RACING AHEADWA Harness Racing
APRIL/MAY 2016
MY HARD COPY 2016 WA PACING CUP
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Contents HARNESS RACING DEPARTMENT Racing Manager: Noel Reilly Chief Handicapper: Warren Wishart 14 Hasler Road, Osborne Park WA 6017 Driving Master: Trevor Warwick Mobile: 0434 609 604 Trainers’ Service Centre Phone: (08) 9445 5267* Fax: (08) 9445 3056 24hr Nominations Service (08) 9445 5268* * Note all incoming and outgoing calls are recorded Email: harnessinfo@rwwa.com.au Office Hours: 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday STEWARDS DEPARTMENTS General Manager Integrity: Denis Borovica Phone: (08) 9445 5427 Harness Chief Steward: Carl Coady 70 Grandstand Road, Ascot, WA 6104 Phone: (08) 9445 5110 Fax: (08) 9477 5215 Investigator: Geoff Johnson 0408 843 560 RWWA INTEGRITY Integrity Recorded Message Service: 9445 5565 Email: racingintegrity@rwwa.com.au LICENSING, REGISTRATIONS & STAKES 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 Email: licreginfo@rwwa.com.au 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 Telephone: (08) 9445 5558 Facsimile: (08) 9445 5586 Email: licreginfo@rwwa.com.au Forms can be found at www.rwwa.com.au RACING & WAGERING WA HEAD OFFICE 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 (08) 9445 5333 fax (08) 9244 5914 e-mail info@rwwa.com.au web www.rwwa.com.au RACING AHEAD WA Editorial content: Hayley McDermott Email: hayley.mcdermott@rwwa.com.au Advertising & Subscriptions Suzy Jackson Phone: (08) 9445 5371 Email: suzy.jackson@rwwa.com.au Racing & Wagering Western Australia 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 Photography by: Jodie Hallows - Paceway Photography Email: jodiehallows1@bigpond.com Phone: 0438 930 073 (Daryl Hallows) NEXT EDITION DEADLINE: Friday, 6th May 2016
Clinton Hall receiving the WA Pacing Cup trophy
Features 02 From the Racing Manager 02 Personality Profile 04 Trainer of the Month - Matt Scott 06 Fillies in demand at 2016 Gloucester Standardbreds WA Yearling Sale 07 Colin and Maddison Brown create their own piece of driving history 08 Bowed tendons - an update on treatment and prognosis 10 Off the Track 11 Gloucester Park wrap 12 Country Club wraps 13 2015/16 Garrard's Junior Pony Trots 14 WASBA News 16 BOTRA News
Racing Features 17 West Australian Programming and Industry Notices
All advertisements published in Racing Ahead WA Magazine are the responsibility of the person, company or advertising agency which submitted them for publication. The publisher and printer do not accept any responsibility for the text of any advertisement. All persons and advertising agencies submitting advertisements are reminded of their necessity to comply with the provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any other relevant legislation (including the Rules of Racing) applicable to the subject of matter of such advertisement. The publisher carefully checks all material prior to publication. However, the publisher and its employees do not warrant the accuracy of such material nor its compliance with relevant legislation. Copyright of articles and photographs in Racing Ahead WA Magazine remains with individual contributors and may not be reproduced without permission. Magazine printed by VANGUARD PRINTING - 26 John St, Northbridge 6003
RACING AHEAD - April/May - 1
From the Racing Manager The Racing Season moves into the transition months where the weather will be far cooler than the height of summer months that we have just experienced. Cup season in the regions has been completed and the Community Clubs in the South West can look forward to planning for the 2016/17 Racing Season. The Central Wheatbelt season has just kicked off, look forward to great racing in Kellerberrin. Staff movements I’d like to welcome two new staff members to the Racing Office. Michelle Chia has returned to the Harness code following a brief sojourn in the Greyhounds. Michelle is well known to the Harness participants having been employed at Gloucester Park in the WATA PRA time in the Registrar and Racing office. At
RWWA Michelle worked in the Harness Integrity office supporting the Chief Steward and the Stewards team. Michael McDermott has also joined the team, also from the greyhounds section. Michael is from the McDermott harness family from NSW, also works a number of TAB Radio shifts and has a real passion for the harness code. Rules of Racing Amendments Please note in the ‘Amendments to Rules of Racing’ section of this issue of Racing Ahead, The Harness Racing Board has advised of amendments to the National Rules, specifically in relation to the whip rules, which are applicable from 1 May 2016.
Personality Profile CRAIG ABERCROMBY
VALENTINES DAY 2016 will long live in the memory of Craig Abercromby. On the Thursday prior, Abercromby won at Northam with Dilinger Dreaming by a head. What made the win extra special is that the horse is owned by Craig, his wife Yvonne, and son Robbie. Then two days later, Craig was loading Gothic Rage onto a float and the horse toppled over, knocking Craig to the ground causing cuts and bruising necessitating Craig to scratch his horses from that night's Gloucester Park meeting. To add to a topsy turvey couple of days Craig produced Tank You Kindly to win at a Gloucester midweek meeting just three days after the float incident. On the Monday after Craig was back up and about but still a bit sore. “He got involved in the industry as an 18-year-old when working in his Bassendean service station. Amongst his clients were Kevin and Ross Keys and Colin Warwick who talked him into coming to Gloucester Park and trained horses for him as a Craig got hooked on harness racing. “He decided to get his stable hands licence and walked out with his trainers licence,” said Yvonne, who was taking instructions from a laid up Craig. “Running a successfull business in the Motor Trades industry, Craig never contemplated getting his drivers licence as he couldn’t take the risk of an injury from driving. “Though now officially retired from the Motor Trades game he still helps out our son Robbie with his business when he can whilst keeping eight horses in work,” concluded Yvonne for Craig. Craig Abercromby is this issue’s Personality Profile.
