Well the new racing season is off and running, and the nations focus is on the Spring Carnival in Melbourne. Queensland as usual is well represented and we wish all our fellow trainers with horses in the south the best of luck and the safest of travels. Back here at home we are seeing the start of our next batch of potential superstars as the 2yo’s hit our tracks.
ATA QUARTERLY MEETING AND AGM
Our quarterly ATA meeting was held at the Hamilton Hotel in the beginning of September and our AGM was also conducted. I am staying on as President and am very pleased to have Barry Baldwin assisting me as Vice-President and Tony Gollan as the Secretary. I would like to thank all Queensland members, in particular the hard working and dedicated Committee who will continue to assist Barry and myself in the challenging year ahead.
It was very pleasing to have a strong attendance at the meeting of nearly 40 members from Toowoomba, Sunshine and Gold Coasts joining the local Brisbane trainers. Other items discussed at the meeting was a proposal to implement a scheme to assist with the ongoing and increasing expense that is our Work-Cover, an update on the situation pending at Deagon, and other important issues that are effecting our members. A presentation by the shadow Minister for Racing Mr Ray Stevens provided a very informative insight into what may lie ahead pending the outcomes of the next State Election. We look forward to the current Minister Mr Tim Mulherin attending our next meeting in early 2012.
AMBASSADOR TRAVEL RACETREE WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The Ambassador Travel Racetree Wayne Wilson Medal for 2011 was also announced and trophies were presented to the 12 monthly winners. The winner of the inaugural Wayne Wilson Medal was Roger Milne form Toowoomba for his outstanding effort back in October 2010 winning the Group One Epsom Handicap with Captain Sonador.
Along with the magnificent individually cast and gold plated medal produced by Winning Edge Presentations, Roger receives a fantastic all inclusive trip for two to the Cox Plate thanks to Ambassador Travel. Congratulations to Roger, and the other monthly winners from 2011 and a huge thank-you to our proud supporters of the Wayne Wilson Medal - Peter Harney from Ambassador Travel and Kevin Dixon from Racetree.
As we move now towards the 2012 Ambassador Travel Racetree Wayne Wilson Medal, the first months winner is Tony Gollan for getting his star sprinter Temple of Boom to victory in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington on August 6th.
Temple of Boom is a 5yo gelding by Piccolo and has now won nearly $700,000 with 8 wins from 22 starts. Temple of Boom has a real liking to the Flemington straight and maybe a Group One race is within his reach over the Spring Carnival.
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
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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.
PAT DUFF
President
ATA Queensland Branch
