Another Winter Carnival over and a new racing season is just around the corner. In what has been a very busy time for all our trainers I want to take this opportunity on behalf of all Queensland Members to acknowledge the ongoing hard work and efforts being put in by our State Co-ordinator Cameron Partington. With the organisation of our meetings, communications to our members and helping out individuals on a variety of topics, having Cameron working for us has been extremely beneficial. On a personal note, it has certainly made my job as your President significantly easier and the additional presence that Cameron has created has gone a long way in both increasing the profile of the ATA in QLD, and more importantly building a stronger relationship with our industry partners, in particular Racing Queensland.

WORKCOVER

Work-Cover has been a major issue for many of our members and the ATA is doing what we can to ensure our trainers have the best possible cover. A workshop was held recently, attended by both small and large trainers along with our State Work-Cover representative Jody McLaren. A variety of issues were discussed including premium rates and structure. Qld trainers racing in other states having to pay additional Work-Cover costs was also addressed with the outcome being that in the main this shouldn’t be required. If you have any questions around Work-Cover please contact Cameron who can assist you initially and put you in touch with the right people.

PROPOSED NEW INCENTIVE SCHEME

Racing Queensland invited the ATA Committee to a roll-out of a proposal to a new incentive scheme to replace the current QTIS and QTIS 600. The ATA appreciated being involved in the negotiation stages of what would be a very important change that could have major effects for all industry participants, particularly our breeders. The meeting was very productive and our views and ideas were well received.

SCRATCHING FEE FOR TRIALS

If you have noticed that the scratching fee for trials has increased dramatically, take note that we have also. We have contacted Racing Queensland who assured us that the matter will investigated and addressed accordingly. More on the outcome of this next month.

AMBASSADOR TRAVEL RACETREE WAYNE WILSON MEDAL

The Ambassador Travel Racetree Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of June by Mackay trainer John Manzelmann. Rocket to Glory won his 4th race in ten starts when the gelding by Shovog won the QTIS 600 2yo race in Rockhampton on 25th June. This followed his win in the Parry Nissan 2yo race in Townsville earlier in the month. Rocket to Glory has amassed over $240,000 in prize-money and looks set for a bright future. John has transferred the training of the horse now to Darryl Hansen to make it easier for him as he tackles the city races and perhaps even the Southern Carnivals.

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 winning 4 in a row, Al Mazaya
May : Robert Heathcote, training 2 winners on BTC Cup Day.
June : John Manzelman, Rocket To Glory winning in Townsville & Mackay

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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.