** Kindly supplied by the Western Australian Racing Trainers Association
THE FUTURE
Better training facilities, including a new synthetic surface, are among the top priorities trainers are seeking in Racing and Wagering’s Strategic Review of the WA industry.
The prohibitive cost of establishing stables in the Ascot area has also drawn attention to the need for racecourse stabling, similar to that at other major Australian racetracks. Some argue the synthetic track should be at Belmont for training and as a venue for the inevitable introduction of night racing.
Results of the review are expected to be released in October.
BLOCKED DRAINS
Perth Racing is installing a new pump pit in the Mathieson Road car park to alleviate blockages caused by hors manure and other foreign items being disposed of through the drain system. Problems with the buzzer have also been alleviated with the installation of new cable.
Meanwhile trainers have asked for stewards to set strict rules for trackwork staff to adhere to in the event of a trackwork accident or horses getting loose on the track.
STABLE GUIDE
New stable employees are to receive an “Occupational Safety and Health Guide” booklet from RWWA.
The book is designed as a guide on what are considered to be acceptable work practices and risk control situations. It also includes an induction policy for new employees entering the industry.
Another booklet heading for all industry participants has been compiled by RWWA on the new “Rider Whip” policy that comes into effect in the new racing season.
And finally RWWA is issuing a pamphlet to all trainers on Animal Welfare Principles that includes a national medication rule commencing on October 1 requiring trainers to keep daily records of any, and all, therapeutic medications given to a horse under their care.
QUICK UPGRADE
After earning their right to ride in races through trials, new apprentice jockeys receive a four kilogram allowance for their first five winners.
For Damian Lane, the maximum allowance lasted less than a month after he headed to the north-west to gain experience. A winning double at Port Hedland on June 26 aboard King Crete and Rasco was followed by further success aboard Ieramugadu at Roebourne on July 11 with a double the next day at Port Hedland aboard Eternally Lucky and Racso.
Back in Perth Damian opened his city account at his first ride as a 3kg claiming apprentice when he piloted Miss Timed to victory for his father, trainer and former jockey Michael Lane. Apprentice Riding Master Laurie Millington tipped a bright future for the young jockey whose dedication is matched by his determination to succeed.
Damian Lane has been chosen as a winner of a $200 encouragement award jointly sponsored by WA racing trainers and Bio John.
TRAINING AWARDS
Racing journalist Ernie Manning found a wide range of trainers as recent winners of weekly Hi Gains Training Awards. They included:
Record Breaker: Bunbury trainer Brent Larsson produced Foxy Boy in record breaking form when the horse broke a 33-year-old record over 1200m at a Belmont mid-week meeting on June 10. The time of 1:9.46 edged out Good Morgan’s 1976 record and since then Foxy Boy repeated that effort by winning again on June 20. Since joining Larsson, Foxy Boy has had eight start for four wins and three places.
London Shines: When London joined Dean White’s stables he had just two horses in work, but both were helping cover expenses. London joined Veneration and between them they had six wins and three placings at Belmont from six starts. London was trialled in NSW but did not race in that State and his win at Belmont on June 27 made his WA record five wins from eight runs.
Big Improver: From a minor race win at Pinjarra in April to four Belmont wins in six weeks is a big endorsement for Willetton hobby trainer Edmund Hanna. The five-year-old Zuytdorp, whose latest success came on July 4, is the only horse Hanna has saddled up in recent times. Hanna originally hailed from Ireland where he was involved in equestrian events.
Classic Winner: Veteran trainer Colin Webster has quickly found another stable star after taking over the preparation of Mega Steel in the autumn. Under Webster’s care the galloper ran a couple of places in top-class races before setting a race record and winning the $75,000 Belmont Classic on July 10. Webster has been in the same set of stables in Lyall Street since he started off as a young mentor in the 1960s.
Multiple Success: He’s the uncrowned “King of the North West” who week after week is training a string of multiple winners at Derby and Broome. David Casey, former and occasional horse breaker, has been heading north from his Bullsbrook base for the last 10 years and his knowledge of what type of horse to take north has paid big dividends. In most cases the horses are cast-offs who have been given a new lease of life in the warmer north climate.
