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WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RACE HORSE TRAINERS ASS...MEETING NOTES
Breeding
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RACING TRAINERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Perth Racing offices on Friday, November 28, 2010.
PRESENT: Bruce Hyde chaired George Daly, Fred Kersley, Colin Webster, Ross Price, John Lugg, Lou Luciani, Kath Fleming, Louise Newman, Mike Cox, Trevor Andrews, Brett Wilkinson, Gary Nicol and Phil Marks. In attendance: Secretary Brian Paddick.
APOLOGIES: Received from Alan Mathews and P Morley.
MINUTES: Of the 2009 Annual Meeting were received and confirmed on the motion of F Kersley and C Webster.
MATTERS ARISING: B Hyde reported (a) The right-hand turn at Epsom Avenue requested by the association for many years will be considered when work commences on the widening of Great Eastern Highway to Perth Airport. (b) The response to the apprentice encouragement award, now supported by the Australian Trainers? Association, has been enthusiastic (c) track conditions generally improved after the matter was raised at the last AGM, but since then both racing and work tracks have deteriorated.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT: B Hyde reported that the refusal of RWWA to collect trainers? membership fees had resulted in fewer than 40 trainers signing up this year compared with over 300 in past years. Whether or not the association should wind up and hand over responsibility to the WA branch of the Australian Trainers? Association was a matter for consideration by the meeting, but until now that branch had dealt only with industrial matters while the Association handled all domestic matters. He believed the coming year would be most important for trainers with possible track work fees being introduced and a squeeze on stakemoney as a result of lower betting turnover and other costs faced by RWWA.
R Price and C Webster advised the meeting that this matter had been considered at the recent annual conference when the ATA said it was not in a position to take over the WA association, but would provide some financial support if needed.
Several ideas were canvassed for lifting membership numbers and K Fleming said she was prepared to look at issuing reminder notices or invoices to WA trainers not already listed as members. L Luciani said it was important that more ?senior? trainers took an immediate role and encourage younger trainers to become active and take on association roles. It was also necessary for the committee to comprise those generally interested in the future of the training industry and not their own problems.
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On the motion of C Webster and L Luciani it was resolved that the WA Racing Trainers? Association continue to operate. Some discussion was held on how large the committee should be and how frequently it would meet with a general consensus that the incoming committee should meet whenever required to attend to immediate problems with either monthly or bi-monthly meetings open to all trainers. R Price reported on the successful operations of the Bunbury Trainers? Association comprising a six-man committee that met monthly with the CEO of Bunbury racing.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The following were elected to form a committee of eight to conduct the affairs of the association for the next 12 months: Bruce Hyde, George Daly, Lou Luciani, Trevor Andrews, Gary Nicol, Fred Kersley, Kath Fleming and John Lugg.
The choice of a president and the frequency of meetings was left to the incoming committee to decide at its first official meeting listed for Friday, January 28, or as required to handle urgent matters.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Trainers Percentages: A copy of a letter to Racing and Wagering WA from ATA Chief Executive John Alducci was received pointing out that WA trainers are severely disadvantaged in comparison to other States in relation to prize money percentages and incentive schemes. WA pays trainers? percentages only to third position while in other States the payment is to at least fifth position while others pay up to eighth position and in Victoria up to 10th position. Additionally all other State incentive schemes pay trainers percentages of their prize money component irrespective of the source of funding for the incentive scheme. WA trainers receive nothing from these schemes.
The meeting pointed out that this issue, which is costing WA trainers hundreds of thousands of dollars, has constantly been raised with RWWA, especially as the incentive schemes are heavily funded by RWWA. Jockeys will also be raising this matter which will become a major issue in coming months. B Hyde said he would also raise this item at a meeting of the RWWA Consultative Committee on December 3.
Training Costs: Meeting advised that training costs will probably rise in the near future as RWWA aims to recover 20 per cent of the cost of running training centres. This item is also a contentious one with at least two clubs, Pinjarra and Northam, not keen to be classed as a training facility while Bunbury is unhappy with its RWWA contribution of $80,000 for providing a training facility while Lark Hill is allocated $870,000.
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Walkway: Several trainers reported that the Mathieson Road walkway to the track has deteriorated badly and requires attention. This will be brought to the attention of the City of Belmont.