2 April/May - RACING AHEAD
by Robbie Dewar
PROFESSION: Retired after 38 years in the Motor Trades industry and a hobby harness racing trainer. DATE OF BIRTH: 7/1/60 MARITAL STATUS: Married to Yvonne for 29 years with three children WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST THRILL IN THE SPORT: Forward Pocket winning the Italian Sprint at Gloucester Park in 2006 BEST HORSE ASSOCIATED WITH: Forward Pocket BEST HORSE SEEN: Preux Chevalier BEST DRIVER SEEN: Too many good drivers over the years to nominate anyone specific however Mark Reed’s drive to win the Hunter Cup behind Another Party was the best drive that I’ve ever seen GREATEST INFLUENCE IN THE SPORT: Laurie Robinson BEST LIKED SPORT: Harness Racing FAVOURITE SPORTING TEAM: West Coast Eagles FAVOURITE TV SHOW: The Sopranos FAVOURITE FOOD: Italian FAVOURITE DRINK: Corona with lime FAVOURITE ACTOR: James Gandofini FAVOURITE PASTIME: Going to the beach FAVOURITE MUSIC: Fleetwood Mac FAVOURITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Working the horses AMBITION IN LIFE: Staying healthy and happy
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The benefits of adding Vitamite Performa 3 Oil to your horse’s daily ration will occur in 3 stages: EARLY TRANSITION: 21-28 days – Omega 3 replaces Omega 6 in white blood cells SECONDARY TRANSITION: 50-60 days – Omega 3:6 ratio starts to change in membranes & cell walls. COMPLETED TRANSITION: 90–100 days – the membrane cells have completed a life cycle and all new cells have their new Omega 3 : Omega 6 ratio.
Performance Enhancing Nutrition from Mitavite For further information about Performa•3 and other Vitamite supplements, visit our informative website Mitavite.com.au or freecall MITAVITE® 1800 025 487 References O'Connor CI et al (2004) The effect of dietary fish oil supplementation on exercising horses. J Anim Sci 82(10):2978-2984 De Caterina R, Basta G (2001) n-3 Fatty acids and the inflammatory response - biological background. Eur Heart J Supp D:D42-D49
RACING AHEAD - April/May - 3
Trainer of the Month
By Ken Casellas
MATT SCOTT
It’s everyone’s dream to own, train or back a 200/1 winner. Well, that’s what Matt Scott did at Gloucester Park on January 29 when he landed a quinella with Always Arjay and Qtown Rip Roaring in the $18,000 Nick Bailey Pace. He races both geldings in partnership with Daryl Blacker, with Blacker’s son Gavin also having a share in Qtown Rip Roaring. Always Arjay, a 14/1 chance driven confidently by Micheal Ferguson, surged home from sixth at the bell to win by a half-head from 12/1 shot Qtown Rip Roaring, who was driven by Nathan Turvey and rattled home from eighth with a lap to travel. The forecast quinella returned a 200/1 dividend. The 38-year-old Scott celebrated this success with a victory with CC Chevron at Williams two days later, and then in early March he notched his 200th win as a trainer when Abetta Tiny Dancer and Lisdelight were successful at Collie.
Matt Scott with partner Alex Rogers on track at Williams
Scott, who has a strong family background in harness racing, also landed a quinella at Gloucester Park late last July when 9/2 chance My Mate Stride (Clint Hall) led and defeated stablemate Suspicious Behavia (Chris Voak, 14/1).
After leaving school Scott studied accountancy at TAFE. “I helped out Dad and trained a couple of horses,” he said. “Then one thing led to another and I got a bit tired of accountancy and started training a few more horses. Now I haven’t done any accountancy work for five years.”
Scott, who is currently preparing 17 pacers and one galloper at his property in Serpentine, has gained quite a reputation as a successful trainer with cheap purchases.
Scott’s first winner as a trainer was with Glenn Agro, a pacer he leased from Colin Olsen and drove to victory at 5/1 at Merredin on March 15, 1997.
He has hard-working assistants in Kayla Trewenack and Courtney O’Keefe and he says that he now has a good system. “We train out of paddocks and have done so for the past 18 months or so,” he said. “The horses stay out in the paddocks and only come into the barn for a roll after a workout. I work the horses in heavy sand and do my fast work at Jandakot twice a week.
In his early days as a trainer Scott prepared veteran Carpe Diem, a gelding owned by Frank Egan, who still has horses with Scott. “He was an old horse and was easy to train,” Scott said. “He was very fast out of a stand, but wasn’t very strong. So we always had to take a sit.”
“My grandparents met at the trots about 65 years ago and there’s four generations of the family who have been involved in harness racing. My great grandfather Les Turvey, whose daughter Norma married my grandfather Roger Scott, a foreman at Howard Porter’s stables, drove a couple of Gloucester Park winners. “Roger Scott had five boys and only Dad (Garry Scott) and uncle Brent have been involved in training pacers.” Matt Scott has fond memories of his first winner --- as a 16-year-old schoolboy. “I was in Year 11 at Gosnells Senior High School,” he said. “I well remember the day. It was Friday November 1993 when I sat for an exam in the morning and went to the trots that night. “I had been a very good friend of the Halls for a couple of years and Clint and I drove in the pony trots. I used to go Gary Hall’s stables at weekends and in the school holidays, drove trackwork and helped out on Friday nights, gearing up, hosing down and driving in pre-race warmups. “Back then you had to have had 20 drives in the country before you could drive at Gloucester Park. I’d had only a few placings in the country when Gary Hall gave me the drive on Kaydee in an M3-M4 race at Gloucester Park. This was my 22nd drive in a race. “Senior (Hall) had told me that if you do the work I’ll give you a drive. I remember when the fields came out on the Tuesday and Owen Gilbride, who was working for Fred Kersley, said ‘are you sure you can handle the pressure driving this horse and are you sure you don’t want me to drive him?’ I declined his offer. “Kaydee drew out wide and raced three wide for a lap and then without cover before winning b y a length. I think I got about a $300 driving percentage and I spent the money on a really good stereo in my car.” 4 April/May - RACING AHEAD
Carpe Diem won twice and notched 22 minor placings for Scott, who said that one of his biggest thrills was when ace Victorian reinsman Gavin Lang drove him one night at Gloucester Park in December 2001. “I told Gavin that the horse could sprint for about 150m and not to pull out until into the home straight,” Scott said. “He listened to me and I reckon he pulled out with 149m to go. The horse finished a close second to Pure Massacre, but perhaps he might have won if Gavin had pulled out one metre earlier.” Then came winners including Campana Bay, Swift Chip, Cam McLaren, Vanecho, Fire The Gold Bullet, Your Sisters Next, Zed, Turbo Gold and California Dreams. “Your Sisters Next was the first horse owned by Tony Maguire, and he’s one of my main owners now,” Scott said. Your Sisters Next won a city-class event in May 2008 and ran ten places for Scott and Maguire, earning $28,557 to prove her worth after being purchased for $10,000. In early 2008 Scott saw that Victorian performer Zed was for sale on the internet for $8000. “I was going to start him in a trial on a Sunday, but he was working so well that I scratched him and nominated him for a race at Gloucester Park the following Friday night,” Scott said. “I don’t bet much, but this was an exception. I was driving him and he was a 14/1 chance. We were up for a big result, but we finished second, beaten by Aliveandwell, who brought up his third win at his third start in WA. Aliveandwell went on to win at his first 11 starts in the State.” Zed broke through for his first win for Scott at his seventh start and two months later Courtney Burch drove Zed to a thrilling victory in the RWWA Rising Stars Invitation Pace, a $25,000 listed classic at Gloucester Park. “That was a pretty big win for me,” Scott said. “I had just bought a property at Serpentine, had just completed a 12-box barn and put a
Trainer of the Month - Matt Scott jog track in. I owned a share in Zed and this win couldn’t have come at a better time.” Two starts later Scott was back in the sulky when Zed won the Wagin Cup, beating Not Bad Johnnie by a head. Zed ended his WA career with five wins and 13 placings from 53 starts for earnings of $54,278, a good return for the $8000 purchase price.
