The ATA Federal Executive Conference was held last month in Melbourne where each state was represented and many issues discussed. The AGM was also conducted where Colin Alderson (Vic) was re-elected in the position of Federal President, and Leon MacDonald (S.A) and Colin Webster (W.A) were re-elected as Vice-Presidents.
One of the most important issues discussed was that of the "Owner/Trainer Security Model" which is planned for introduction at the start of the next racing season. This model incorporates a contract between owners and trainers with the ability to direct debit owners who fail to meet their financial obligations, the process being overseen and controlled via RISA. We will have more detailed information on this subject after the full approval of the Australia Racing Board Meeting scheduled in December.
The ATA Qld welcomes 2 new delegates who join our committee to ensure we have the best representation possible across our vast state. Todd Austin from Barcaldine and Roy Chillemi from Cairns join Barry Baldwin, Dan Meagher, Les Ross, Tony Gollan, Jim Murdoch, Pat Duff and Brian Wakefield (Brisbane), Toby Edmonds (Gold Coast), Rex Lipp (Toowoomba) Paul Jenkins (Sunshine Coast) and Jim Rundle (Rockhampton) as our committee and representing their local areas. As a member if you have any questions or concerns you can contact you nearest delegate, or by all means, go directly to our State Executive Cameron Partington.
Race programming is obviously not an easy task, and from a trainers perspective it can be very frustrating as races are added and deleted, often upsetting plans. The recent allocation of additional prize-money to an open handicap (tripling the amount) seems, on the surface, a positive move. But the reality is that many of our trainers had planned for this race at the conditions advertised and then had to change plans with the obvious increase in quality the race attracted. This is evidenced by the 18 initial nominations realising just 7 acceptors and the race very nearly being deleted.
With betting turnover so often used as the determining factor, the race at its original conditions would surely have provided a bigger and more even field which would have been attractive to punters. We are supportive and appreciative of RQ making changes on the go, but in this case an additional open handicap could have just been added to either the Saturday or Sunday meeting, keeping the original race as advertised and not disadvantaging those that had planned for it.
THE WAYNE WILSON MEDAL
The 2015 Wayne Wilson Medal has been won for the month of October by Brian Wakefield for his effort of winning three Metropolitan races in a row with GRAYSON SQUARE. A 5yo gelding by Savabeel, out of the mare Madison Gray, GRAYSON SQUARE won a BM85 race at the Gold Coast, followed by a Class 6 at Doomben and then another BM85 at Doomben all in the month.
Earning connections nearly $125k in these 3 starts, Brian's effort in getting his horse in winning condition and then placing him perfectly was a great effort. The addition of ear muffs to the horses gear prior to this winning streak seems to have worked well helping the horse to settle. Brian has a small team based at Eagle Farm and with GRAYSON SQUARE he looks to have a nice horse as we head into the better races during the summer.
Brian 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.
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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.