Nomination System: N Cox questioned the nomination system being used in WA which differed to other States and which prevented trainers from having a back-up option. It was pointed out that the system had been introduced to prevent trainers from scratching horses when they drew a bad barrier. However, all at the meeting agreed that the association should seek a return to the former system.
Jumping Lane: A request for a ?jumping lane? to be introduced in the middle of Ascot as a training aid was supported.
Practice Barriers: Practice barriers at Ascot were described as being in a dangerous condition and likely to cause injury to horses or riders and it was resolved to seek a set at Lark Hill not being used to be moved to Ascot.
Racing and Work Tracks: The hardness of racing tracks was heavily criticised at the meeting as also was the condition of some work tracks. It was claimed that Ascot was causing horses to jar up and discussion with any vet will confirm that the problem is caused by racing and work tracks. Recently a two-year-old race had to be scrapped because of insufficient entries and Perth Racing was also being forced to provide class three races to keep their numbers up. The sand track at Ascot was also criticised as needing attention.
There was a suspicion that decisions such as cutting the grass too low were taken by clubs for cosmetic reasons or to create faster times. Insufficient input is given by those directly affected by track conditions, especially trainers and riders.
It was resolved that the association ask RWWA to form a committee of up to eight persons comprising stewards, trainers, jockeys and owner-breeders to assess all race and training tracks on a monthly basis.
The meeting closed at 12.40 pm, the next official meeting to be held at Perth Racing on January 28, 2011.
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Perth Racing offices on Friday, November 28, 2010.
PRESENT: Bruce Hyde chaired George Daly, Fred Kersley, Colin Webster, Ross Price, John Lugg, Lou Luciani, Kath Fleming, Louise Newman, Mike Cox, Trevor Andrews, Brett Wilkinson, Gary Nicol and Phil Marks. In attendance: Secretary Brian Paddick.
APOLOGIES: Received from Alan Mathews and P Morley.
MINUTES: Of the 2009 Annual Meeting were received and confirmed on the motion of F Kersley and C Webster.
MATTERS ARISING: B Hyde reported (a) The right-hand turn at Epsom Avenue requested by the association for many years will be considered when work commences on the widening of Great Eastern Highway to Perth Airport. (b) The response to the apprentice encouragement award, now supported by the Australian Trainers? Association, has been enthusiastic (c) track conditions generally improved after the matter was raised at the last AGM, but since then both racing and work tracks have deteriorated.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT: B Hyde reported that the refusal of RWWA to collect trainers? membership fees had resulted in fewer than 40 trainers signing up this year compared with over 300 in past years. Whether or not the association should wind up and hand over responsibility to the WA branch of the Australian Trainers? Association was a matter for consideration by the meeting, but until now that branch had dealt only with industrial matters while the Association handled all domestic matters. He believed the coming year would be most important for trainers with possible track work fees being introduced and a squeeze on stakemoney as a result of lower betting turnover and other costs faced by RWWA.
R Price and C Webster advised the meeting that this matter had been considered at the recent annual conference when the ATA said it was not in a position to take over the WA association, but would provide some financial support if needed.
Several ideas were canvassed for lifting membership numbers and K Fleming said she was prepared to look at issuing reminder notices or invoices to WA trainers not already listed as members. L Luciani said it was important that more ?senior? trainers took an immediate role and encourage younger trainers to become active and take on association roles. It was also necessary for the committee to comprise those generally interested in the future of the training industry and not their own problems.
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On the motion of C Webster and L Luciani it was resolved that the WA Racing Trainers? Association continue to operate. Some discussion was held on how large the committee should be and how frequently it would meet with a general consensus that the incoming committee should meet whenever required to attend to immediate problems with either monthly or bi-monthly meetings open to all trainers. R Price reported on the successful operations of the Bunbury Trainers? Association comprising a six-man committee that met monthly with the CEO of Bunbury racing.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The following were elected to form a committee of eight to conduct the affairs of the association for the next 12 months: Bruce Hyde, George Daly, Lou Luciani, Trevor Andrews, Gary Nicol, Fred Kersley, Kath Fleming and John Lugg.
The choice of a president and the frequency of meetings was left to the incoming committee to decide at its first official meeting listed for Friday, January 28, or as required to handle urgent matters.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Trainers Percentages: A copy of a letter to Racing and Wagering WA from ATA Chief Executive John Alducci was received pointing out that WA trainers are severely disadvantaged in comparison to other States in relation to prize money percentages and incentive schemes. WA pays trainers? percentages only to third position while in other States the payment is to at least fifth position while others pay up to eighth position and in Victoria up to 10th position. Additionally all other State incentive schemes pay trainers percentages of their prize money component irrespective of the source of funding for the incentive scheme. WA trainers receive nothing from these schemes.