At his second start for Scott Marooned won at Gloucester Park, beating This Time Dylan, and six starts after that he won the group 2 $50,000 Binshaw Classic, beating Northern Assassin and Copagrin. “We had a lot of trouble with back problems with Marooned and I owe a lot to my chiropractor Dean White,” Scott said.
A few years later Scott enjoyed good success with another cheap buy, the eight-year-old California Dreams, a $3000 purchase for Rod Tilt and Stuart Manton and his son John who amassed $73,981 from his nine wins (three each at Gloucester Park, Busselton and Collie) under Scott’s care.
Scott, his parents and stable clients Hughes, Maguire, Wayne Burke and Scott Nelson paid $3000 for Telham Lane, who has proved a wonderful moneyspinner. Now a nine-year-old, Telham Lane is still racing with admirable enthusiasm and won three times at Collie in January and February this year to boost his record to 195 starts for 16 wins, 49 placings and stakes of $109,530. “He’s honest and has won about $85,000 for us,” Scott said.
“California Dreams gave me probably my most satisfying win,” Scott said. “It was in a 2503m stand at Gloucester Park in May 2012 when Chris Voak jumped to the front and California Dreams led by 60m with two laps to go and 30m in front at the bell. My Elusive Dream had won at her four previous starts and I remember Richard Bell; saying ‘California Dreams is on borrowed time,’ but my horse hung on to win.” Among other successful bargains prepared by Scott have been Smooth Advance, Our Rocket Man, Telham Lane, Marooned, Bartowski, Jaccka Murphy and Jaxon Fella. Scott claimed Smooth Advance as a nine-year-old in December 2005 for $5000 on behalf of stable clients. He won once and was placed 19 times for the Scott stable for stakes of $47,281. And there is an interesting story behind the reason why Scott claimed the pacer. Scott met a girl in a pub after a Gloucester Park meeting one Friday night and when she discovered that he was a trainer-driver she informed him that she had several girlfriends who were keen to buy a horse. “She phoned me the next day and said that she had had a ring-around and that 14 girls were interested,” Scott said. “I told her that there was a suitable horse coming up in a claiming race for $5000 and she said that she and her friends would like to take a $2000 share in the horse. A friend of mine, Adrian Pensini, took a ten per cent share in Smooth Advance and he started flirting with one of the girls. They were married and Nathan Turvey and I went to the wedding in Bali. Todd Hughes, Egan, Maguire and Scott’s parents Garry and Janine outlaid $1000 to buy Our Rocket Man and the gelding went on to win six more races. Marooned was claimed for $10,000 by the Scott family and stable clients Maguire, Tilt and the Mantons late in 2013 and for Matt Scott he earned $53,231 from two wins and four placings from 26 starts.
Telham Lane has been successful at Collie (six wins), Busselton (five), Narrogin (two) and has won once at Wagin, Harvey and Northam. Closely related to former star pacer Safe And Sound (84 starts for 33 wins, 30 placings and $995,606), Telham Lane has been unable to win from 43 appearances at Gloucester Park. Bartowski also has proved to be an excellent purchase. Bought for $5000, with a contingency payment of $2000 from his first win, the standing-start specialist has had 62 starts for Scott for five wins, 15 placings and $66,661. Bartowski had considerable back problems and when Dean White first treated him he declared that the pacer was “train wreck.” But White’s constant attention did the trick. In the past 18 months Jaxon Fella and Jaccka Murphy have been wonderful performers for Scott. Jaxon Fella’s first 34 starts in WA have produced seven wins, 11 placings and $79,380 in prizemoney, while Jaccka Murphy’s first 42 WA starts have yielded $25,297 from a Gloucester Park metro-class win and 11 placings from 42 starts. Jaccka Murphy was claimed for $10,000 by Tilt and Stuart and John Manton, and through the purchase Scott got to know Melton trainers Kevin and Alison Chisholm, who alerted Scott that Jaxon Fella was in a claiming race for just $4000 at Melton in September 2014. “We put in three of the 17 claims lodged,” Scott said. “And we got the horse who paid for himself immediately, finishing second first-up at Gloucester Park and winning at Wagin at his next outing.” Apart from his regular clients and his parents, many of Scott’s pacers are part-owned by his sister Narelle, his aunties Julie and Heather Scott, uncle Randall Scott, brother-in-law Alfie, Brenda Weaver and Scott’s girlfriend Alex Rogers. Recent acquisitions to the Scott training establishment include Always Arjay, Qtown Rip Roaring, Ideal Diamante, CC Chevron, Brookies Jet, all of whom are raced on lease from John Gullace and Cathy Cousins. All are on easy marks and look set to win many races. The most interesting of those pacers is CC Chevron, who won the South Australian Derby (her fifth win from her first seven starts) at Globe Derby Park in January 2015. She is a work in progress, being somewhat field shy and unresponsive to the whip. Scott drives only occasionally these days, preferring to concentrate on the training side of things. “Ï don’t have one stable driver,” Scott explains. “I have about six drivers and that way if you can’t get one you can get one of the others. This also keeps them on their toes.” For his recent successes Scott will receive
Scott's quinella result with Always Arjay and Qtown Rip Roaring at Gloucester Park goods from International Health Products.
RACING AHEAD - April/May - 5
Fillies in demand
at 2016 Gloucester Standardbreds WA Yearling Sale By Alan Parker A massive 26.1% increase in the average price of fillies sold was a highlight of the 2016 Gloucester Standardbreds WA Yearling Sale. The average price for fillies jumped from $11,273 to $14,213 while the overall sales average was up 8.3% from $12,549 to $13,591. The demand for quality fillies highlighted the unusual split this year with just 54 fillies catalogued compared to 74 colts with each sex being eligible for a $100,000 WA Sales Classic in April 2017. The clearance rate fell from 88% to 80% with the sale this year of 99 of the 123 lots offered on the day. Top price at the sale was the $48,000 paid by Bunbury trainer Steve Burton on behalf of Barry Howlett for Lot 97 which was the filly by Mach Three from the top-class racemare Party Date and offered by Whitby Falls Pacing and G Groenenberg. Top price for a colt was the $45,000 that Rob Gartrell paid for Lot 72 by Mach Three from Queen Delilah offered by KTC Bloodstock as agent for K & A Charles. A record 26 of the 123 lots were sold for $20,000 or more which reflected on the depth of the pedigrees of those yearlings. The standards of presentation from vendors continue to rise each year making the task of selection ever more difficult for potential purchasers.
