Summer is over and thankfully we didn't have the heat that was experienced down south with only one of our meetings being affected. All the good horses are now back in work in readiness for the Winter Carnival which is just around the corner.
ATA QLD BRANCH QUARTERLY MEETING
There has been plenty happening off the track of late, which the ATA has been working on behind the scenes both on a state and national level. Some of these issues were discussed at our recent quarterly meeting held at Eagle Farm in January. We had over 30 trainers in attendance from Brisbane, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast and Rockhampton.
Once again Racing Queensland showed their support of the ATA by making available RQ Chairman Kevin Dixon, CEO Darren Condon and Chief Seward Wade Birch to present updates on topical issues and openly answer questions.
The following is a brief report on some of the outcomes of the meeting.
> Apprentice System (concerns/problems/feedback) - Trainers discussed how concerned they were with the current system. RQ advised that a solution to this problem is very close to being announced.
> Bad Publicity (recent MM media farce) - RQ advised that they held open enquiries and had no control over how or what the media report.
> Owner Contracts/Debt Management - RQ advised that the new system on the table will be a huge benefit to all trainers. Trainers all agreed that making non-paying owners accountable and known to the industry was a major positive.
> New Rulings ( AR.64M Intra-articulate steroids) - Trainers all agreed that this new ruling was of no benefit to the industry and should be strongly opposed.
> Starter Subsidies for Unplaced Runners - As much as all trainers would like to see this, they generally agreed that it could not be at the detriment to prize-money.
> New Track Description System - Trainers discussed the pending trial of a new track rating system. Trainers agreed that there was no benefit to the industry in this new system and that the current system is now well entrenched with punters etc. Trainers felt more accurate track ratings was of more importance.
> Re-handicapping at Acceptance trial - Trainers agreed that the trial of re-handicapping at acceptance time was a positive move.
> Horses Scratched at Barriers - Trainers discussed and agreed that these horses connections should not be charged the fees associated with racing on that day. Owners already have the disappointment and other costs associated.
> RQ Stewards Update - Wade Birch, Chief Steward discussed the new track rating system, the pending introduction of the rule relating to AR.64m Intra-articulate steroids, race-day treatments and the mandatory penalty etc.
> RQ Chairman's Update - Kevin Dixon discussed the upcoming debt management system, future prize-money plans and the current court-case situations with wagering income.
> RQ CEO Update - Darren Condon discussed the implementation of a new Work-Cover starters fee system due to commence on 1/2/14.
The meeting was very well received by all and special thanks to the B.R.C for offering the venue and providing lunch and the presentation by their Chairman Neville Bell. We look forward to our next meeting which will be at the Hamilton Hotel in April.
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, with Cameron sending 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 on 0433-329-395 or email cam24.7@optusnet.com.au
2013 / 14 WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2014 Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of January by Lacey Morrison for two great efforts during the month.
Firstly her 3yo gelding by Royal Insight, ANYMORE was able to win the Magic Millions Maiden and then just 2 weeks later her 4yo mare TUKIYO by Haradasun won the listed Nudgee Quality Handicap at Eagle Farm.
ANYMORE is now in the paddock and will come back to target races in the Winter. TUKIYO has a trip to Sydney and is aiming for the Weetwood and other races in the Winter.
Lacey has only been training since October last year, after a very successful career as a jockey and a short time as a Steward. Based at Westbrook in Toowoomba, Lacey trains privately for John Dann who relinquished his trainer's licence recently to concentrate on business interests. Lacey is very appreciative of the trust and support shown by John and looks to have a bright future in our industry.
Lacey is now in the running for the 2014 Royston Stud Wimmers Soft Drinks Wayne Wilson Medal.
The Wayne Wilson Medal 2013-14
August : John Manzelmann for his two stayers winning the 3 Cups in North Qld.
September : David Lawlor, 3 Saturday Metro wins from 5 starters in the month.
October : Rob Heathcote, BUFFERING winning the G1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
November : Rob Heathcote, BUFFERING winning the G1 VRC Sprint & the G1 Winterbottom Stakes.
December : Steve Tregea, LOVE ROCKS winning the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes at Doomben.
January : Lacey Morrison, ANYMORE winning the MM Maiden & TUKIYO winning the Nudgee Hcp.
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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.