The meeting pointed out that this issue, which is costing WA trainers hundreds of thousands of dollars, has constantly been raised with RWWA, especially as the incentive schemes are heavily funded by RWWA. Jockeys will also be raising this matter which will become a major issue in coming months. B Hyde said he would also raise this item at a meeting of the RWWA Consultative Committee on December 3.
Training Costs: Meeting advised that training costs will probably rise in the near future as RWWA aims to recover 20 per cent of the cost of running training centres. This item is also a contentious one with at least two clubs, Pinjarra and Northam, not keen to be classed as a training facility while Bunbury is unhappy with its RWWA contribution of $80,000 for providing a training facility while Lark Hill is allocated $870,000.
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Walkway: Several trainers reported that the Mathieson Road walkway to the track has deteriorated badly and requires attention. This will be brought to the attention of the City of Belmont.
Nomination System: N Cox questioned the nomination system being used in WA which differed to other States and which prevented trainers from having a back-up option. It was pointed out that the system had been introduced to prevent trainers from scratching horses when they drew a bad barrier. However, all at the meeting agreed that the association should seek a return to the former system.
Jumping Lane: A request for a ?jumping lane? to be introduced in the middle of Ascot as a training aid was supported.
Practice Barriers: Practice barriers at Ascot were described as being in a dangerous condition and likely to cause injury to horses or riders and it was resolved to seek a set at Lark Hill not being used to be moved to Ascot.
Racing and Work Tracks: The hardness of racing tracks was heavily criticised at the meeting as also was the condition of some work tracks. It was claimed that Ascot was causing horses to jar up and discussion with any vet will confirm that the problem is caused by racing and work tracks. Recently a two-year-old race had to be scrapped because of insufficient entries and Perth Racing was also being forced to provide class three races to keep their numbers up. The sand track at Ascot was also criticised as needing attention.
There was a suspicion that decisions such as cutting the grass too low were taken by clubs for cosmetic reasons or to create faster times. Insufficient input is given by those directly affected by track conditions, especially trainers and riders.
It was resolved that the association ask RWWA to form a committee of up to eight persons comprising stewards, trainers, jockeys and owner-breeders to assess all race and training tracks on a monthly basis.
The meeting closed at 12.40 pm, the next official meeting to be held at Perth Racing on January 28, 2011.
Comments
http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Australian-Race-Horse-Trainers-Association/149059285141186
DO NOT FORGET TO BE A FREIND
PLEASE
:thumbup:
It is disappointing to read so few trainers are members of what is an important association.
As an owner I was pleased to read the Nominations issue being raised - hope something comes about
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RACE TRAINERS ASSOCIATION
http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Australian-Race-Horse-Trainers-Association/149059285141186
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at Perth Racing Offices on Friday, January 26, 2012 at 11 am:
PRESENT: Bruce Hyde, Fred Kersley, Lou Luciani, Kath Fleming, Gary Nicol, John Lugg, Phil Marks. APOLOGY: George Daly. IN ATTENDANCE: Stewards John Zucal (chairman) and Brad Lewis.
ORDER OF BUSINESS: Suspended to deal with several matters raised by RWWA stewards and general matters raised by the meeting
Track Incident: An incident involving three horses escaping into Mathieson Road and ending up on Great Eastern Highway was raised with stewards seeking input into ways of improving safety. Trainers suggestions included (a) the widening of Mathieson Road walkway (b) getting horses into the Ascot precinct early by opening a gate near Leake Street. Banning of two horses being led to the track was not approved.
Perth Cup Day: Lack of cool water in the hosing down bays was raised and also the failure to keep up ice in the swab box area.
Pinjarra: In relation to the discomfort of horses on hot days at Pinjarra, stewards advised that they understood $32,000 was to be made available for demisters and shade cloth. Resolved to ask the club to consult with trainers before shade cloth was installed.
Stewards Action: The action of stewards in fining a trainer for treating his horse on the morning of the Perth Cup was raised and a number of scenarios were raised to question what constituted treatment. Meeting advised that the rule allowed for a discretionary penalty. The matter is to be raised at the annual conference of stewards as well as clearer definitions of what constituted treatment. Stewards were thanked for their attendance.
