FROM THE CEO. Harness Racing SA Telephone: (08) Globe Derby Drive Facsimile: (08)

Transcription

1 On thepace Newsletter from HRSA for the South Australian Harness Racing Industry May 2012 Edition FROM THE CEO 2012/13 Racing Program The HRSA Board have approved a total of 190 race meetings in South Australia in the 2012/13 financial year. This includes 135 race meetings at Globe Derby Park (including the Gawler Cup), 27 race meetings at Pt Pirie (including the Kadina Cup), 12 race meetings at Mt Gambier, and four race meetings at Kapunda, Strathalbyn, Victor Harbor and Whyalla. All race meetings will have TAB coverage. The HRSA Board has also reviewed Tuesday night racing at Globe Derby Park. The initial commitment was for a 12 month period until June 2012 with regular monitoring. Following consideration by the Board, Tuesday night racing will continue throughout July and August However there will be no Tuesday night racing over the period from September to December inclusive which is historically the period when horse numbers decline. Some Tuesday night racing has been programmed in early 2013, and the Board will then continue to review its commitment to Tuesday night racing. Mt Gambier will host their Cup meeting on a Saturday night (February 16) and will also host four race meetings on a Friday night. Gawler and Pt Pirie will also hold their Cup meetings on Saturday nights. Racing Infrastructure The HRSA Board has approved the purchase of a portable trailer mounted 265mm L.E.D Multi Colour L.E.D Semaphore Board with a 230mm L.E.D. Message Area at a total cost of $46,100 (incl GST). The Semaphore Board dimensions are 4.5m long and 1.2m high. The mobile semaphore board will be used for all country and regional harness race meetings, and will John Lewis, CEO HRSA be an important piece of racing infrastructure for clubs. We expect to take delivery in November The Board will be able to display the following information: race and horse placing numbers, margin displays showing 1st - 2nd & 2nd - 3rd, tote dividends, club & sponsors messages separate electronic timing display, and Stewards indicator for All Clear/No Race/Protest. This new racing infrastructure purchase builds on the capital purchases in 2011 when harness racing took delivery of two new mobile vehicles, as well as a new mobile mechanism and a second upgraded mobile mechanism. These purchases also enabled the relocation of our third mobile to Pt Pirie. Sponsorship Services Former SAJC Sponsorship Manager, Torrie Osborn has been appointed to manage sponsorship for the harness racing industry in South Australia. Torrie will be tasked to increase sponsorship both collectively for the code and for individual member clubs. A priority will be to secure naming rights sponsors for the summer racing season including feature metropolitan and country race meetings. Industry Forums As previously advised we intend to hold a number of industry forums for the harness racing industry in South Australia. These forums will be held across the State and will provide an opportunity for industry participants to be updated on a range of matters, and also gives participants the opportunity to raise any issues. HRSA representatives at the forum will include Directors and senior management including the CEO, Chairman of Stewards and the Racing Operations Manager. Harness Racing SA Telephone: (08) Globe Derby Drive Facsimile: (08) GLOBE DERBY PARK SA ABN: saharness@saharness.org.au

