As this report goes to print we still await the appointment of the members of the new Racing Board that will guide our industry into the future. The ATA in Queensland looks forward to the announcement and will meet with the successful applicants at our next meeting which will be held as soon as possible after the decision has been made. At our meeting we will also discuss the issues currently causing concern, in preparation for out next forum with Racing Queensland.
A good example of the strong working relationship the ATA Qld currently has with Racing Queensland is that when we recognise a problem, and bring it to their attention in a professional manner, we always receive prompt action and most often a mutually beneficial outcome. With the wet weather in January there was quite a bit of race rescheduling etc. A 3yo 1000m race was washed out at the Sunshine Coast, and was re-scheduled the following Saturday but became 1200m. Quite a few trainers brought this to our attention and we were able to contact the Chairman Kevin Dixon and within a matter of just a few hours, they realised their oversight and scheduled another race for the following Wednesday over a 1000m with Saturday prize-money.
Another positive result for us in January was the assistance given to one of our members who felt he was having difficulties getting a fair response from Racing Queensland in relation to regaining his licence. The member requested our assistance and both Cameron Partington and Committee member Les Ross were able to attend the interview and ensure the matter was handled fairly. The member was very appreciative of the assistance given, and felt having the ATA support certainly was very comforting and helpful in what produced a positive outcome for him.
2013 WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2013 Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of January by Kelso Wood for his magnificent Magic Millions win with his classy filly REAL SURREAL.
The 2yo Filly by Real Saga made it three wins from four starts and already has amassed over $1.2million in prize-money. She was a $70,000 yearling purchase and the three lady owners also picked up the $300,000 bonus for being the first female owned horse home. It was a fantastic day for Kelso who also had his star colt Sizzling finish a close 3rd in the 3yo Classic on the day.
The twelve monthly winners will be in the running for the 2013 Ambassador Travel Wimmers Soft Drinks Wayne Wilson Medal.
The Wayne Wilson Medal 2012-13
August: Patrick Inwood, JABIRU DREAMING winning 9 straight culminating in the Cleveland Bay.
September : Robert Heathcote, BUFFERING winning the Group 3 Moir Stakes at Mooney Valley.
October : Robert Heathcote, SOLZHENITZEN (G1) and BUFFERING (G2) winning at Caulfield.
November : Don Baker, JET STYLE winning 2 Listed Races at Eagle Farm.
December : Liam Birchley, MISSY LONGSTOCKING winning the B.J McLachlan Stakes (G3) at Eagle Farm.
January : Kelso Wood, REAL SURREAL winning the Magic Millions 2yo Classic at the Gold Coast.
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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 cam24.7@optusnet.com.au for further information about the Queensland Branch of the Australian Trainers Association.