Lot 38 by Shadow Play from Im For Real consigned by David Fuller & Joy Shrimpton
HOOFNOTE: Gloucester Standardbreds would like to thank all vendors for their support of the WA Yearling Sale, all the many supporters who attended the sale in record numbers, and to congratulate all the successful purchasers and wish them well in the coming months as they pursue their trotting dreams.
Lot 108 by Mister Big from Secret Operative consigned by Copper Lodge
C’mon Mum – how about a smooch – Lot 66 Bay Colt by Cams Fool from Tallulah Reign consigned by Botsky Pty Ltd
Lot 83 by Shadow Play from Hello Boys consigned by Debra Lewis
Lot 85 by Courage Under Fire from Elegant Eyes consigned by Tarsao Investments P/L
6 April/May - RACING AHEAD
Fillies in demand at 2016 Gloucester Standardbreds WA Yearling Sale
Lot 60 by We Will See from Loose Lips consigned by Highlight Lodge
Lot 63 by Rock N Roll Heaven from Royal Tour consigned by KTC Bloodstock as agent for K & A Charles
Colin and Maddison Brown By Alan Parker
create their own piece of driving history
There was a winning double with a difference at Gloucester Park on January 22nd when Colin Brown landed the $6.20 chance Firebomb for trainer Ray Williams and then two races later his 20yo daughter Maddison landed the $7.30 chance Macon Georgia a winner for trainer Aldo Cortopassi. They became just the third father/daughter combination to land a winning double at a city class meeting in Perth in the 105 year history of the sport. Fred Kersley and his daughter Kellie managed a father/daughter double in Perth on 19 separate occasions with the first of them on 29th April 1988 when Kellie won with Mister Casual and Fred with Paavo. Both horses were trained by Fred and only one of their 19 family doubles were behind freelance drives.
She was the leading Junior Driver at Kalgoorlie this season with her 79 points putting her well clear of the second placed Nathan Purdon on 40 points. As this edition went to press Maddison Brown heads the leading Junior Driver award at Albany this season by a solitary point from Madeleine Young. Brown was leading the overall Drivers Premiership at Kalgoorlie until injuries sustained in a race-fall at Wagin prevented her from driving at the final meeting of the Goldfields season. The overall Drivers Premiership at Kalgoorlie was ironically won by Aldo Cortopassi who used Brown’s concession with the drive on Macon Georgia.
On 2nd November 1990 Kellie won with Speedy Cheval for trainer Ross Olivieri while Fred was at the reins behind Scotlyn Ray for Lyn Bauskis. Fred and another daughter in Kathryn also drove winners at the same city class meeting on two occasions in 2002 and 2003. On 19th July 2002 Kathryn won with Dream Team which she also trained while Fred won with Troubled Warrior which was trained by his son Greg. With a career tally of 2816 winners Colin Brown is second only to Chris Lewis (4851) in terms of the most successful drivers in the history of trotting in this State while Maddison Brown is presently in eighth place on the all-time list of women drivers in this State with 63 winners. Since trotting began in Perth in 1910 a total of 124 women have driven at least one winner in the State. The list is headed by Kellie Kersley with 194 winners followed by Susan Roberts with 187 and Kathryn Kersley with 179 winners. Maddison Brown drove the first of her 63 winners in August 2014 at Kellerberrin behind Gota Good Lookadda which was trained by her father.
Colin and Maddison Brown in action at Gloucester Park – Photo courtesy Jodie Hallows RACING AHEAD - April/May - 7
Bowed tendons
an update on treatment and prognosis Introduction Bowed tendon (also known as tendonitis) is a very common and often a career ending injury in racehorses. The injury usually occurs in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) on the foreleg, which is a vital structure in terms of athletic performance. Injury to this tendon is akin to Achilles tendonitis in humans, a painful condition of the Achilles tendon just above the heel. As in man, tendonitis in horses can start as a small, usually undetected lesion that involves rupture of some of the small fibres of the tendon. With ongoing training however, particularly high speed exercise, more of the tendon fibres may rupture until enough damaged has occurred to produce the classic signs of a Fig. 1 tendon bow, such as heat, swelling and lameness (Figure 1). A classic bowed tendon If tendonitis of the SDFT is suspected, the horse should have an ultrasound scan of the tendon to assess how bad the injury is (Figure 2).
Fig. 2 This is important for determining treatment options and prognosis for future racing.
SDFT core lesion
The SDFT is outlined in blue and core lesion within is outlined in red
SDFT branch lesion
The SDFT branch is outlined in blue and core lesion within is outlined in red
Since prognosis is directly correlated to injury severity, the earlier any damage is identified and treated, the better for the horse. With a fresh tendon bow, proactive treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling is very important. This should comprise application of cold such as ice or ice baths for 20mins twice daily for up to 2 weeks (until heat in the tendon has subsided), antiinflammatory medication such as phenylbutazone, support bandaging and complete rest (Figure 7).
Fig. 7
Although many anecdotal factors have been reported to increase the risk of a horse developing tendonitis, the following factors have been identified as risk factors. 1) previous tendon injury; 2) age – the risk of tendonitis increases with the horse’s age and is particularly high around 6 years old and upwards; 3) the horse’s condition – unfit horses seem to be more prone to flexor tendon injury.
After the injured tendon has been assessed by a veterinarian, then other treatment options can be considered. These can be broken down into intra-lesional therapies, used directly on the tendon itself, and ancillary treatments, to help prevent re-injury.
Treatments for bowed tendons are numerous and varied. Earlier treatment strategies were designed to increase blood supply and fibrosis within the tendon which have now been shown to be not very beneficial because of the scar tissue they produced. Recently there have been major advances in the treatment of tendon injuries in horses. Most of these are based on trying to restore as near normal function to the damaged tendon as possible once it has healed. The normal healing response to acute tendon injury (tendonitis) has no regard for the hierarchical structure of normal tendon and once complete, the residual scar tissue lacks many of the biomechanical features of normal tendon tissue such as elasticity and strength, which predisposes the tendon to re-injury. Although the ‘ideal’ treatment for tendonitis has yet to be developed, the current focus for treatment strategies is on tendon regeneration per se, rather than merely ‘repair’.