2 FROM THE CEO (Continued)... The forums will be held on the following dates and venues: Northern Region Wednesday 4 Port Pirie Harness Racing Club (The Terrace, Port Pirie) at 7.00pm. Central Region Wednesday 1 Globe Derby Park (Jubilee Room) at 7.00pm. South Eastern Region Wednesday 5 Mt Gambier HRC (Showgrounds, Mt Gambier) at 7.00pm. TWO NEW HENDRA VIRUS CASES Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland Health Two new Hendra virus cases confirmed Biosecurity Queensland is managing two new Hendra virus cases one near Rockhampton and the other near Ingham - after positive test results were received late last night. Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said a horse died on Saturday on a property near Rockhampton with test results confirming the horse had Hendra virus. There are other horses on the property these animals will be assessed today. Dr Symons said a horse had also died on a property in Ingham on Monday with results confirming it had Hendra virus infection. Five horses remain on this property and will be assessed today. Biosecurity Queensland is in the process of quarantining the properties and will test and monitor the other horses at these locations over the next month, Dr Symons said. Tracing will be a priority to determine what contact the deceased horses may have had with other animals. Movement restrictions will apply to moving horses and horse materials on and off the infected properties. Queensland Health's Public Health experts will travel to both properties today to assess the situation and determine whether any humans had contact with the infected horses and require testing. Queensland s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reassured the community that transmission of the virus required close contact with body fluids of the sick horse. "Queensland Health staff will continue to undertake contact tracing work to ensure all people potentially exposed to the sick horse have been identified," Dr Young said. "Queensland Health stands ready to provide any assistance, counselling, information, testing or treatment that may be required." "Anyone who is concerned should contact 13 HEALTH ( ). Since the start of 2011 until now there has been 11 Hendra virus incidents in Queensland resulting in the death or euthanasia of 14 horses and one dog. These two new cases brings the total for 2011 and 2012 to 13 cases and 16 horse deaths. For more information, including the latest guidelines for veterinarians on Hendra virus, contact Biosecurity Queensland on or visit gov.au Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld). Facts for horse owners - Reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection on your property: Horse feed and water containers should be removed from under trees. If possible, place feed and water containers under a shelter. Owners should inspect and identify flowering/ fruiting trees on their property. Horses should be removed from paddocks where flowering/fruiting trees are attracting flying foxes. Horses should be returned only after the trees have stopped flowering/ fruiting and the flying foxes have gone. If horses cannot be removed from the paddock, consider fencing (temporary or permanent) to restrict access to flowering/ fruiting trees. Alternatively, try to temporarily remove horses during times of peak flying fox activity (usually at dusk and during the night). Clean up any fruit debris underneath the trees before returning horses. Ensure that sick horses are isolated from other horses, people and animals until a veterinarian s opinion is obtained. Try to avoid close contact with a sick horse and personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, masks and gloves should be worn if handling a suspected sick horse. NEW DIRECTOR: MARK CAREY Prominent breeder and owner Mark Carey has been appointed to the HRSA Board. In addition to his considerable experience as an owner and breeder in harness racing, Carey is also a former CEO of the code and most recently a Director of GRSA. This follows the appointment in 2011 of former Coca Cola State CEO and SA Tourism Commission senior executive Joanne Podoliak and lawyer and former GRSA Chairman John Levy. All of these appointments provide greater depth and expertise to the Board with a blend of racing and business experience. Brain Teaser... The Southern Cross replaced the Sires Stakes Series, which began in the 1980 s. The first three 2YO Sires Stakes Fillies final winners were all by the same sire. Can you name the sire and the fillies? - 2-

