Last Friday, 4 April, without formal consultation with the Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA), Racing Victoria (RV) sent a letter to Caulfield and Flemington trainers requiring them to hand over keys to their stables by this Friday, 11 April.
ATA Chief Executive Officer, John Alducci said RV’s lack of consultation was of concern to the ATA executive and many of its members.
“We have surveyed our Victorian members with more than half responding and 65 per cent opposing RV’s requirements,” Mr Alducci said.
“The ATA recognises the importance of integrity measures and it feels strongly that RV’s approach potentially creates poor perceptions of trainers."
“We are adamant that this needs to be addressed immediately by exploring alternative methods to seeking cooperation from trainers.”
The ATA Victorian Branch Committee has endorsed the survey findings and RV has been approached with a request to postpone the enforcement of its demands until discussions have been held between the ATA Committee and RV Executives.
A meeting of the ATA’s Victorian Committee will be held next Tuesday, 15 April and will be attended by RV Executives.
It is anticipated that the matter will be discussed with the aim of reaching a resolution in the best interests of ATA members and the racing industry.
