STEWARDS ACCESS TO STABLES
Following the decision by Racing Victoria Stewards to seek electronic and key access to stables at Flemington and Caulfield, under Australian Rule of Racing AR 8B introduced in 2007, which provides for unfettered access to stables across Australia for Stewards to conduct stable inspections, the ATA sought legal advice on this Rule (which confirmed the validity of the Rule), as well as important assurances and parameters from Stewards relating to access associated with these stable inspections.
Chief Steward Terry Bailey has formally assured the ATA Committee that stable inspections would not be conducted if the stables are unattended. He further assured the ATA that key/electronic access to stables across Victoria would only be formally requested if such access was impeded. He also advised the ATA that all Flemington and Caulfield trainers had complied with the RV request for electronic/key access to their stables.
OWNERS AND TRAINERS SECURITY MODEL
The Owners and Trainers Security Model to address the long standing issue of debt, developed by the ATA in conjunction with TROA, has been approved by the Board of Racing Victoria. It follows similar approval by the Board of Racing NSW. The issue is scheduled to be presented to the Australian Racing Board (ARB) meeting in June for national approval. The approval by both Boards of Racing Victoria and Racing NSW is a significant step forward towards a resolution of this major issue affecting the financial viability of many training businesses.
CORTICOSTEROIDS RULE CHANGES
The ATA has been advised by Racing Victoria that the ARB has approved the adoption of a new Rule relating to the administration and use of Corticosteroids in racehorses.
The ATA sought the advice of prominent veterinarians and the Equine Veterinary Association (EVA) on the issue, and, following meetings arranged by the ATA with the EVA, RV and the ARB, supported the EVA recommendation.
The ARB, having regard to extensive veterinary and scientific advice, has decided that the Stand Down Period will be 10 days (8 Clear Days) from administration to racing.
A new rule to introduce a 10 day (8 Clear Days) Stand Down Period will be introduced on 1 August, 2014.
ONE CLEAR DAY PROHIBITION ON ALKALINIZING AGENTS / IV DRIPS
At its recent April meeting, the Australian Racing Board resolved to amend AR.178A (One Clear Day Prohibition on Alkalinizing Agents), as a result of the withdrawal of El Roca at Rosehill Gardens.
Racing Victoria will shortly provide their views on this issue as there remains some confusion as to what can and can’t be used in terms of IV Drips the day before racing.
Victorian Members will be updated further on this issue.
NEW COBALT THRESHOLDS
RV has enacted a Local Rule of Racing setting out a threshold for Cobalt in racehorses.
CLICK HERE to view RV Media Release - Cobalt Threshold Introduced.
Trainers are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the new Local Rule, which RV had advised the ATA has been introduced as a result of evidence of its performance enhancing capabilities in levels above the threshold and credible intelligence suggesting that it poses a potential threat to the welfare of horses and riders.
TRACK PREPARATION POLICY / TRACK RATINGS AND 7 DAY TRACK UPDATES
RV has advised that it is undertaking a review of the Track Preparation Policy to simplify the understanding of how tracks are prepared and rated.
The ARB has also approved changes to the system of rating tracks which will involve a mix of descriptors and numbers. The new Track Ratings Scales is as follows :
Rating |
Numerical Rating |
Description of Numerical Rating |
Firm |
1 |
Dry hard track |
Firm |
2 |
Firm track with reasonable grass coverage |
Good |
3 |
Track with good grass coverage and cushion |
Good |
4 |
Track with some give in it |
Soft |
5 |
Track with a reasonable amount of give in it |
Soft |
6 |
Moist but not a badly affected track |
Soft |
7 |
More rain-affected track that will chop out |
Heavy |
8 |
Rain affected track that horses will get into |
Heavy |
9 |
Wet track getting into a squelchy area |
Heavy |
10 |
Heaviest category track, very wet, towards saturation |
The new ratings will come into effect on 1 December, 2014 as extensive changes are required to the IT systems and data feeds of RISA and their commercial customers. The delay in introduction is due to the need to backdate track conditions so as to accurately record a horse’s performance.
While the changes will not have any impact on the way tracks are prepared, there are proposed changes to the Late Scratching Policy and RV is seeking feedback from Trainers on the changes to the Late Scratching Policy through the ATA. We encourage trainers to provide feedback on this important issue.
INELIGIBLE NOMINATIONS/INCOMPLETE STABLE RETURNS
Following ATA representations, action is being instigated through RISA to alert trainers when incomplete stable returns or documentation can result in the rejection of nominations.
ANIMAL RIGHTS ISSUES
RV will act on developing a strategy based on facts and research on equine welfare in the racing industry to counter the well planned public and media campaign being conducted and escalated by the various Animal Rights activist groups to undermine and erode the integrity of racing.
TRAINERS LIAISON OFFICERS
RV has agreed to an ATA Committee proposal to allocate resources for an on-course Trainers’ Liaison role, for a six (6) month trial period. Matt Hyland and Matt Pumpa will be available to assist trainers with concerns and table any queries, requests or feedback from trainers while they are attending race meetings, trials, track work or stables in their official roles with RV. Both will ensure that those queries which cannot be answered immediately are referred to RV for explanation and resolution and will also be referred to the ATA. The ATA appreciates this assistance from RV which should help generate a better understanding by the industry of both the needs of trainers and issues needing resolution within a quick timeframe.
DEPRESSION
ATA Chief Executive John Alducci and RV Chief Executive Bernard Saundry have met with Jeff Kennett, Chairman of the depression support charity Beyondblue, to seek support for trainers and their families confronted by depression. The ATA is seeking funding resources from both RV and the State Government to establish a formal professional support network for trainers and their families in need of assistance. Mr Kennett has pledged his support and assistance for this most important ATA initiative through Beyondblue. The ATA will keep members updated.
