QUEENSLAND TRAINERS MAKE THEIR MARK IN MELBOURNE
Whilst all the nations eyes are on the Melbourne Cup and the Victorian Spring Carnival its pleasing to see our Qld trainers taking the Southerners on and winning. Both Tony Gollan and Robert Heathcote are leading the challenge and reminding us all that our local horses certainly can be competitive with, and beat, the best horses in the country.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MACKAY
The ATA sent a letter of support for our Rockhampton Trainers to Racing Queensland in regards to the current situation with the temporary closure of the Mackay track. With some races needing to be deleted due to lack of nominations, this has been making it very difficult for trainers and owners in the area having to travel huge distances to find suitable races. Racing Queensland assured us they understand the current position and where possible will consider as many ways as possible to ensure races can go ahead.
THE CUP Premier
With the Australian release of the movie “THE CUP” now in full swing, about 20 of our Brisbane trainers and their partners joined other members of the racing industry at the official premier at Portside Cinema. It was a fantastic evening and having trainers in attendance like Geoff Burns, who ran 2nd in the 1981 Cup with El Laurana, and John Wallace who ran 3rd with Oompala in 1994, along with Cup winning jockeys Chris Munce, Scott Seamer and Mel Schumacher certainly gave the event a touch of class. “THE CUP” which stars Stephen Curry as Damien Oliver, tells the remarkable and emotional story of the 2002 Melbourne Cup won by Media Puzzle. As well as highlighting the dangers that our jockeys face on a daily basis, the movie also does a very good job of presenting a positive image of our industry. If you have not seen “The Cup” do so soon, you will not be disappointed.
2012 AMBASSADOR TRAVEL RACETREE WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2012 Ambassador Travel Racetree Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of September by Robert Heathcote after his fantastic day at Mooney Valley. Rob’s tough sprinter BUFFERING won the Group 3 McEwan Stakes and he followed up later in the day with WOORIM's win giving him a career highlight double in Melbourne. Rob’s effort in getting both these horses to win during the Melbourne Spring Carnival, taking into account the logistical challenges of travel and environment change, certainly was an excellent achievement.
The 12 monthly winners will be in the running for the 2012 Wayne Wilson Medal. The Medal is proudly promoted by the ATA and sponsored by Ambassador Travel and Racetree, with the winner receiving an all inclusive trip for two to the 2012 Cox Plate along with 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 2011-12
August : Tony Gollan, TEMPLE OF BOOM winning the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Hcp at Flemington
September : Robert Heathcote, BUFFERING and WOORIM winning at Mooney Valley
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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 ataqld@austrainers.com.au for any further information about the Queensland Branch of the Australian Trainers Association.
