road
Full marks to the brains trust behind the introduction of the Highway Handicap races, which have been a raging success a month in.
Most were sceptical about the concept being run every week for country-trained horses, but punters are starting to warm to the idea.
It appears the opportunities for those from non-metropolitan stables are increasing.
What has been less well known is the introduction of maiden handicaps exclusive to country and provincial trainers since the start of the season. Another will be run at Hawkesbury on Friday.
The idea came from Hawkesbury boss Brian Fletcher and has proved another success in offering a chance to race for decent prizemoney without city operators muscling in.