HARD TRACKS – A SERIOUS WELFARE ISSUE

The problems associated with the preparation of tracks continue to persist despite the regular reiteration to track managers of the RVL Tracks Preparation Policy. When tracks are presented with a Good 3 rating at 7am on race morning, it can be safely assumed that by the start of the first race or soon after, they will be upgraded to a Good 2, which equates to a “fast” track rating.

It is of great concern to the ATA that trainers and their horses are faced with racing on hard surfaces at the start of a race meeting, often resulting in horses jarring up or pulling up sore. What is even more alarming to the ATA is that these problems associated with racing surfaces and tracks preparation are being experienced so early in the spring.

With an even grimmer forecast for a hot and dry summer, the ATA has called on RVL to immediately remind clubs of their obligations and address this problem before it worsens.

TRIALS AND JUMPOUTS FOR UNRACED HORSES

RVL has informed the ATA that commencing with this issue of Inside Racing, a schedule of trials and jump outs for unraced horses will be published each month and will be progressively updated in appropriate issues.

The trials and jump outs will be conducted at training centres and are part of the revised process for the issuing of barrier certificates for unraced horses and also for the requirement for horses to compete in official trials or jump outs before they are allowed to race. It is expected that the new process will come into place on January 1.

RVL will also announce arrangements for private training establishments, so that horses that are trained out of these centres are adequately catered for.

A MEMORABLE SPRING FOR BART AND KAV

The recently completed spring carnival was a personal and professional triumph at the highest level for two trainers - Bart Cummings and Mark Kavanagh.

There is very little that can be said or written about Bart Cummings. He has created and continues to rewrite racing history and his legacy is already perpetual. At 82 years of age, there is no stopping Bart Cummings. He has made the Melbourne racing carnival his own for many years, and continues to give racing the right headlines at a time when the industry desperately looks for good news stories.

Mark Kavanagh won his first Melbourne Cup this year and if the impact that he has had on black type races is any guide, it is unlikely to be his last. In the relatively short time since relocating to Melbourne from South Australia, Mark Kavanagh has established himself a permanent place among racing’s elite trainers, winning Group Ones with Divine Madonna, Devil Moon, Maldivian, Whobegotyou and Shocking.

Our own Victorian Branch Committee member, Peter Moody also enjoyed a career highlight of a Group One double on Derby day with Headway and Typhoon Tracy, continuing his successful spring and further consolidating his place in the top echelon of trainers in Australia.

To Bart Cummings, Mark Kavanagh and Peter Moody, and to all successful trainers over the spring carnival, we extend our congratulations.