The recent wet weather in Queensland certainly caused some interruptions in our industry, putting Racing Queensland in a difficult position in deciding on the re-scheduling of races. We appreciated that our input was considered, and note that if the situation had warranted it, RQ would most certainly have split more races during the period.
The ATA welcomes the appointment of the new Minister for Racing, Mr Bill Byrne. We had a very good relationship with the past Minister and appreciated his attendance at our meetings when requested. We certainly look forward to building a similar relationship with the new Minister, and have invited him to our next Committee Meeting later this month. Outcomes of this meeting should be in our next trainers report.
Our next quarterly meeting will be in June, and for all future meetings you will need to be a paid-up member of the ATA to attend. In the past we have had open meetings, which was done to show all trainers what we do and to encourage them to become members. The strength of our association is in the weight of numbers of our members. So if you are not currently a member, and you are a trainer in Qld, I suggest you become one.
A question was recently raised about the Trainer Premierships on RISA. As these are viewed by many people in the industry including prospective owners, it is important that they are an accurate representation of trainers statistics. The major abnormality is that each state has varying views on what is a "country" meeting, yet there is a "country" premiership. In Victoria any meeting outside the Metro venues is deemed "country" and no meetings are "provincial". In NSW there are a few venues deemed "provincial" and these are located near the metro area, and in Qld we have "provincial" venues all across our huge state located very much in our "country" areas.
So our trainers have very little chance of figuring on the "country" premierships as wins gained at our provincial venues go into a void, and are not included anywhere other than the overall premiership. This issue has been taken up with Racing Queensland and they acknowledge it needs addressing and will endeavour to find a solution. More on this as it comes to hand.
THE WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2015 Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of February by Les Ross for the amazing success Les has had this season with his 2yo's. His four winning 2yo's, MISHANI HONCHO (3 Metro wins including the G3 Bruce McLachlan and $356k), FREQUENDLY ( 3 Metro wins and $198k), MISHANI DI CAPRIO (2 Metro wins and $124k) and ONE STANDOUT (1 Metro win and $86k). That's 9 Metro wins and a total of $764k in prize-money and bonus.
This has been an outstanding effort and has Les high on the list of 2yo winners nationally, and with the big 2yo races ahead in Sydney and then here at our Winter Carnival, Les looks well placed to be in the thick of the action.
Les is now in the running for the 2015 Wayne Wilson Medal proudly supported by Tattsbet and Wimmers Soft Drinks.
The Wayne Wilson Medal 2015
August : John Manzelmann - PAYTEEVEE winning the Cairns and Townsville Cups.
September : Rob Heathcote - BUFFERING winning the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Mooney Valley.
October : Brian Wakefield - GRAYSON SQUARE winning 3 Metropolitan races in a row.
November : Helen Page - RUDY winning the Recognition Stakes at Doomben.
December : Rex Lipp - TINTO winning the Listed Bernborough Hcp at Toowoomba.
January : Darryl Hansen - LE CHEF winning the Magic Millions 2yo Classic at the Gold Coast.
February : Les Ross - ONE STANDOUT winning QTIS 2yo Hcp making it 9 2yo wins for the season so far.
...............................................................................................................................................................
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.
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.
