Happy New Year to all!
ATA QLD BRANCH ENDORSES THREE CANDIDATES FOR NEW RACING BOARD
It will certainly be a very important year ahead in our industry. With the appointments of the new Racing Board members being decided, the successful applicants certainly have our future in their hands. The ATA was approached by a number of individuals seeking our support and endorsement with their applications. After lengthy consideration, the Committee of the ATA Qld decided on endorsing three candidates being current Chairman Kevin Dixon, current Board Member Greg Hallam and Michael Kelly from Dalby. The first two candidates are well known to the industry, and a brief summary of Michael Kelly follows -
Michael is based in Dalby where he has been an Accountant for 31 years having many jockeys and trainers as his clients. With an active involvement in our industry for over 25 years, both as an owner/breeder and as an administrator (Dalby Race Club 26yrs in roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer), the Committee felt Michael would be a very valuable asset to Racing Queensland’s future. Michael offers the right balance with his involvement on both sides of the industry fence, and having an appreciation of the battles our trainers have in both in the City and the Country. We offer our full support to Michael and both Kevin and Greg in their efforts to obtain positions on the new Racing Boards.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES
The working group organised by Racing Queensland to re-invigorate the current training system, has had immediate effect. With the departure of the Industry Training & Workforce Development Manager, there will no doubt be a whole new attitude and direction in this area. The ATA looks forward to working closely with R.Q as it progresses and implements future plans for the training and development of industry employees.
VALE ASHLEE MUNDY AND HOWARD WILSON
It is with great sadness we note the tragic loss of jockey Ashlee Mundy in a New Zealand race fall. Ashlee had many friends amongst the trainers in Qld and this is just another reminder of the dangers faced everyday by our track-work riders and jockeys.
Also we lost veteran Gold Coast based trainer Howard Wilson to a heart attack last month. Howard was well known for his dapper dress sense and had always had a good horse in the stable. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of both Ashlee and Howard.
ATA REPRESENTATION THROUGHOUT THE STATE
The ATA in Qld will be looking to have representative’s throughout the State as an initiative for 2013 to endeavour to have better communication with our members. The idea is to have more input from our country members, who may be able to then encourage greater involvement in meetings etc. If you feel you would be in a position to fulfil this role in your area, please contact Cameron to discuss.
2013 WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2013 Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of December by Liam Birchley with his classy filly MISSY LONGSTOCKING winning the Group 3 B.J McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm.
The 2yo Filly by Sequalo made it four straight wins and already has amassed nearly $200,000 in her first preparation.
The 12 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.
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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.
