FREE NOMINATIONS SYSTEM REVIEW

RVL is in the process of conducting a review of the Free Nominations System which was introduced in Victoria on August 1 2008, following an ATA initiative.

RVL’s Racing Operations department has informed the ATA of its concerns in relation to the possible abuse of the system by some trainers multiple nominating horses for races, making it difficult for fellow trainers to effectively plan race programs for their horses with any degree of certainty. There are also implications for field sizes and ultimately wagering turnover.

In one particular instance, one horse was nominated 53 times for races since May 1 and started 6 times, while another was nominated 48 times since May 1 and started 7 times.

Feedback that the ATA has received is strongly in favour of the Free Nominations System. Apart from significantly reducing the cost of racing for owners, it also saves considerable administration time for trainers as well as improving their own cash flows.

The ATA urges all trainers to exercise their judgement and discretion when it comes to multiple nominations in order to protect the continuation of the Free Nomination System in Victoria.

VETERINARY AND RULES UPDATES

Following ATA representations, the Integrity Services Department will provide a revamped section in Inside Racing to inform trainers with updates on changes to the Rules of Racing and important veterinary updates.

The new revamped section appears in this issue of Inside Racing and will hopefully enable trainers and their staff to better access such important information in an easier to read format.

CANCELLED RACE MEETINGS AND COMPENSATION

RVL has responded to ATA calls for more detailed information to be posted on the RVL website relating to all the circumstances leading to the cancellation of race meetings in Victoria.

Information relating to track inspections, track conditions and the background to the decision to cancel a race meeting will be posted on the RVL website following the cancellation of a race meeting.

RVL will also post information relating to what compensation payments are payable to trainers, owners and jockeys, to eliminate confusion as to the monetary value of the compensation to these three groups.

Trainers should be reminded that Compensation Payments for cancelled meetings were introduced several years ago following ATA representations.