Dear Member,
On Saturday 22 July 2017, we witnessed the second running of the TAB/ATA Trainer’s Trust Handicap at Flemington racecourse in Melbourne.
The day also provided an opportunity for supporters of this ATA initiative to come together at an on-course function, and celebrate the existence of the Trust and the wonderful work it does for trainers and their families.
And on the subject of trainer support, we are proud to share with members that in the 17 months since the Trust commenced operation, a total of $60,000 in funds has been distributed nationally to 16 trainers &/or their families to provide financial assistance.
We were also delighted to announce on the day details of ongoing partner support. The Victorian Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association (TROA) has committed a further $10,000 to the Trust for the coming racing season, and TABCORP, with the ink still drying on the recent extension of their sponsorship arrangement with the ATA, pledged a further $15,000. Further ‘icing on the cake’ came with the announcement Racing Victoria will provide a $20,000 contribution for each of seasons 2017/18 and 2018/19.
The generosity of these organisations underlines their commitment to the racing industry, and specifically, a desire to actively support the hard working racehorse trainers and their families when challenged in times of need.
In a world where it is often too easy to be caught up in the negative, this is positive news that should be recognised and celebrated. Accordingly, on behalf of all trainers and their families, the ATA sincerely thanks Jonathan Munz at TROA, Damien Johnston at TABCORP and Giles Thompson at Racing Victoria for this wonderful support.
Andrew Nicholl
Chief Executive Officer