Intra-Lesional Treatments for Tendonitis
8 April/May - RACING AHEAD
•
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP by definition is plasma derived from whole blood containing an increased concentration of platelets which are specialized cells in the blood stream responsible for clotting of blood. These cells (platelets) can be ‘activated’ to produce high concentrations of growth factors which can impact positively on tendon healing following acute injury. PRP can also provide a scaffold for other factors to enhance cellular repair so it has become more common to use it in conjunction with other cell-based therapies. One of the main advantages of PRP is it is a natural product that can be readily produced from the horse’s own blood and in abundant quantities, making it easy to use and affordable.
Bowed tendons - an update on treatment and prognosis •
Cell-based therapies
Stem cell therapy for musculoskeletal injury in horses has been the focus of intense research in recent years and has formed the mainstay of tendon regenerative therapy following injury. Various sources of equine stem cells (a.k.a. mesenchymal stromal cells or MSC) have been studied including those derived from adult bone marrow (BMSC), fat (AdMSC), umbilical cord blood (UCB), umbilical cord tissue (UCT), mare’s placenta (AmMSC) and tendon tissue. Despite exaggerated claims by commercially available ‘stem cell treatments’, it is not a ‘one size fits all’ in that stem cells from different sources display different properties which may affect their clinical application. Other important considerations to using stem cells for tendon repair is the timing of treatment after injury, the number of cells to implant and the concurrent delivery of growth factors. Recent studies have shown that implanted MSC have low survivability and short residence time when delivered to the injury site so that their mechanism of action on tendon healing is still unknown. Despite this, treatment of naturally occurring tendon lesions with BMSC significantly improves the prognosis for competition and reduces tendon re-injury, as well as improving the quality of the tendon repair tissue. Studies on the use of stem cell from fat and the placenta (amnion) to treat naturally occurring tendonitis in horses are less frequent but nonetheless similar positive outcomes for performance and low re-injury rate have been reported. The advantages that these latter two therapies have over using BMSC is that a time-consuming cell culture period (MSC propagation) is avoided and cells can be ‘banked’ for use at any time. For similar reasons, surgeons often prefer to inject tendon lesions with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) because it provides a high concentration of MSC’s and growth factors. The use of the horse’s own bone marrow (obtained from the horse’s sternum – see figure 8) has been widely used for the treatment of tendon lesions. The rationale is that it delivers a source of stem cells and growth factors directly into the injured Fig. 9 area, purportedly enhancing the repair response (figure 9). The Injecting bone marrow into the technique is inexpensive and horse’s tendon easy to perform with a great degree of flexibility in terms of timing of treatment and the dose of bone marrow used.
blood supply to the tendon, have largely been abandoned because of the collateral damage they can cause and the ensuing unnecessary fibrous tissue created. • Tenoscopy This involves examination of a tendon(s) within it sheath and is usually performed in the digital flexor tendon sheath over the back of the fetlock although any tendon sheath can be examined with this technique. The procedure involves placing a small rigid endoscope or camera within the tendon sheath to evaluate the sheath itself and the tendons contained within. It is commonly performed in cases of tendon sheath infection but is also widely used for diagnosing, treating and prognosticating on problems with tendons located in a sheathed area. In the region of the fetlock canal (the digital flexor sheath) tenoscopy is used to aid transection of the annular ligament at the back of the fetlock in cases where the ligament constricts the tendons within the canal – a condition called “annular ligament desmitis”. •
Transection of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT)
This surgery is believed to increase elasticity in the muscle-tendon unit and therefore is indicated for horses with tendonitis to counter relative tendon inelasticity remaining after healing. The accessory ligament (a.k.a. the check ligament of the SDFT) is located just above the knee at the back of the leg and is ideally transected using an endoscopic technique by a qualified surgeon. By cutting this ligament, elasticity is improved in the muscle tendon unit after injury and the procedure has been shown to reduce the risk of tendon re-injury in racehorses. Reported results for return to racing are variable, ranging from approximately 50-75%. This is significantly better than conservative treatment comprising rest for up to 12 months which gives a prognosis of no better than 25%. Few studies have reported on using ‘combination therapy’ involving treatment of the tendon lesion in conjunction with cutting of the accessory ligament of SDFT. This is the currently recommended technique being performed in our hospital and the results have been favorable and far better than conservative management alone. It has become apparent however that no matter what treatment is used for tendon injury, the total recovery time – which depends on the severity of the injury – is not decreased and remains approximately at 12 months (or more). What is important during the recuperation period is that irrespective of treatment, a controlled exercise program with gradual and incremental increases in exercise, using regular, accurate ultrasound scans to monitor the progression of the healing, is paramount to obtaining an optimal result and minimizing the risk of re-injury.
Fig.8 Harvesting bone marrow from the horse’s sternum Adjunctive surgery There have been several surgical techniques employed to treat naturally occurring tendonitis over the years. Classic treatments such as tendon stabbing or splitting, which were used to increase
Dr David Murphy BVSc, Dip. VCS, MS, MANZCVS, Diplomate ACVS Dr David Murphy is a Registered Specialist and Associate Professor in Equine Surgery at The Equine Centre, Murdoch University.
RACING AHEAD - April/May - 9
Sharon Joyce Equine Welfare Officer Email: sharon.joyce@rwwa.com.au Phone: (08) 9445 5146 Mobile: 0438 746 487 Location: 70 Grandstand Road, ASCOT WA 6104
EVENTING IN THE PARK Prestige, glamour and elegance came to the fore at Eventing in the Park on Saturday 12th December 2015, but not more so than the bravery and brilliance of the retired racehorse. Of the 100 horses which competed in this popular event, 52 were retired racehorses, including both Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. Eventing in the Park is a mixture of cross country and show jumps. It is a timed event. The horse which jumps clear with the fastest time wins and can walk away with some very impressive prizes, including motor cars, jewellery and cash.
was named and for some reason never made it to a trial or race. It is clear now though that Athena has her sights set on greater things in the sport of eventing. It is an absolute pleasure to witness the transformation of these 2 horses which were bred for harness racing showcase their strengths and abilities in other equestrian disciplines. Eventing in the Park is no backyard pony club event. To be able to compete in this event the horses must be of the highest calibre…a description which certainly fits Nicolana Wild and Whitbys Revival.