3 RACING OPERATIONS REPORT RACE DATES: JULY - OCT 2012 Race dates for the first four months of the racing season have been released (July-October). see BOTRA CARNIVAL The BOTRA Golden Nursery Carnival has been brought forward to July this year, with the Finals listed for decision on Saturday 28th July. In total, there are 124 2yo s paid up for the two series and are eligible to nominate for the Golden Nursery Heats. SA BOTRA has also decided to sponsor additional races during the week of racing, with 3yo s & 4yo mares races added to the program. Between the Golden Nursery nomination fees and BOTRA s input, over $30,000 of additional prizemoney will go into these races. The program of feature heats & finals for the BOTRA Carnival will be: Friday 20 July: Golden Nursery $5,000 (Fillies; Colts & Geldings); 4YO Mares $3,000 (R ) penalty Saturday 21 July: 3YO $3,000 each (3R) penalty (Fillies; Colts & Geldings) Saturday 28 July: Golden Nursery $20,000 3YO $8,000 ; 4YO Mares $10,000 As per the Golden Nursery Conditions, to race in the 2YO, 3YO & 4YO mares, owners must be BOTRA members. There will be rugs for all races on Final night as well as trophies for the feature events. There will once again be a barrier draw function for the two Golden Nursery Finals, which is likely to take place at the Tuesday night race meeting; keep an eye out for more details from BOTRA. TROTTERS CLASSIC Peter Smith, Racing Operations Manager Following the great win of Top Notch Jewel to keep the SA Trotters Derby title in South Australia, a reminder that we have four juvenile trotters features listed for the next month. Saturday 16th June - $10,000 3YO Trotters Classic Saturday 23rd June - $8,000 SA Trotters Oaks (3YO Fillies) Monday 25th June - $10,000 2YO Trotters Classic Monday 2nd July - $6,000 Parker Classic (re-scheduled) Also note that the Harness Racer & BOTRA News programs have the Parker Classic listed for July 9th. This was an error and it has been changed and is now correct on the web site. NON TAB MEETINGS FINISHED For the first time in its history, HRSA will discontinue with non TAB race meetings in the 2012/13 racing season. This is a significant development for the code, and again reflects the code s commitment to increase its focus on off course turnover PT PIRIE SEPTEMBER RACING As mentioned previously, the July to October dates have now been released and can be checked on the web site. One important change to take note of in regard to Port Pirie, is the decision to run meetings in September. In recent years Port Pirie has had a break during this period. However following a request from the Club and with the number of local horses competing this season, it has been agreed to continue racing at Port Pirie without a break. It is hoped that if the local trainers support this initiative, the load will be relieved on Globe Derby through the tighter months of September to December. The Port Pirie nomination numbers have been very good this year and HRSA is keen to support this horse population SOUTHERN CROSS The first half of the 2012 Southern Cross races have been run and won. Congratulations to the connections of Phyl Crocker & Aspiring Artist, which are our 2YO winners. Now, attention is drawn toward the 3YO series, which starts in a couple of weeks. A reminder of the dates: 3YO Series (fillies and colts & geldings) Saturday 23rd June - Heats Saturday 30th June - Repechages Saturday 7th July - Finals & Consolations STRATHALBYN CUP Strathalbyn completed a successful first meeting, using their new stalls complex last month. A reminder that the feature meeting for the season takes place at Strathalbyn next Monday (11th June) on the Queen s Birthday Public Holiday. Monday sees the running of the $10,000 Strathalbyn Pacing Cup, which is a C5ob discretionary. The other races on the card are all graduation penalty events. The meeting will have full TAB & Sky racing coverage, with the meeting telecast on Sky 2. Their third and final meeting for the season is on Sunday 24th June. SA BREEDERS CROWN HEATS Owner & trainers of Australasian Breeders Crown eligible 2yo s & 3yo s are reminded that there will be heats run in South Australia next month. The 2yo heats will be run at Port Pirie on Friday 13th July, with a heat listed for both the fillies & colts/ geldings; these heats will be run over 1609m. The 3yo heats will be run at Globe Derby on Monday 16th July over 2230m; with once again a heat for each sex. Prizemoney for each heat will be $5,000 and there will also be a rug for each winner. For more details on the Australasian Breeders Crown, check out pages of the Licence Holders Directory.