MATTERS ARISING FROM ANNUAL MEETING:
ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The following were duly elected: President Bruce Hyde; vice-president Lou Luciani; treasurer Kath Fleming; secretary Brian Paddick; RWWA delegate Bruce Hyde, proxy delegate Fred Kersley.
It was resolved to invite trainer Michael Grant to join the committee and it was pointed out that all meetings were open to trainers to attend.
FINANCE: Report received. It was noted that membership numbers were slowly increasing. The possibility of increasing social activity for trainers, an annual awards night and money raising ventures was raised.
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CORRESPONDENCE: From David Hunter rejecting request to change Double Engaged Ballot Conditions. The meeting did not agree with the reasons advanced by RWWA and it was resolved to invite D Hunter to the next meeting of the committee to discuss this and other matters.
GARVEY PARK: Meeting advised that B Hyde and K Fleming would represent trainers when a February 3 meeting was held to look at the revision of the Garvey Park Master Plan. The area is used by some trainers for the light exercising of horses.
POWER LINE PRUNING: City of Belmont advises that power line pruning is proposed for the Ascot horse area for a week from Monday, February 28 between 9 am and 3 pm with the exception of Wednesday, March 2, when a mid-week race meeting is scheduled.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Narrogin Incident: Meeting advised that a horse trained by J Busslinger had flipped over in the barrier at the Narrogin meeting and had then been examined by a vet and allowed to start. The trainer was subsequently charged $30 for the vet inspection. The matter to be investigated.
Trainers Accounts: Two examples of trainers? accounts being used by RWWA finance division to pay RWWA bills for money owed by owners was raised. This matter to be raised at the TRCG meeting in February as an example of trainers being held responsible for owners? accounts.
Penalty: Meeting advised that the RWWA accounts department was also charging an additional $5 for any trainer who did not have an e-mail address. This matter to also be questioned.
General Discussion: A number of matters were discussed in relation to a story released on January 26 of Perth Racing?s debt and possible cuts to city prize money. They included:
Perth Racing received no value from increasing the Winterbottom Stakes by $250,000. The Perth Cup is now just another stayers? race and should revert to the two miles.
The summer carnival is too long.
Lack of city holiday meetings ? ie Boxing Day, Easter Monday etc.
Perth Racing is suffering because of its failure to implement long-term policies and selling off of major assets at Helena Vale, Bullcreek and the city.
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Trainers Website: Gary Nicol advised that this was now up and running on Facebook and drawing widespread interest.
SALE OF BELMONT:
A story on Saturday, January 27, advocating the sale of Belmont and replacing it with a football stadium has subsequently been identified as a major concern to trainers and to the racing industry in general. This matter to be raised for urgent consideration at the TRCG meeting.
NEXT MEETING:
To be decided by the President ? possibly in March or the third Friday in February, or as deemed necessary in view of major proposed developments.
Has no ABN (must have to be a "Tax Invoice"), no explaination what it's for or where it's come from, and no contact details to find out. (and can't search ABN, because there isn't one)
Is this one and the same mob GEN ?
Is it for real, or a "con" invoice ?
Happy to pay the sub if it's for real, but there's no way of telling.
Name doesn't match for starters.
Notes from a meeting held at Perth Racing Offices, March 11, 2011
PRESENT: Bruce Hyde chaired meeting of Fred Kersley, Trevor Andrews, Michael Grant, Gary Nicol, Kath Fleming, Alan Mathews, J Gangemi, Wally Mitchell, Ross Price (Bunbury), Frances Taylor, Julie Clements, Denis Ramsay and others.
APOLOGIES: Lou Luciani, Neville Parnham.
IN ATTENDANCE : From Perth Racing Ted Van Heemst ; Michael Heath, Harvey Grossman; from Racing and Wagering WA: Chairman Bob Pearson; Director Richard Burt and Chief Executive Ken Norquay. Chairman of Stewards John Zucal. .
ORDER OF BUSINESS: Order of business was suspended to hear from officials present on several matters, including the need to cut stakemoney; the proposed Belmont development; and RAWA forecast on the future.
Among points raised by Mr Van Heemst were:
STAKEMONEY CUTS:
■Until 2007 Perth Racing had embarked on a program to lift basic Saturday stakes to $50,000 and mid-week to 45 per cent of Saturday stakes and to make WA racing more relevant on the national stage. These aims were based on continuing growth and record trading levels of PR?s food and beverage unit and double digit growth of the TAB.
