As the Winter Carnival approaches, the nation's focus will once again be on racing in our wonderful state and the usual influx of interstate and overseas horses come in search of our prize-money. We wish all our local trainers the best of luck in the tough challenge competing against such quality opposition, and let's hope that our Queensland trainers, owners and jockeys can enjoy some of the success and financial reward on offer.
WORK COVER
One of the hottest topics over the last five years is that of our Work Cover system, and Racing Queensland has currently got the issue on the table trying to find a satisfactory solution. The ATA originally brought the concerns of our members to the attention of Racing Queensland over 3 years ago and offered some ideas for consideration. With the vast logistical differences in the business operations of our trainers, finding an ideal solution to suit every situation is very difficult. The industry needs a system that accurately accounts for the risk and costs of providing work cover to all employee's and charges premiums to trainers in an equitable way.
There are a huge amount of small trainers who currently pay for work cover premiums without actually employing anyone, and there is a group of larger trainers that together account for the majority of the states premium. Then there are those in the middle, that due to the way they conduct their individual businesses, are either contributing more or less than what would seem equitable. The current Work Cover system uses wages paid and claims history as the basis to account for individual premiums, and we believe this is not an accurate way to proportion the cost. Racing Queensland have produced a starters fee system to collect the states premium which was due to be implemented last month but is currently being reviewed.
ADJUSTING HANDICAPS AT ACCEPTANCE TIME
It will be interesting to hear the feedback on the trial currently underway for adjusting handicaps at acceptance time when weights are required to be raised. This suggestion had been put forward by the ATA and it is pleasing to see Racing Queensland listening to the industry and acting accordingly.
I strongly suggest if you have any feedback after this trial, positive or negative, that you make it known to Cameron so it can be collated within the overall response at the conclusion of the trial period.
ATA QLD BRANCH - NOTICE OF MEETING
We look forward to our next meeting which will be at the Hamilton Hotel on Monday the 28th April at 12.30pm where we will be discussing all the pressing issues facing our trainers.
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.
2013 / 14 WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2014 Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of February by Les Ross for his two city wins by MISHANI WARRIOR during the month.
Les has had the 5yo gelding by Show A Heart for 18 starts and has won 9 of them, taking him from a Class 1 horse to the winner of the Listed Tattersall's Members' Cup in a little over 12 months.
MISHANI WARRIOR has earned nearly $300k for owner Mike & Patty Crooks which is a great reward for the investment they have in the industry and the support through race sponsorship via their company Barrier Reef Pools.
Les 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.
February : Les Ross, MISHANI WARRIOR winning the Tattersall's Members' Cup 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.
