REVIEW OF FREE NOMINATIONS SYSTEM

RVL has again raised the issue of some trainers continuing to indiscriminately nominate their horses for races, with instances of horses being nominated up to 22 times in a two and a half week period since they last raced. Clearly such indiscriminate multiple nominations could jeopardise the future of what clearly is a major cost saving and well received initiative in Victorian racing.

The ATA strongly urges trainers to respect the benefits of the Free Nominations System and exercise their discretion when nominating horses.

NEW HORSE TRAINING INDUSTRY AWARD

The new Horse Training Industry Award covering stablehands comes into operation on January 1, 2010. The ATA will very shortly be advising all members of the major changes and importantly their obligations under the new Award legislation.

The ATA Industrial Relations Manager Wayne Lee is the contact for all matters relating to the Award and trainers are advised to contact him should they require any advice on industrial relations, employment or the Award.

PLACEMENT OF RETIRED HORSES

The ATA has expressed its support for and endorsed the Racehorse Outplacement Program which is an initiative of the Cyberhorse organisation. Under the program, ex-racehorses would be placed within the equestrian community and be retrained by skilled equestrian consultants for a life after racing. The program has considerable merit in its endeavours to ensure that good homes and even new careers can be found for ex-racehorses within the equestrian community.

ROLLOUT OF INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

RVL’s major works and maintenance programs under the Infrastructure Plan are being rolled out at some of the major country racing and training venues.

Projects have commenced or are about to begin at Ballarat, Mornington and at Werribee where a major reconstruction will involve the new International Quarantine Centre and the racing surface to enable it to resume racing in the latter half of next year. Work on the Geelong Thoroughtrack is also scheduled to commence after the running of the Geelong Cup, while further works are also scheduled for Yarra Valley and Cranbourne.

The proposed Nar Nar Goon racing and training complex is scheduled to go ahead subject to the sale of Pakenham racecourse.

2010/2011 RACEDATES AND RACING PROGRAM

The consultation process between RVL, Race Clubs and Stakeholders is underway to finalise race dates and changes to the racing calendar and racing program for the 2010/2011 racing season. Some of the major issues under consideration include the volume of race dates, night racing, synthetic track racing, the metropolitan and country racing calendar and programs, autumn carnival dates and programs and the jumps racing program for the new season.