■Northern Territory based corporate bookmakers have reached an annual turnover of $5.5 billion, and growing. If they made the same contribution to the business of racing as the TAB does, all racing stakes in Australia could be doubled. The corporates are maintaining an aggressive fight to lift their customer base and any move to outlaw them would see them move to overseas tax havens.
■WA has lost exclusive rights to the Singapore market which has seen a $700,000 reduction in income. Income losses from this and other areas has come at a time of escalating PR costs. Even council rates have increased from $217,000 to $670,000.
■The Perth Cup was a debacle with the crowd down from 40,000 to 23,000 resulting in a $1.3 million loss. PR?s three main racing days had seen race day crowds down 14 per cent and over 20 per cent on cup day.
■There is a need to increase on-course turnover where PR receives greater benefits and some moves are planned in this area.
He stressed that PR experience was being shared in other States and despite the strong corporate bookmaking attack on racing?s prime source of income, RWWA has been the most successful TAB on the national scene. PR?s 2010-11 budget had decided to maintain stake levels with six-month reviews and the decrease was the result of that six-month review. Stake levels were now totally dependent on what PR received from RWWA and the $3.3 million used to top up stake levels was now gone. PR saw little possibility of topping-up stakes in the near future.
In answers to questions PR officers said cheaper membership for trainers was being considered as part of an all-embracing package to lift club membership and racing attendance. It was suggested that more consultation with trainers should take place when major changes are being considered on programs. There was little chance of reintroducing Monday holiday meetings or Boxing Day meeting as turnover figures did not justify this. The decision to lift the Winterbottom Stakes to $250,000 drew criticism and this will be looked at.
BELMONT PARK PROJECT:
■At no time had the State Government approached Perth Racing with a suggestion that Belmont Park be redeveloped for a football stadium. PR never had a chance to hear what the State Government had to offer.
■Several interested parties have come forward since the possible initial developer pulled out and PR is now confident that this will go ahead.
■Under the arrangement the area comprising 72 acres will be broken up into five super blocks, two to be retained by PR for the Belmont track; two for the developers and one to be retained as public open space.
■Within two years of agreements being signed money is expected to flow through to refurbish the Belmont grandstand and upgrade facilities at Belmont and Ascot. Ultimately the development would provide investment to provide a continuous income stream.
■With Lark Hill becoming too difficult to be maintained, the need for a dedicated training facility was recognised, but this will require State Government assistance, tax concessions and a recognition that racing is the State?s third largest industry and one of the biggest employers of labour.
RWWA INPUT
RWWA chairman Richard Burt said racing had weathered a huge storm, fueled by the wagering competition and the need to provide new and improved facilities.
However, there are causes for optimism. TAB growth of around six per cent had been constant for three years but he was confident of an improvement in the next year. RWWA business model that requires a $5 million income growth increase per year to keep pace with rising costs was working.
Some major infrastructure projects requiring $15 million funding have either commenced or are being considered including a synthetic work track for Bunbury and solutions to solve the future of the greyhound industry?s home base.
There should be no problems in obtaining suitable tracks for winter racing. Perth?s back-up will be Northam while a winter strategy has Pinjarra season being extended into June and that track backing up York.
The cost of clubs providing training facilities is soaring and RWWA recognises that both city and provincial clubs need help.
Suggestions and points made by the meeting included:
■The introduction of a starters fee of $200.
■Trainers should be eligible for 10 per cent of the $1.5 million RWWA subsidy for Westspeed races. This had been promised by the scheme promoters when the bonus scheme was being considered in the 1990s.
■Not enough maiden races are being programmed.
■Perth tracks are too hard in summer with too many horses jarring up. Pentrometer readings should be taken more than once during the day and not just immediately after the track is subject to heavy watering.
■Trainers are the biggest subsidisers of racing in WA.
■Belmont should be used as an alternative track to Ascot to give the latter track a rest and time to recover.
B Hyde thanked Perth Racing and RWWA officials for attending the meeting which closed at 1.40 pm after brief general business was discussed, including:
■Approval given to treasurer Kath Fleming to alter our banking arrangements to on-line.
■W Mitchell raised the problem track riders being licensed without ensuring they have appropriate insurance policies.
NEXT MEETING: Unless otherwise required to be held at Perth Racing offices on Friday, April 29.
