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ETF AGM
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HE 2013 ETF AGM was held in Stockholm from the 22nd to 24th November, with representatives from all major European countries in attendance. On arrival, guests were taken for a private tour of Benny Andersson’s ABBA museum, followed by dinner at the Hotel Riva. The following morning, they were taken to see the site of the new racecourse outside Stockholm, where building is due to commence in spring 2014. The site is currently grassland and will act as both a racecourse and training centre. Two racing surfaces will be laid – one sand track and one grass course. On paper, the track looks similar to the old Nad Al Sheba course in Dubai.
The AGM was held during the afternoon and subjects discussed included training agreements across Europe and VAT regulations and how they are affecting trainers. Both subjects are covered in detail within this issue of European Trainer. An updated schedule of differing rules from country to country was presented to delegates. It remains a goal for the ETF to see more Europe-wide agreement between governing bodies to simplify the bureaucratic process for trainers. One such area that needs addressing is the way trainers are paid prize money from foreign countries. Delegates also discussed the differing pieces of headgear that trainers can declare
and felt that it was wrong to use headgear that can be altered by a jockey during a race. Clarification was also sought on the different tongue ties at the trainer’s disposal. Jim Kavanagh showed delegates plans for the ETF website which will provide trainers with a portal of information about racing regulations across Europe. Criquette Head-Maarek was re-elected to serve as Chairman, with Christian von der Recke and Max Hennau each re-elected as Vice Chairman and Jim Kavanagh as Treasurer for a further three-year term. n
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