After a fantastic start to our Winter Carnival and all the focus that Black Caviar has given to our racing industry, it is of the utmost importance that we try and convert that exposure to results. It is well recognised by all industry participants that we are going through very difficult times. We at the ATA are continuing our push to see light at the end of the prize-money tunnel.
The recent suggestion by Racing Queensland to change the conditions of our “Oaks” race for 3yo Fillies has sparked plenty of discussion. Rather than commenting on whether breaking the tradition of one of our time honoured events holds any merit, what is pleasing is the open mindedness of the suggestion. The industry has to constantly move with the times, and changes that are of benefit to our stakeholders need to be considered. Let’s hope that this same level of open mindedness continues to be used into the future.
The ATA has offered its support to Racing Queensland introducing a Local Rule prohibiting the use of banned substances in Trials. As a summary of our view on this subject, treating our Trials with the same manner of regulation and control as our Races, can only assist our industry in areas of integrity and safety.
AMBASSADOR TRAVEL RACETREE WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The Ambassador Travel Racetree Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of May by Robert Heathcote.
On BTC Cup Day when all focus was on Black Caviar and the host of interstate invaders, our leading local trainer had success with Humma in the Group 3 Chairman’s Hcp and Fillydelphia in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate. In what was a huge day for the Heathcote stable they also had a 2nd in the Doomben Dash with Gundy Son and 3rd places to Work the Room, Sway to Go and Buffering who led the chase behind the brilliant Black Caviar and Hay List. It is a credit to Robert and his team to have his horses racing so consistently and in such high quality company.
The 12 monthly winners will be in the running to win the inaugural Wayne Wilson Medal for the 2010-11 racing season. The Medal is proudly promoted by the ATA and sponsored by Ambassador Travel and Racetree, with the winner at the end of the racing season receiving an all inclusive trip for two to the 2011 Cox Plate along with a magnificent perpetual trophy, and 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 2010-11
August : Trevor Thomas, Jedi Starfighter’s win at Eagle Farm at 200-1
September : Ben Currie, Rothera winning 5th race from 7 starts
October : Roger Milne, Captain Sonador winning the Epsom Handicap
November : Norm Hilton, Poor Judge winning the Chatham Handicap
December : Ben Ahrens, Spechenka winning Summer Cup at Randwick
January: Tony Gollan, Temple of Boom winning the Magic Millions Sprint
February: Darryl Hansen, Essington making it 4 in a row in the Falvelon Quality Hcp
March : Pat Sexton, Lucky Leak making it 4 in a row winning the Weetwood Hcp
April : Michael Jacobs, Al Mazaya winning 4 in a row
May : Robert Heathcote, training 2 winners on BTC Cup Day.
.................................................................................................................................................................
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.