.
This has me stuffed !! The track was maintained by volunteers for many years and was in better condition than it is now. We could run trials on it every fortnight and gallop around the turn on the grass. Not so now, with all these so called experts in charge its a protected space.
Back straight only most of the time.
There is a lot of political spin going on, with self interested parties wanting Larkhill closed in favour of this so called dedicated training facility. Which if we think back a few years RWWA promoted Larkhill as.
■Trainers are the biggest subsidisers of racing in WA.
An interesting comment and probably one that only the Trainers Associaition would make
would be interesting to hear the reasoning and figures behind this
A trainer did not make this statement
That was a statement made by Mr Dick Burt (RRWA) to the trainers, some where along these lines. " You would have to be blind to not see the amount of horses trained and or owned fully or partly by trainers that are in the race book every meeting" Wally Mitchell quipped (whom has a very big owner)
"Yeah I own 20 of the buggers"
I myself own part of 6 horses and 4 wholey.
I think Fred and Judith own a part of just about every horse they start :wink:
Comment was that PR subsidises trainers and owners.
Who subsidises who ??? was my reaction...............
where's the proof?
not sure trainers/owners tip in more money than punters
And a $200 starters subsidy? For what? They want the owners to cover PR's mismanagement of the Perth Cup ($1.3m loss) and other feature race days.....Do they want to reduce field sizes, owners and betting turnover? That's what will happen.
If PR or trainers want to extract more money out of owners, well they can do it from the priviledged few that will be left, because I will be withdrawing my participation in the industry.
Currently owners costs are rising and stakemoney heading south, yet they want to slug owners even further?
Get real :!: Have a look in your own backyards :!:
Trainers spend hours on end at sales for days, if one was presented with 2 equally quaified horses in breeding and looks and one is WS and one is not, which would he/she choose if getting 10 % of the bonus.
The $200 subsidy is for you Funkster an owner.
If a horse wins 1st prize of 29K and then another 15K (or whatever it is) WS bonus on a Saturday, do you really want see the trainer miss a small bonus of $1500.
I see it' if trainers get their fair cop then more money will go into the bonus scheme as more horses will be paid up for.
All in all this are only discussions and ideas presented for gestation, none of it is set in concrete
Once again the punter the owner and the trainer all claim sovereingty over the landscape :lol:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Australian-Race-Horse-Trainers-Association/149059285141186
Im sure i know of a code that could take a bloody good look at this.
Dead set discgrace to see such good work as such above being done by a handfull of people with progress and feedback as well as untapped passion for the better of the game and i cant even get 1 newsletter a year from our reps.
Well done racing once again 8)
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at Perth Racing Offices on Friday, May 27, 2011:
PRESENT: Bruce Hyde Lou Luciani, Michael Grant, Kath Fleming and secretary Brian Paddick. APOLOGIES: George Daly, Fred Kersley.
MINUTES: Of the meeting held on April 30 were received and confirmed.
MATTERS ARISING: Nil.
FINANCE: K Fleming requested ANZ statements be sent to her. Balance in WARTA account - $11,904. Accounts: Secretarial expenses $151.65; $1800 for apprentice encouragement award ($1200 to be recouped from ATA) passed for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE: -- Insurance Matters: An email from David Hunter advising of Trainers? Workshop with Insurers to be held at Ascot at 10 am on Tuesday, June 14 and advising that RWWA will be organising a notice on the website and an SMS to be sent out closer to the date. It was agreed that before the June 14 meeting the committee draw up a list of questions on all areas of workers compensation, public liability etc requiring clarification.
Ascot Inn Site: From City of Belmont acknowledging the Trainers? Association concern over proposed development of the Ascot Inn site.
Jockeys ARB Sanctioned Payments: From RWWA advising of the breakdown of payments made to jockeys and apprentices from the 1% of prizemoney agreed to by the Australian Racing Board. These included $138,552 career benefit; $115,660 public liability; $162,165 personal accident; $85,407 Sports medicine and Clinical psychologist service; $5000 jockey WA medical advisor; and $4000 for jockey celebration day sponsorship.
Several questions were raised on some of the items listed and it was resolved that those questions be included for discussion at a special trainers? meeting with RWWA.
GENERAL BUSINESS --Perth Racing Membership: M Grant reported that Perth Racing was considering offering trainers membership at half cost, to include PR.com. He suggested that trainers should have access to stewards patrol films and trials through PRdotcom and agreed to make further inquiries.
