FEBRUARY 2017NZ TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

WINNER DUNSTAN TRAINERS’ MAIDEN NZ AWARD FOR JANUARY 2017

There was quite a number of maiden races at the Whangarei Racing Club meeting held at Ruakakaon 6th January – it was great to see such a big crowd in attendance. The race selected was the Fell Engineering Maiden 2100 won by Model Aye – paying great odds of $17.40. The 4YO gelding is trained by Shaun & Emma Clotworthy from ByerleyPark. Theywill receive a 750g pail of DUNSTAN Gastro Gold.

RACEHORSES FOR SALE & SYNDICATION

With the yearling sales almost completed, trainers who are authorised syndicators are able to offer shares available via the new authorisedsyndicators’ platform: owner.loveracing.co.nz

The Trainers’ Association website will provide a link to this platform. We will also look to introduce a racehorses for sale section on the NZTA website for trainers only. Unfortunately due to legal requirements, we can only offer this to trainers who are authorised syndicators as it is deemed an offer to the public.

Trainers can apply to become anauthorised syndicator - there is a once-off application cost for Class A trainers of $345 a discount of $230. Relaxed reporting restrictions for syndicates where members are charged on an “invoice on costs” basis now apply. There are templates available for syndicate agreements and disclosure statement documents – contact Kirstie Lang at NZTR for more information and an application form if you wish to become an authorized syndicator.

TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATION

The NZTA National President, Tony Pike, and Executive Officer, Wendy Cooper, have been representing trainers as part of a stakeholders and major thoroughbred racing clubs group. There have been various meetings held – all with the common goal of increasing returns to stakeholders and providing safe and reliable tracks and infrastructure to ensure the thoroughbred industry is sustainable.

It is appreciated by all that many in the industry are struggling and something needs to change dramatically for stakeholders’ futures to be viable. The poor domestic sales figures at the Yearling Sales are further indication that many have lost confidence in the future of the industry.

Of particular concern is the ongoing expenditure by the NZ Racing Board. Analysis taken from their annual report shows that in the space of 4 years, distribution to the codes for stakes has fallen as a percentage of turnover from 7% to 5% - and as a percentage of net income from 45% to 40%. The other alarming figure from the Annual Report is that there are 15 people with salaries over $200,000 – and a total of 138 receiving a salary over $100,000.

Please be assured that the NZ Trainers’ Association will continue to act on your behalf and in the strongest possible terms to achieve a satisfactory result. We will keep you informed of progress and are hoping for a positive indication from the NZ Racing Board following their Board meeting at the end of March. This announcement will obviously have a major bearing on what necessary progress needs to be taken as a consequence.

DATES FOR “A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN ALLEN”

The next series of NZRB's Industry Conversations will be held in February/March 2017.

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Christchurch / Riccarton Racecourse / Friday, 17 February / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Hamilton / Te Rapa Racecourse / Friday 24 February / 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Wellington / Trentham Racecourse / Thursday 2 March / 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Auckland / Ellerslie Racecourse / Friday 3 March / 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Hawkes Bay / Hawkes Bay Racing Club / Thursday 16 March / 10:30am - 11:30am
Invercargill / Ascot Park Hotel / Friday 31 March / 7:00pm - 8:00pm

John, will be travelling to main centres around the country to meet with people in the racing industry and talk directly with them about NZRB's plans, and hear their feedback.

Anyone involved with, or interested in, the industry is welcome to attend. Register here