4 CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS REPORT IMPORTANT NOTICE: DRIVERS WHIP RULE POLICY - EFFECTIVE 1 MAY 2012 With the rule change allowing drivers to cross their reins and use the whip with a free hand over the last 200 metres of a race having been in place since 1 October 2010, the following information provides guidelines and Stewards interpretation of the provisions set out in AR 156. Rule 156(2) states A driver shall hold a rein in each hand at all times unless he or she is adjusting approved gear or driving in the final 200 metres of a race. The following guidelines have been constructed to provide a clear interpretation of the correct whip usage and what will be deemed to be in breach of Rule Wrist and Elbow Action Only A driver must ensure that whether using the whip with a free hand or not, that the upper arm (i.e. from shoulder to elbow), must remain stable at all times, therefore only using the whip in a flicking motion by engaging the wrist and elbow only. Hands must remain in front of the body at all times with the whip not being drawn back past the driver s shoulder. Where a driver visibly engages the upper arm as part of the whipping motion they will be deemed to be in breach of the rule. 2. Crossing Reins A driver is only permitted to cross their reins and use the whip with a free hand upon reaching a designated point, approximately 200 metres from the winning post on the final lap. Any driver using the whip with a free hand prior to the designated point will be deemed to be in breach of the rule. 3. Loose Reining A driver is required throughout the race, to maintain reasonable tension on the reins. Loopy shaking of the reins, raising the hands above the shoulders and/or noticeable lengthening of the reins will be deemed to be in breach of the rule. 4. Excessive Whip Use All drivers are reminded that excessive whip use will be monitored closely and it is their responsibly to ensure that the whip is not overly used and also not continually applied to any horse that is not in a competitive position or responding to the driver s efforts. Drivers are advised that they may continue to drive with a rein being held in each hand however, if choosing to do so they are still required to comply with the above guidelines. As from 1 May 2012 there will be no further cautions issued for minor breaches that relate to an excessive action or loose reining with a $100 fine being issued in the first instance. If a driver reoffends within a twentyeight (28) day period, this will result in the offending - 4- driver being fined $200 with any further breach within a 28 day turnaround incurring a suspension of the driver s licence for a minimum of 7 days. Offences that are deemed to be other than a minor breach will still attract a greater penalty as previously outlined in the HRA Penalty Guidelines. COMMENCEMENT OF SUSPENSIONS Stephen Mulcay, Chairman of Stewards RULE 256 (4) Penalties, whether under this or any other rule, attract from the time they are imposed, except that the Controlling Body or the Stewards may postpone such attachment. POLICY Drivers incurring a suspension shall fulfill any declared driving engagements, unless otherwise determined by the Stewards. A declared driving engagement is where the time for driver declaration has elapsed. PENALTY DEFERMENT Where a driver has been found guilty of a charge and the Stewards have determined that a period of suspension is appropriate, the driver will be afforded the opportunity to defer the commencement of such suspension for up to a maximum period of 8 days. NATIONAL RULES BOOK Amendments - HRA approved 1 March 2012 and adopted by HRSA Ltd as at 1 June 2012 DICTIONARY Amend Definitions HRA Approved 1 March 2012 Drug of Abuse means: (i) A drug within the scope of that expression as used in the document published by Standards Australia entitled Recommended practice for the collection, detection and quantitation of drugs of abuse in urine numbered AS and any subsequent amendment or replacement of that document. (ii) Any substance declared by the Australian Racing Board as a banned substance for the purposes of Rules 81B and 81C of the Australian Rules of Racing. 14. GENERAL OFFENCES Illegal Betting Add new 235A (HRA approved 1 March 2012) 235A. (1) A trainer must not lay any horse that is either under his care, control or supervision or has been in the preceding 21 days.

5 CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS REPORT (2) Any person employed by a trainer in connection with the training or care of horses must not lay a horse under the control of the trainer for whom he is or was employed, while so employed and for a period of 21 days thereafter. (3) An agent or manager must not lay any horse to be driven by a driver for whom he is agent or manager. (4) Where under sub-rules (1), (2) and (3) it is an offence for a person to lay a horse, it shall also be an offence for that person to: (a) have a horse laid on his behalf; (b) receive any moneys or other valuable consideration in any way connected with the laying of the horse by another person. (5) For the purposes of this rule lay means the offering or the placing of a bet on a horse: (a) to lose a race; (b) to be beaten by any other runner or runners; (c) to be beaten by any margin or range of margins; (d) that a horse will not be placed in a race in accordance with the provisions of Rule 49. Alcohol and Related Matters Amend Rule 252 (1), (2) (HRA approved 1 March 2012) Renumber existing sub-rule 252(2) to 252(3) (HRA approved 1 Mach 2012) 252. (1) Subject to sub-rule (2) a person shall not have any alcohol or drug of abuse in his or her body when carrying on or purporting to carry on a licenced activity or official duties at a meeting. (2) When codeine and/or morphine are detected in a sample taken from a person, the sample shall be deemed not to contain codeine and morphine if: (a) the total codeine and morphine concentration is less than 2,000ug/L; or (b) the total codeine and morphine concentration achieved in confirmatory testing is in the range 2,000 to 15,000ug/L inclusive and at least one of the following applies: (i) the codeine to morphine ratio contained in the sample is greater than 1.0; or (ii) the person satisfies the Stewards that there is no illegal use of opiates or opoids by that person. (3) Sub-Rule (1) does not apply to an official or employee of a club whose official duties at a meeting are unrelated to the care and control of horses or the conduct of a race. Summary of Amendments HRA approved 1 March 2012 RULES AMENDED 252(1), (2) NEW RULES / SUB-RULES 235A RULES REPEALED -- RULES RENUMBERED 252(2) AMEND DICTIONARY DEFINITIONS Drug of Abuse SA BOTRA news... CHRISTMAS IN JULY SUNDAY 1 JULY 2012 From 12:30pm Globe Derby Park Adults $40 Children 7-12 $20 Children under 6 free Special guest speaker - Fred Kersley. Afternoon includes buffet lunch (with seafood), raffles, door prizes, auctions and the Xmas in July Stallion Auction with services to eights stallions up for grabs including Modern Art and Artesian. SA BOTRA SA BREEDERS OWNERS TRAINER$ & REINSPERSONS ASSOC lnc (ABN 63 8Bt ) 20AlabarCrt Globe Derby Park SA 5110 Ph No Fax No (08) Brain Teaser Answer The sire was New Morris and the fillies were: I m Regal (1984), Zamboo Anger (1985) and Fire N Ice (1986). New Morris also sired Scot Morris (the horse trackman Scot is named after) the yo colts winner and later added Our Destiny (1991 filly) and William Belle (1992 colt) to his list. Proposed Stake Runs: Thurs 21 June & 12 July