Currently excelling in the discipline of Eventing, Nicolana Wild and Whitbys Revival flew the flag proudly for the retired Standardbred racehorse at Eventing in the Park and proved that life post racing for a Standardbred can be very exciting. Eventing consists of 3 equestrian disciplines; dressage, show jumping & cross country. Both Nicolana Wild and Whitbys Revival are excelling in this discipline in WA at top level competition, giving other respected breeds competing a run for their money. Bred, owned and raced by the Brandli family, Nicolana Wild (aka Buddy) amassed stakes earnings of $67,000 and is part of the Brandli family. Lana Brandli is his owner and rider now and she wouldn’t trade him for the world “Buddy’s not going anywhere, he will stay with me forever” she says. Not much is known of Whitbys Revival’s history, who her new owner Chantell Wells affectionately calls Athena, but we do know Athena
Nicolana Wild aka 'Buddy' & Lana Brandli
Whitbys Revival aka 'Athena' & Chantell Wells
Nicolana Wild aka 'Buddy' & Lana Brandli
10 April/May - RACING AHEAD
Whitbys Revival aka 'Athena' & Chantell Wells
BABY SHE ROCKS ROLLS THEM IN THE SALES CLASSIC Young trainer/driver Kayden Hayter scored an impressive comefrom-behind win at headquarters with his 3yo American Ideal filly Baby She Rocks on February 5th in the $25,000 WESTSIDE AUTO WHOLESALE 3YO Fillies Sales Classic.
Lewis seemed delighted to return to scale and congratulate trainer Glen Elliot whose partner Grace had recently given birth to their first daughter.
Sent out at $2.80 on the tote, Hayter pulled Baby She Rocks back to the tail of the field from barrier nine in only her 7th race start – avoiding an early burst of speed from pacesetters Tru Blu Aussie and Laughing Child. After a lead time of 36.5 and first quarter of 29.8, the filly latched onto the back of Kurious who was making a strong sustained run towards the leaders. After being posted three wide around the corner, Hayter let his steed roll to the front and record a 5m victory over the tireless Kurious and a distance back to Bonnie Change in third. In the 3yo Colts & Geldings version of the race a fortnight later, Soho Wall Street impressed the crowd with a solid allthe-way win. Carving out a mile-rate of 1:57.7, driver Chris
CHINESE NEW YEAR GOES OFF WITH A BANG! Straight out of Shanghai, direct to Gloucester Park – that was the scene on February 19 when the home of harness racing in WA hosted its annual Chinese New Year fireworks night. A bumper crowd mingled in Perth’s coolest pop-up China Town, enjoying tasty treats from the best Asian food vendors in WA. Market stalls a-plenty tempted the kids with hard and fast Harness Racing on the track to entertain the punters. It was a big night too for Michael Tenardi who took line honours in the Hahn 3.5 RWWA Cup on El Machine. An outsider in the field
of twelve, the Debbie Padburg trained gelding sat patiently 3-backthe-pegs and sweated on a run to the line, eventually getting into the clear at the point of the bend after a confident piece of driving by Tenardi joisted Jungle Jewel four carts wide. El Machine sprinted home the better of the Gary Hall Snr. trained Cyamach who sat posted for the 2536m trip. Hall didn’t have to wait long to taste success – winning the next two events on the card with Rowchester and Machtu – handing Lauren Jones a driving double in the process.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT GLOUCESTER PARK The home of Harness Racing in WA has launched its Christmas in July functions and has options to cater for all members of the family!
the carnivores, while fresh side dishes and salads will keep your mother happy!
Golden Days at Gloucester Park will run on July 4, 25 & 26 in Steelo’s on the ground floor. An over 55’s event, Golden Days at Gloucester Park are terrific days held every year aimed at entertaining the diehard harness racing fans of yesteryear.
Christmas in July | Beau Rivage is the most decadent way to indulge in the “festive” season. Two all-inclusive beverage packages are available to match the high-class sea-food buffet. Eat in style as you overlook the mighty Swan River and Burswood lights and take in the bird’s eye view of the track as the best horses in WA fight it out right in front of you each Friday night of the month!
A capacious Christmas in July is set to be run each Friday night of the month in the Golden Nugget Room. A spacious event dedicated to bringing the Family together over a world class buffet and live entertainment! Sensations Sea-food and succulent roasts will please
Bookings are available right now – so get your table together and call us TODAY! 9323 3555
FOLLOW US! Gloucester Park is more accessible than ever before! Hit-up our website www.gloucesterpark.com.au for the latest news and information about up-coming events. Click the GPTV tab to watch exclusive interviews, previews and stories about everything that is happening around the grounds at Gloucester Park.
JP’s and the Beau Rivage to find special deals on entertainment and hospitality! Our Twitter account shares events as they happen, or if pretty pictures are more your thing – find us on Instagram @GloucesterPark!
“Like” Gloucester Park on Facebook to be kept in the loop – or “like”
RACING AHEAD - April/May - 11
NEW FACILITIES AT BUNBURY TROTTING CLUB Over the last few months some wonderful upgrades have happened at the Bunbury Trotting Club. If you haven’t visited us lately come and check it out. The upgrades were made possible thanks to the racecourse infrastructure grants programs and the Club putting in a substantial amount of its own money as well. The Bunbury Trotting Club was very grateful to hold a heat of the Interdominions during December which also saw the installation of the Semaphore board and automatic timing sensors. There was some wonderful team work that took place between Gloucester Park and Bunbury teams to make the meeting a huge success. The Club is fully utilising the new facilities especially the members decking area which has replaced the eyesore previously there. We have had lots of race night functions and the deck is a wonderful area in the early evening with the sun setting over the back straight and the horse out on the track it really is a fantastic atmosphere. On selected race nights we have had some easy listening acoustic acts out on the balcony which was enjoyed by the patrons. The semaphore board is a hit and gives us new sponsorship potential, we are very grateful to all the people involved in installing the board and making sure that it was all up and running prior to the inters. Starting from May 3rd we have a new concept of 10 ten thousand dollar races which will be called “Jones Boy’s Mahindra Pik-up ten thousand dollars“ There will be ten meetings in a row at Bunbury which will be one CO race worth $10 000 at each meeting. Julie Caldwell General Manager
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WILLIAMS/BRIDGETOWN/COLLIE AWARDS With just two meetings left in the combined seasonal awards for the Williams, Bridgetown and Collie Harness Racing Clubs, the cup meetings at Bridgetown (March 13th) and Collie (March 20th), some of the winners appear likely to dominate.
nearest rival Karen Wallrodt have supported all three clubs at all of their meetings and it is great to see them taste success. Matthew’s training prowess in these type of meetings has seen him win this award for the last three seasons and his rewards for supporting them is good to see.
