QR INTRODUCES NEW RULES FOR BARRIER TRIAL NOMINATIONS AND HORSE EMBARGO GUIDELINES

The ATA is pleased with the positive move by QR in respect to changing the nomination deadline for barrier trials from two working days to one working day prior to the trials which will take effect from 1 August, 2009.

This move will significantly reduce the number of horses nominated but who do not compete, thus improving the viability of trials from both a financial and time perspective basis for both parties.

This change will assist trainers in their preparation of horses enabling them to nominate horses, who for example, do not gain a start due to being an emergency the weekend prior and thus assisting in maintaining race fitness.

The new policy is as follows:
Tuesday Barrier Trials – Nominations will close on Monday
Thursday Barrier Trials – Nominations will close on Wednesday

All nominations close at 12 noon on the specified day and are to be lodged with the RISA Service Centre on 1800 138 704

HORSE EMBARGO GUIDELINES

COMMENCEMENT DATE - 1 August 2009

Local Rule 36(b) states that “The stewards may declare at any time a horse ineligible to start in a race until such horse has trialled, passed a barrier test or passed any required veterinary examination to the satisfaction of stewards”.

In order to ensure a consistent and fair outcome, Queensland Racing Limited Stewards will take the view that unless exceptional circumstances arise :

Horses barred for barrier related offences be required to obtain two further Barrier Certificates at jumpouts. Notwithstanding the fact that a Barrier Certificate may be obtained in a Barrier Trial.
Furthermore, for horses barred for performance related offences or incidents during the running of a race, Stewards will order that such horse must compete in an Official Trial. In these instances a horse will not be permitted to trial in the 5 days immediately following the embargo being imposed.

Through these actions Queensland Racing hopes to achieve:

A consistent approach in all circumstances
Less travel for horses to barrier trials as jumpouts are more readily available
Less disruption to the programs of horses, through horses being barred to barrier trials for barrier infringements.

QLD TRAINERS LOSE ICONIC TRANSPORT SERVICE

At the end of July, the curtain came down on one of Queensland’s longest serving horse transport companies Brisbane Livestock Transport (BLT).

After the loss of founder and owner Cliffy Keong in May the company decided to close its doors.

BLT was a successful business which consistently serviced many trainers from around Australia for decades.

We wish to thank the Keong family and their staff for their many long years of service to the industry and wish them well in the future.