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Track Safety: It was reported that a track safety officer had been appointed and some changes to the car float area were proposed including the fencing of that area. Resolved to discuss with Geoff Murphy the proposals and trainers ideas of what should take place.
Perth Turf Talk: Some concern has been expressed in racing circles at material appearing on this website, in particular some personal attacks on racing personnel by contributors using a pseudonym. While the site has some rules for contributors there are occasions when those standards appear to be by-passed with material that could be regarded as libelous. The meeting felt that it should be obligatory for contributors to use their own names, as is the case in newspapers that publish ?letters to the editor.? While it was not the desire to close the site, it was resolved to ask stewards to obtain views from all racing organisations on this site.
RWWA Meeting: The meeting pointed out that the recent symposium on all sections of the industry, including trotting and greyhounds, did not permit sufficient discussion on racing issues and it has been resolved to seek a special meeting with senior RWWA officials, for trainers only, to discuss aspects of the racing industry. It was suggested that such a meeting be held between 10 am and 3 pm on a Tuesday or Friday.
Trainers Fees: It was resolved that association fees be set at $35 for the 2011-12 year.
Ringworm: An outbreak of ringworm among horses has been reported and trainers have been urged to be vigilant with gear or materials coming into contact with horses ensuring that it is clean.
NEXT MEETING: Friday, June 25, at Perth Racing offices
Any trainer welcome to attend.
WA TRAINERS MEETING NOTES FOR JUNE 2011
WA RACING TRAINERS? ASSOCIATION
Minutes Committee Meeting held at Perth Racing Offices on Friday, July 29, 2011, commencing at 10 am.
PRESENT: Bruce Hyde Lou Luciani, Kath Fleming, Gary Nicol, Fred Kersley, Trevor Andrews, John Lugg, Phil Marks, Paul Jordan, Maxine Payne, Sarah Todd, Kellie Grantham, Russell Stewart, Michael Grant, Len Morton, Ian Glading, Dan Morton and secretary Brian Paddick. APOLOGY Neville Parnham.
ORDER OF BUSINESS: Suspended pending discussions on two issues (a) two-horse leads (b) car and float parking.
Two-Horse Leads: Meeting advised that from August 1 two-horse leads to Ascot for training will be banned by RWWA and immediate action would be required to have this policy either delayed or reversed. Main arguments against the pending policy was the cost and time involved for trainers, most of whom felt that the Worksafe Policy adopted by RWWA in May 2009 stating that ?inexperienced handlers leading more than one horse at a time is an unacceptable practice? should remain the policy.
B Hyde pointed out that two approaches had been prepared for the meeting (1) a WA Racing Trainers? Association approach and (2) a similar letter in a petition form with signatures of those trainers opposing a policy change.
There was considerable discussion on this item before the motion of M Grant-L Luciani was carried agreeing that the Association letter be endorsed and conveyed to Chairman of Stewards, John Zucal.
Float Parking Changes: A number of alterations have been canvassed on possible alterations to float parking arrangements near the swimming pool before it was resolved that trainers? track safety representatives J Lugg and L Luciani have further discussions and make an inspection of the area with Geoff Murphy at their track meeting on Friday, August 5.
MINUTES: Of the June meeting were received and confirmed.
FINANCE: Reported that the association?s balance was around $9500. It was reported that membership numbers were considerably down as a result of RWWA action in not collecting fees.
It was also resolved that Association fees for the 2011-12 season be set at $40 and that assistance be sought from RWWA in sending out invoices.
Addition letter to be sent to WA branch of the ATA regarding their contribution towards the Apprentices Encouragment Award scheme.
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CORRESPONDENCE: -- Garvey Park: Inwards from the City of Belmont detailing plans for the foreshore stabilisation of the Garvey Park area from November 2011 to March 2012. To minimise impact on the horse exercising area the contractors will be required to take care and drive with caution to avoid startling a horse or rider and in no event should car horns be used near horses.
Hendra Virus: From RWWA reminding of the risks surrounding hendra virus and that colonies of flying foxes occur in tropical and sub-tropical areas of WA north of Shark Bay. The likelihood of a case of the virus in WA was considered to be very low.
Outwards correspondence to RWWA suggesting a review of the role of the Racing Appeals Tribunal.
