MINUTES OF NORTHERN BRANCH
NZ TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION
HELD AT MEETING ROOM AT CAMBRIDGE JOCKEY CLUB
ON TUESDAY 26 JULY 2016 AT 1PM
IN ATTENDANCE:
L Noble, T Pike, G Rogerson, G Hennessy, AForsman, M Brooks, S Marsh,
T Autridge, J Steffert, W Cooper
M Pitman (guest)
APOLOGIES:
L Somervell, M Murdoch, N Tiley, M Blackie, K Kelso, R James, K McQuade
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS AGM held 14th July 2015 passed as a true and accurate record. T Autridge/AForsman
PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
L Noble reported he took over as Acting President when Chad Ormsby left earlier in the year. Sadly he is not in a position to carry on in the role. He advised that there were the usual challenges in the racing industry – increasing costs and a lack of motivation or encouragement, and a continuing detachment from the Racing Board. Their costs were escalating and the funding was still to be finalized, making it very difficult for NZTR to be able to determine what revenue to expect to fund stakes.
Dr Alan Jackson’s election as Chairman of NZTR had the support of NZTA. He is a big hope for the industry and has strategies so that other options can be considered for much needed change in the industry. He has the support of the majority of clubs as well as the uniting with the other two codes which is very heartening. There are delicate negotiations in place, so the need for confidentiality is understood. However it is hoped that there will be some news in the forthcoming months. If desired change is not supported by the Racing Board, then drastic measures may be necessary. We are very hopeful and believe things will change. Thanks to Dunstan for their sponsorship and to Wendy Cooper in her role as Executive Officer.
TREASURER’S REPORT – no funds held by the branch so not applicable.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
PRESIDENT– L Somervell nominated by L Noble and seconded by G Rogerson. There being no further nominations, L Somervell duly elected and has indicated he will accept the role.
VICE PRESIDENT/S – A Forsman nominated by L Noble and seconded by T Autridge. A Forsman accepted the nomination and duly elected.
M Baker nominated by G Rogerson and seconded by T Autridge. To be confirmed upon M Baker’s acceptance.
APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY/TREASURER – W Cooper appointed to look after secretarial duties.
ELECTION OF COMMITTEE– President L Somervell and all those in attendance at the meeting.
PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES – T Pike, AForsman
TRACK REPRESENTATIVES
Matamata – T Autridge
Cambridge – Stephen Marsh
Tauranga – Jim Pender
Te Aroha – Keith Opie
Waipa – Keith Hawtin
Counties – N Tiley
Byerly Park – P Williams
Ruakaka – C Gibbs
GENERAL BUSINESS
NZTA MEMBERSHIP/FUNDING
Those present at the meeting were pleased that the new system for membership had come into operation and it was legal. The Association will be able to improve services and increase benefits due to the larger membership. The Memorandum of Understanding with NZTR ensured NZTA was an independent body and were supportive as it is in their best interests to have a fully functional Association representing all trainers.
W Cooper advised that all the benefits can now be openly available to all trainers.
G Rogerson requested a copy of the Trainer/Owner contract that is up on the NZTA website. It is a template that does include a clause regarding the commission on sale of a horse. Clauses can be added/removed as seen fit.
L Noble advised that much goes on behind the scenes where NZTA represents trainers on all matters including rules, handicapping, programming, etc
REDUCTION IN RACEDAYS
G Rogerson advised that he was opposed to the reduction of 16 racemeetings in the new season. He moved that a strong letter of opposition be written stating the opposition. G Hennessy advised that the reasoning given was a lack of horse population, however this was not the case. Letter to be written from the Northern Branch and a remit to go to the National body of NZTA.
CONSTITUTION
W Cooper advised that due to impending legislation, the current constitution was being updated. As it was first written forty years ago, there was much unnecessary and outdated information that was being changed. A copy would be circulated prior to the National AGM.
NATIONAL AGM
Being held in Taupo on 16th September at 6pm at the Prince Motor Lodge. Guest speaker Dr Alan Jackson and Bill Wilson. Accommodation rates available.
MEMBER BENEFITS
W Cooper was in the process of upgrading corporate benefits for members. Discounts were being arranged for fuel, power, safety signs, safety footwear and clothing.
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
W Cooper reported over 100 trainers had now utilized the services of Mike Osborne to become H&S compliant. Many were now in the process of applying for the ACC discount.
CROSSING ROAD TO CAMBRIDGE TRACK
F Ritchie was requesting assistance in having the speed limit reduced as there were safety concerns with crossing the road. T Pike advised that the CJC had looked into this and had the speed limit reduced from 100km to 80km, however any further reduction would have to go through parliament. Concern was expressed that by bringing attention to this, it could result in horses being banned from crossing. The alternative thought however was that if attention was not brought to bear, then if an accident did occur, the hazard should have been identified. G Rogerson has an owner who is involved with vehicle accidents so contact to be made with him.
T Autridge advised that Matamata needs a light at the gate – L Noble to take to Matamata committee.
Any perceived risks/hazards at tracks should be reported to clubs. J Steffert expressed frustration with the way things had become.
HORSE WELFARE
The recent banning of greyhound racing in NSW is of concern and the extreme activists are using animal welfare as a political punching bag. The perception of what is done with racehorses when they finish racing is important. Deregistration when a horse stops racing must be done and a correct paper trail must be kept.
AUCKLAND CUP GROUP STATUS
A letter had been received from C Baker from Auckland Racing Club requesting support to keep the Auckland Cup at Group 1 level. S Marsh said the problem was the lack of stakes in the lead-up races, so good horses were racing/sold offshore. J Steffert was of the view it was the change in timing of the Auckland Cup that had seen the quality falling. Agreed that a letter of support be written as otherwise there are no Group 1 staying races in New Zealand.
POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL STAKES DISTRIBUTION
Options for where any possible additional stakes could be allocated was discussed. Harness Racing is offering a starters’ incentive and this had been investigated but would require substantially more funding, particularly if it was additional to stakes. Free racing for horses up to R65 – even when racing in R75 races was definitely a consideration. Moving some 15-20 industry days to feature day status was the most favoured option. S Marsh was of the view that an owner is motivated by Saturday stakes and that the minimum stakes on mid-week industry days were not as relevant.
FARRIERS ON RACEDAY
A Forsman had expressed concern when farriers were demanding cash from strappers. This was previously raised with Ross Neal, and since followed up with Mike Godber. W Cooper to continue pursuing this as it is not acceptable.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 2.30pm