6 INDUSTRY SURVEY - THE RESULTS QUESTION SIX Which of the following Field Sizes do you think is the best for SA harness racing meetings (given that a track is considered safe)? 224 responded to this question 62.5% Considered the current practice of 10 was the best 30.8% Thought 11 or 12 was the best 6.7% Thought 8 or 9 was optimal Which of the following Field Sizes do you think is the best for SA harness race meetings (given that a track is considered safe) QUESTION SEVEN Do you support the use of Walk Up starts if the mobile is not able to function? Do you support the use of WALK UP STARTS if the mobile is not able to function? Disagree & Strongly Disagree 226 responded to this question 74% Agreed or Strongly agreed 21.7% Disagreed or Strongly disagreed QUESTION EIGHT Would you wager on a Walk up start? Would you wager on a WALK UP START race? 223 responded to this question 57% Yes 31.8% No Yes No

7 INDUSTRY SURVEY - THE RESULTS QUESTION NINE Do you support running more Fillies and Mares races? Do you support running more Fillies and Mares races? Agreed & Strongly Agreed Agree 224 responded to this question 82% Agreed or Strongly agreed 7.1% Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed QUESTION TEN Would you like to see more Bookmakers fielding at Globe Derby Park Would you like to see more Bookmakers fielding at Globe Derby Park 220 responded to this question 71.3% Agreed or Strongly agreed 9.5% Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed Disagree & Strongly Disapree QUESTION ELEVEN Do you support the use of Claiming Clauses in normal C class races? Do you support the use of CLAIMING CLAUSES in normal C class races? 225 responded to this question 63.1% Agreed or Strongly agreed 18.2% Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed Disagree & Strongly Disagree

8 INDUSTRY SURVEY - THE RESULTS QUESTION TWELVE Do you support the use of Sprint Lanes? 224 responded to this question 80.8% Agreed or Strongly agreed 14.3% Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed Do you support the use of SPRINT LANES? Disagree & Strongly Disagree QUESTION THIRTEEN Do you support the awarding of 4 bonus Performance Points for gaining a strat at a Saturday night meeting at Globe derby Park? Do you support the awarding of 4 bonus PERFORMANCE POINTS for gaining a start at a Saturday night meeting at Globe Derby Park? 223 responded to this question 50.2% Agreed or Strongly agreed 27.8% Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed Disagree & Strongly Disagree QUESTION FOURTEEN Do you support the overall concept of re-introducing Emergencies in races? 223 responded to this question 73.1% Agreed or Strongly agreed 18.4% Disagreed or Strongly Disagreed In addition to this, when asked what races should have emergencies, 82% Strongly agreed or agreed to Saturday 70% Strongly agreed or agreed to Fridays Do you support the overall concept of reintroducing EMERGENCIES in races? Disagree & Strongly Disagree Harness Racing SA Telephone: (08) Globe Derby Drive Facsimile: (08) GLOBE DERBY SA ABN: saharness@saharness.org.au