The closest award appears to be for the Phoenix Petroleum Horse of the Year Award for a full set of hopples and harness. Points gained in the early meetings in Williams look like proving valuable for the Matthew Scott trained mare Abetta Tiny Dancer. She leads by two points in this award from stablemate Lisdelight and Funky Peters, both of whom, along with Abetta Tiny Dancer, have been in scintillating form in the first three Collie meetings. The mare is also a clear leader in the Peaky/ Junior Miller Leading Filly & Mare Award.
The two cup meetings will see very competitive racing in the $10,000 Nelsons of Bridgetown 2016 Bridgetown Cup over a mobile 2597 metres and the 2016 Premier Coal Collie Cup over 2700 metres from the standing start.
Chris Voak is a commanding leader in the Ray Aramini Leading Reinsperson Award, but will miss the Bridgetown Cup meeting due to commitments in an invitation reinsperson series in Melbourne so that is an opportunity for closest rivals Morgan Woodley and Jocelyn Young to make up some ground.Jocelyn also has a 10 point lead in the Cally & Brian Ellis Leading Junior Reinsperson Award over last year’s winner Cody Wallrodt, Michael Grantham and Stuart McDonald. Matthew Scott is a proverbial mile in front in the Auburn Valley Merino Stud Leading Trainer Award and it would take some remarkable results over the last two meetings to see him toppled. Matthew and his
Bridgetown trots
2015/16 Gannon's Junior Pony Trots Well what a busy season we have had so far, with 62 members (12 new) this season including 22 drivers (6 new) and 8 child (1 new) members I guess it was always going to be! Firstly I would like to thank the committee for putting in a real team effort to ensure the smooth running of the club, I have been very pushed with time issues and I couldn’t have done it without all your support. After beginning our racing season on 16th October 2015 to date we have had 21 races at Gloucester Park including 5 discretionary races, 4 of our 5 annual feature races being the Inter Dominion heats/ consolation/final, Xmas Gift, Fremantle Cup, Pacing Cup. Our last and most prestigious race is the Gannon’s Oaks which will be held on 6th March. We have also raced at Pinjarra, Northam & Central Wheatbelt, big thanks to those clubs and their sponsors for inviting the kids and ponies, it gives us great exposure and I have had some very positive feedback. This year besides our preseason weekly trials at Byford we also trialled at Wanneroo, the club made us very welcome – and they even fed and watered us – thanks so much. We have also had our mid season celebration at adventure world, which once again was a very enjoyable day. Pony rides have continued on the major nights, thank you to those who have helped with this (you know who you are) however, I would like to say a special BIG thank you to Hayley Fitzsimmons and Regan Bain who have been there beginning to end each pony ride night, you have been invaluable. Don’t forget to check us out on our facebook page Gloucester Park Pony Trots.
Driver Profile Name: Regan Bain Nickname: Reegs Age: 12 Pony: Cherry Blossom 12yrs Favourite colour: dark green Years involved: first year Favourite food and drink: lasagne and fanta Favourite race memory: racing at Northam, my first placing (cherry behaved herself) Three words to describe: fun, special and hungry Favourite harness person: Uncle Mark Favourite pastime: anything to do with horses and animals and eating What do you want to be: vet, mounted police and trainer/driver
Regan Bain
RACING AHEAD - April/May - 13
WASBA TOP WESTBRED FILLY SPREADS THE WORD It was excellent to see our Westbred filly Dodolicious (Bettors Delight) brilliantly win her heat of the NSW Oaks and then run a gallant second in the final, beaten by a world record performance. Along with Dodolicious we have a great crop of youngsters coming through, and with some top class mares like Empress Stakes winner Major Reality and Pinjarra Cup winner Tricky Styx, they will prove to be even more valuable once they become broodmares. Earlier in February Dodolicious won the $50,000 Daintys Daughter Classic – congratulations to Greg and Skye Bond for breeding, owning and training this filly and getting her to NSW in tip top order. Westbreds won 51% of the races in January (higher than January 2014 and 2015), and 32% of the races at our Friday night meetings at Gloucester Park. All in all a good result, with Westbred races, fillies and mares races and great Westbred Bonuses for the younger brigade making it worthwhile to own and race Westbreds. A big success story too, for 7yo gelding El Machine (Elsu) to win the $50,000 RWWA Cup. El Machine’s full sister 3yo filly Machine Elle is proving breeder Ian Davie right by also starting on her winning career. WASBA owns a lifetime share in Elsu, with a service to this under-rated stallion available in the Stallion Tender later in the year. The 3yo Sales Classics produced some very good racing with 3yo filly Baby She Rocks (American Ideal) bred by John Coffey’s Patrician Park, and the Mike Howie bred Soho Wall Street (by Four Starzzz Shark who is also the sire of Inter Dominion winner Lennytheshark) being successful in their respective races.
GLOUCESTER STANDARDBREDS YEARLING SALE AND PARADE Some definite bargains, but good to see the overall average for the sale was up on last year. And the fillies’ average increasing by nearly $3,000! Two Mach Three’s topped the sale in terms of price – congratulations to Whitby Falls Pacing and G Groenenberg for presenting the top priced filly (out of top race mare and producer Party Date) and to KTC Bloodstock as agent for K & A Charles for presenting the top priced colt, out of another top producer in Queen Delilah. The WASBA sponsored parade had an excellent turnout, with two thirds of the yearlings parading. Congratulations to all involved - the yearlings were beautifully presented and well behaved. Thanks to the Standardbred Pleasure & Performance Horse Association of WA (SPPHAWA) for assisting with the Parade, to our two judges Suzy Jackson and Tracey Cosham, the best dressed handler Chris Feast and to our compere Alan Parker. Winner of the two random draw $250 WASBA incentives for vendors was the very lucky KTC Bloodstock.
Lot 83 by Shadow Play (Debra Lewis), Lot 113 by Rock N Roll Heaven (KTC Bloodstock for Kevin Charles) and Lot 121 by Western Terror (KTC Bloodstock's Kody Charles), with the best presented colt being the very classy looking Lot 108 by Mister Big (Copper Lodge). Congratulations to Kody Charles from KTC Bloodstock, who again produced an excellent colour booklet to showcase his yearlings, and organised his own yearling parade.
WASBA SPONSORS AND INITIATIVES Our sponsors are great supporters of harness racing and enable us to push forward with initiatives to benefit breeding and racing, and provide stakemoney and other financial incentives for selected events. Our sponsors include Allwood Stud Farm, BEC Horse Transport in Ascot, Budget Stockfeeds in Oakford, Gloucester Park Harness Racing, Gloucester Standardbreds, Landmark in Midvale, Larkhill Vets in Port Kennedy, Milne Feeds in Welshpool, Fresh Express and Vision Produce in Canning Vale, and RWWA’s TabTouch. Alabar Bloodstock, Pepper Tree Farm and Woodlands Stud are big supporters in our annual Stallion service Raffle, and Alabar, Aldebaran Park, Allwood, Egmont Park Stud, Pepper Tree, Nevele R and Woodlands in our Stallion Tender. Special thanks to John Coffey at Alabar, Bob Fowler at Allwood Stud and Julie Van Dyke at Pepper Tree.
