While the big racing down south continues on, it’s very pleasing to see our fellow Queensland trainers succeeding on the big stage. Rob Heathcote with Buffering and Woorim, Roger Milne with Captain Sonador and John Wallace with Shootout flying the maroon flag and showing that our local horses are right up to the country’s best. The focus maybe on Melbourne this time of year, but the fact that everybody has a sudden interest in racing can only help getting more owners involved and more punters to our tracks.

WAYNE WILSON MEDAL

The Wayne Wilson Medal, supported by the Australian Trainers Association, has seen its first two monthly winners. Each month Wayne will help select a winner based on a particular performance or result achieved by a Queensland Trainer. The 12 monthly winners will then be in the running to win the inaugural Wayne Wilson Medal for the 2010-11 racing season.

Trevor Thomas for his effort getting Jedi Starfighter to win at huge odds at Doomben has taken out the August Award. Trevor has a small team of horses based at Caloundra and together with his wife Kerry caught all the punters napping at 200-1!

Then for September’s Award, 19yo Ben Currie from Toowoomba had Rothera win at Doomben in what was his 5th win with the horse in 7 starts. Ben who mixes his training whilst studying journalism has a team of 12 and has only had his licence since November last year.

We are currently negotiating with sponsors for the Wayne Wilson Medal and should be in a position to announce the details etc by next month. If any-one wants to be involved in supporting this initiative which is encouraging and recognising our Queensland Trainers, please contact us.

ROCKHAMPTON TRAINERS ASSOCIATION

News from the north is the formation of a group to be known as the Rockhampton Trainers Association. Headed by Neil Boyle who is on our committee, it will give those members in the central and north of the state an opportunity to get together and discuss issues and share ideas. We at the ATA look forward to working with them and using their strength in numbers as a benefit in matters relating to their location.

ARE YOU AN ATA MEMBER?

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, please do not hesitate to 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.