GENERAL BUSINESS ? Rules Observance: Call for trainers to observe the rules regarding the use of bits in the movement of horses. It was also felt that new jockeys and track riders should be better educated on Ascot track rules before being granted a licence.
Ascot Inn: It was reported that stage 2 of the proposed redevelopment of the Ascot Inn hotel site has been approved by the City of Belmont. It was expected that this would result it some 3000 car movements per day through the intersection of Epsom Avenue and Mathieson Road. It was suggested that trainers should examine the implications of the expansion of Great Eastern Highway to six lanes before that work begins and bring any of their concerns to the notice of the City of Belmont.
Track Times: Complaints received of track closing too early on Saturday mornings and some horses are not being worked because of early track closure and or lack of riders. It is particularly noticeable on public holidays, especially over Easter when track work was restricted for five days. Resolveed that this matter be raised at the track committee meeting.
NEXT MEETING: Friday, August 27 at 10 am at Perth Racing offices
Any trainer welcome to attend.
WA RACING TRAINERS ASSOCIATION Meeting Minutes August 27th 2011.
Minutes Committee Meeting
held at Perth Racing Offices on Friday, August 27, 2011, commencing at 10 am.
PRESENT: Bruce Hyde, John Lugg, Nick Cox (A Noonan),
Phil Marks; secretary Brian Paddick. APOLOGIES: Lou Luciani, Kath Fleming, Gary Nicol, Fred Kersley, Trevor Andrews, George Daly.
MATTERS ARISING: Two-Horse Leads: Letter received from Racing and Wagering WA ending the moratorium on
this rule pending a further review and consideration. Letter outlined reasons
behind the move by Perth Racing and supported by RWWA that the move to ban
two-horse leads adhered to their duty to apply risk minimisation and mitigation
measures. They appreciated that the rule would have an impact on some trainers
living close to the training tracks but the rule will be enforced from
September 1, 2011.
The meeting
discussed the immediate effects of the rule on trainers living close to the
track and who have been leading two horses at a time to the track. Apart from
increasing costs other impacts will include (a) increasing the time taken by
some trainers to complete trackwork schedules (b) stalls will be occupied for
longer periods adding to the problems of those seeking stalls.
In view of the above it was resolved that the Association write to racing authorities (Perth
Racing and RWWA) with a request that the Ascot training track remain open until
8.50 each morning (an additional half hour) and that practice barriers be
manned for an additional hour (from 7 to 9 am) instead of from 8-9 am to assist
in the education of young horses and to avoid congestion at the barriers.
Float Parking Changes: Reported
that no moves have been made in this area and that track manager Murphy has
been on holidays for a month. Further discussion occurred on a number of
matters involving safety aspects of the parking area, including possible
fencing of the area; the redevelopment of the Ascot Inn; the increasing from
four to six lanes of Great Eastern Highway and the possibility of cul-de-sacs
on five streets ? Carbine, Kalgoorlie, Keymer, Aurum and Leake Streets leading onto Great Eastern Highway.
It was resolved
to place the subject on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting on Friday,
September 30, and to write to the City of Belmont and Perth Racing seeking
discussions on the impact on the stables area of all developments taking place in and around Belmont.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Swimming Pool Charges: It was reported that charges for use of the Ascot horse swimming facility have
again been increased and was now becoming a real cost factor in the training of
horses. Fees were set at $3 per horse only a year ago and it was now costing $7 per horse for a three-minute swim.
Resolved that Perth Racing be advised that this association is again disappointed that it has
not been consulted before charges have been lifted by 130 per cent in less that
12 months; that PR be asked to review the role and future of the pool and that it consider discounts for biggest users of the facility.
Cost Pressures: Trainers
have expressed growing concern over the cost pressures being placed on their
businesses. While training costs recommended by the national body ? the
Australian Trainers? Association ? are $165 per horse per day no trainer in
this State is charging this amount and possibly many are charging around 50 per cent of the recommended rate. Despite this, trainers face costs that are the highest in Australia. Staff wages are set by arbitration while food costs are higher than in other States. Unlike the rest of Australia, WA trainers receive only a percentage of stakes paid to third place whereas all States pay at least fourth and fifth place with Victorian city racing paying 10 per cent up to 10th place.
TAX SEMINAR : Suggested
that a request be made to consider other subjects after the seminar is
completed dealing with racing industry matters only.
TRAINERS MEETING NOTES FOR DECEMBER 2011