SNIPPETS A big change for NSW and Pepper Tree, with Pepper Tree now in partnership with Alabar for their three stallions Rock N Roll Heaven, Sportswriter and Roll With Joe. They already partner with Alabar with Art Major. There should be no adverse impact for WA breeders, with the stallions now included in Alabar’s roster. A good turnout for the 46th WASBA AGM held on Saturday 13 February. Thanks to everyone who attended, and a bonus was watching My Hard Copy run a great 3rd in the Cordina Spint (following a 3rd in the Hunter Cup) on the big screen. Thanks also to GPHR for providing their facilities. Congratulations and welcome to Megan Schrader for joining the WASBA Committee, and Mark Leahy for taking on the role of Secretary. WASBA continues to support standing starts and will continue to do so while they have your support and offer our industry participants additional racing and winning opportunities. Of course the starting process can always be reviewed. Please put forward any suggestions for improvement. A good result in the Busselton Sweetheart Series, with Ross Waddell taking home the $500 from WASBA for being the breeder of the winning Westbred mare. Racey American also earned $500 in Epona Credits to be held in trust by WASBA. Thanks to Busselton for another great series. The Country Oaks for eligible Westbred Fillies will be run at Bunbury on Saturday 2 April for a stakes of $19,999, plus Westbred Bonus. Thanks to the Bunbury club for assisting with this event. The 2016 $14,999 WASBA / King-Lethbridge Memorial Westbred Mares Pace (C2+ / MO Westbred Mares), will be run at Pinjarra on Sunday 24th April. Thanks to Pinjarra for their support. Breeding start date is set to change this year, with 1 September being introduced by HRA as the starting date for the breeding season in Australia from 2016 onwards. Thanks to Matt Benson and Andrew Kelly for following through with this. The rule change is expected to be in place soon.
Best dressed handler Chris Feast Toplining the parade, the 5 best fillies presented were Lot 1 by We Will See (Zoe Ellis) who also won the garland for best presented filly, Lot 3 by Art Major (Steve Johnson), Lot 52 by Shadow Play, Lot 58 by Mcardle (Global Breeding Farms) and Lot 63 by Rock N Roll Heaven (KTC Bloodstock for Kevin and Annette Charles). The top 5 colts presented were Lot 21 by Christian Cullen (Neven Botica),
14 April/May - RACING AHEAD
For more information about WASBA or any of the topics covered in “WASBA News” or breeding issues call 0447 053 040 or email info@wasba.com.au. We now have a facebook page to help keep everyone up to date with what is happening in the industry. Please “Like” our page. We will continue to update it with news as well as our photo collection of stallions, legends and Australian champions. Don’t forget your 2016 WASBA membership, is due. If you haven’t paid yet, go to the Members tab on our website www.wasba.com.au, or call 0447 053 040 for a form to be sent to you. If completing your form online, you can transfer the relevant fee to the WASBA account BSB 036 043, Account 129810, or forward a cheque to WASBA at PO Box 1270, Booragoon WA 6954. For those who have paid – thanks and welcome! – your membership card will be in the mail soon.
The Spider Fund Directors have proposed and increase in the maximum amount that can be claimed for damages to the American Style Spiders and Wheels. The new amount for American Style Spiders is $6,600.00 (Inc. GST) and for each wheel is $1,100 (Inc. GST). These amounts have been approved by RWWA and will take effect from 1st February 2016. Please refer to conditions that apply to all Spider Fund Claims in Racing Ahead.
of Industry concern that could impact your future. A specific form requesting your email address is in this edition of Racing Ahead and it is hoped that by securing your email details BOTRA can tell you exactly what it does for the industry and importantly you. Please contact Rob Deadman for further details or send your details via Email to yorktrot@westnet.com.au or alternatively contact any BOTRA Committeeman with the desired details.
BOTRA has been approached by industry participants regarding the policy on Sprint Lanes at tracks. The decision to construct a Sprint Lane remains with the club and BOTRA has suggested that clubs with tracks undergoing reconstruction or refurbishment should consider a Sprint Lane if firstly, this initiative is fully supported by the club and the industry and secondly if they can be implemented within the given industry guidelines.
In an effort to secure more membership, BOTRA will be introducing cash bonus incentives to Trainers and Drivers who are BOTRA members, who win specifically nominated races at meetings held during the week up to and including the BOTRA Cup In August 2016. You are encouraged to join BOTRA as a member to enjoy this and other members only benefits that will be introduced in the near future.
The placement of the ambulance at race meetings and official trials has been an ongoing topic under constant review. BOTRA has remained with the view that ambulances should be stationed at the inside of the racing circuit wherever possible.
BOTRA and WACHRA have prepared a joint submission to Ross Cooper, Chairman, Inter dominion Committee as part of the 2015 Interdominion review. Based on submissions from Industry Groups, the next Interdominion Series will be staged differently and reap the benefits and support this iconic harness event richly deserves.
RWWA Stewards have been working with BOTRA on “Harness Racing Guidelines” and have produced a document outlining the policy for penalty guidelines for various offences. Currently RWWA has approached BOTRA for comments on “Group Racing and Deferment Penalty Policy” which will be incorporated with the “Harness Racing Guidelines” document when finalised and will be available to all participants in future editions of Racing Ahead. BOTRA has expressed thanks to the RWWA Stewards for their communication and cooperation with these important matters. BOTRA Committee is frustrated by the continual question “what does BOTRA do for me?” obviously our lines of communication are not working well and there is a concerted effort (with your cooperation) to secure your email addresses for direct contact with all Harness Racing participants, to involve you in proposed changes to racing policies, matters of concern, general information and help with industry enquiries and to get your views on all matters
Several Senior Drivers have agreed to assist Junior/concession Drivers at Stewards enquiries at Race meetings when Trevor Warwick, Driving Master is unavailable. Drivers available to fulfil these duties at this stage are Colin Brown, Chris Voak, Chris Lewis, Aldo Cortopassi, Ryan Warwick, Nathan Turvey, Matthew Scott, Justin Prentice and Shane Butterworth. Don’t forget the botra.info website for minutes of meetings and further information and please feel free to contact any member of the BOTRA Committee or attend a BOTRA Committee meeting (5.30pm, 1st Wednesday of each month at Byford). Rob Deadman Secretary BOTRA
RACING AHEAD - April/May - 15
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