Whilst we are right in the middle of the Winter Carnival with fantastic racing on our tracks, off the track Queensland Trainers have been given a very positive sign towards the future. At our quarterly A.T.A meeting held at the Hamilton Hotel on May 24th we were given the opportunity to have an “open forum” discussion with our new Racing Minister Steve Dickson, and new Chairman of Racing Qld Kevin Dixon.
The 30 trainers present heard the thoughts of the two key individuals who have taken up the massive challenge to restore our industry from the disgraceful position it had fallen into. Understandably the changes needed will take time to fully implement, but the overall consensus of the trainers present was that we are in good hands. The simple fact we were given the platform to discuss the issues facing us, and that we can feel confident that as we go forward we will be consulted and informed on a regular basis of pending changes, is something that is vastly different to what had happened in the past regime.
In saying this, we as a group need to be vigilant in our efforts to keep our association at the forefront of the minds of the new Board and Minister. A simple way each trainer can do this is to ensure you are a member of the A.T.A and make the effort to attend our meetings as often as possible. We endeavour to communicate with all members by sms and email – if you are currently not receiving ATA updates via email please sms Cameron on 0433 329 395 with your email address.
MEMBERS' BENEFIT UPDATE - Gold Fleet Discount on NEW TOYOTA Motor Vehicles and HINO Trucks
It is with pleasure that we advise that Members of the Australian Trainers’ Association will continue to receive Gold Fleet Discounts on NEW TOYOTA Motor Vehicles & HINO Trucks for the next twelve months. Effectively, this offer will enable ATA Members to save thousands of dollars off their next purchase from the NEW Toyota & Hino range of vehicles.
This is a special offer that has been negotiated by the ATA and is not available to non-members or the general public.
All Gold Fleet initial enquiries are administered through Stephen Poulton at Berwick Toyota.
This offer is valid Australia wide and the team at Berwick Toyota will happily organise a local delivery on your behalf, PLUS, you still get the Toyota “Service Advantage” (Fixed Price services for 3 years or 60,000k) which also saves you more money when you have your car serviced by a Toyota dealer.
If you have any questions regarding the purchase of a NEW Toyota Motor Vehicle or Hino Truck, please don’t hesitate to call Stephen Poulton personally on (03) 9707 4455, mobile 0408 140 159 or email stephenp@berwicktoyota.com.au
2012 AMBASSADOR TRAVEL RACETREE WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2012 Ambassador Travel Racetree Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of May by Brian Smith.
His old stayer HUME was able to win the Group 3 Chairman’s Hcp at Doomben on the 12th May after going nearly 3 years since his last win.
The rising 9yo son of Zabeel scored his 7th win and took his career earnings to nearly $400,000 with the victory.
HUME was a 50-1 chance and was 2nd up when he won the 2000m event, and it was a fitting reward for the hard work and time Brian has put into the horse. After running 2nd to Shocking over 2500m in the lead-up to the 2009 Melbourne Cup, HUME has always promised to deliver, but injuries along the way have been a constant hurdle.
The 12 monthly winners will be in the running for the 2012 Wayne Wilson Medal. The Medal is proudly promoted by the ATA and sponsored by Ambassador Travel and Racetree, with the winner receiving an all inclusive trip for two to the 2012 Cox Plate along with of course, the Wayne Wilson Medal. Thanks once again to our sponsors www.ambassadortravel.com.au and www.racetree.com.au
The Ambassador Travel Racetree Wayne Wilson Medal 2011-12
August : Tony Gollan, TEMPLE OF BOOM winning the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Hcp at Flemington
September : Robert Heathcote, BUFFERING and WOORIM winning at Mooney Valley
October : Brian Wakefield, NUPTSE winning at Rosehill
November : Jason McLachan, FACILE TIGRE winning the Listed Always Welcome Stakes at Flemington
December : David Lawlor, winning Sat Metro Double at Eagle Farm inc Listed Phelan Ready Stakes
January : Peter Balzen, winning the 3yo Magic Millions Guineas with PUNCH ON.
February : Robert Heathcote, WOORIM winning the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.
March : Stuart Kendrick, DOUBTFILLY winning the QTIS 600 2yo race at the Gold Coast.
April : Tony Gollan, TEMPLE OF BOOM winning the Group 1 Galaxy at Randwick.
May : Brian Smith, HUME winning the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben.
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One of the major benefits of being a member of the ATA is having a support network to go to if you have problems or concerns. We can’t solve them all, but we will take your issue on board and try and negotiate on your behalf where we can. Whatever the problem contact us and we will at the least, point you in the right direction. If you are not a member yet, now is the right time to join. Call Cameron Partington on 0433-329-395 or email ataqld@austrainers.com.au for any further information about the Queensland Branch of the Australian Trainers Association.
