Racing Queensland is very obviously in a difficult position currently with a lot of issues taking up plenty of their time, including the condition of many of our tracks. Recent wet weather hasn't helped this situation, and we appreciate the difficulties being faced with Eagle Farm out of action. But we have to face the reality that our tracks are clearly not up to the standard required. We can only hope that when Eagle Farm is up and running again, it's looked after early and it can take us forward and give our industry a quality track worthy of the quality of our horses.
We are still waiting on Racing Queensland to approve the introduction of the option to dual accept in our races at the same venue. We have been in negotiation and discussion on how best to bring it in to ensure fairness for all horses entered but to also make it viable and workable. We hope that the ability for trainers to dual accept in Queensland is implemented shortly.
Our next quarterly meeting will be in June at the Hamilton Hotel, details of time and date will be in our next report. Please note only financial members will be able to attend, so if you are not currently a member now is a good time to do so. The strength of our association is in the weight of our numbers, so being a member and attendance where possible at our meetings, is a significant investment in our industry.
Communication is very important to the ATA, and here in Qld we do our best to ensure information is passed on as often as possible. Cameron sends regular emails and SMS with latest news and issues. If you are currently not receiving these emails or SMS please make us aware by contacting Cameron at the email or phone below.
THE WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2015 Wayne Wilson Medal for the month of March has been won by Ray McCall with his smart 4yo HE DON'T CARE.
This gelding by Exceedingly Good put together 3 wins in a row during March and made it 4 wins out of his last 5 starts. His last 2 wins were in Saturday Metropolitan grade and HE DON'T CARE looks to have more wins in store.
Ray keeps only a small team of 4-6 on his property in Landsborough and always seems to find a city class horse each season. The horse was purchased by Ray for a small group of local owners and when one of them was asked what they should name him he said "I don't care", so that's how he got the name. HE DON'T CARE will now go to the Weetwood Handicap before getting a well earned spell.
Ray is now in the running for the 2015 Wayne Wilson Medal proudly supported by Tattsbet and Wimmers Soft Drinks.
The Wayne Wilson Medal 2015
August : John Manzelmann - PAYTEEVEE winning the Cairns and Townsville Cups.
September : Rob Heathcote - BUFFERING winning the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Mooney Valley.
October : Brian Wakefield - GRAYSON SQUARE winning 3 Metropolitan races in a row.
November : Helen Page - RUDY winning the Recognition Stakes at Doomben.
December : Rex Lipp - TINTO winning the Listed Bernborough Hcp at Toowoomba.
January : Darryl Hansen - LE CHEF winning the Magic Millions 2yo Classic at the Gold Coast.
February : Les Ross - ONE STANDOUT winning QTIS 2yo Hcp making it 9 2yo wins for the season so far.
March : Ray McCall - HE DON'T CARE winning 3 in a row and 4 from last 5 starts.
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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.
