BOTRA Tas News

Tasmania's harness racing future

In preparation for the upcoming election, the Tasmanian Liberals have released their policy aimed at 'Reinvigorating our Racing Industry'. Recognising our industry as a major contributor to the economy of Tasmania, the key aspects of the policy are as follows:

The TOTE will not be sold and will be returned to the racing industry as the industry’s principle income stream
A guaranteed a minimum of $32 million per annum in funding adjusted for CPI ($27million indexed plus product fee [guarantee] $5million)
Future profits from the TOTE will be distributed to the industry
Based on the TOTE performance for 2008/2009, an amount in excess of $32M would have been distributed to the industry under the Liberal policy
The racing deed will be 'torn up'
The $40M infrastructure funding will be honoured, ensuring that the industry can develop a capacity to repay and not be saddled with a perpetual debt; this funding will not impact on the guaranteed $32M
Stakes can now be the beneficiary of increasing TOTE performance
The training and development of participants, both new and existing, within the industry has been identified by the Liberals as currently almost non-existent; the Liberals have made a commitment to develop programs and funding that will encourage and train the next generation of participants
Training facilities, including those already existing at Longford and Brighton, for all codes are recognised as essential for growth of our industry

In addition, the Carrick training facility was a topic of conversation between BOTRA Chairman Chester Bullock and the Shadow Minister for Racing, Mr Jeremy Rockliff. Mr Rockliff acknowledged the importance of a training facility for harness racing at Carrick. He recognises the importance of introducing the next generation to the industry and is committed to progressing the establishment of this facility.

Mr Bullock said that the Liberal Party's policy to 'Reinvigorate our Racing Industry' has great merit, giving the industry incentives to grow and the ability to control its own destiny.

11 March 2010

Tasmanian Racing Appeal Board

The Racing Appeal Board has published an information bulletin, which sets out the processes and procedures of the TRAB as a guide to interested persons.

2 January 2010

BOTRA members' draw

A free draw for BOTRA members was conducted at the first Carrick meeting of the season. First prize of a service to a Stallion Station stallion went to Grey Pearton. Minor prizes, kindly donated by Roberts, went to I Dunham, D Pennigot, P Watts and G Shaw.

15 Dec 2009

BOTRA minutes - October 2009

Attached for your information are the minutes of the BOTRA meeting held on 8 October 2009.

11 Nov 2009

Nursery register

Each year, whilst the majority of foalings are happily problem-free, occasionally a mare or foal is lost. BOTRA would like to help out by offering a contact point for breeders who find themselves with an orphaned foal or a mare that has lost its foal.

If you should be so unfortunate as to find yourself in this situation, please contact David Hayes on 0427 972 169 or email your details to Webwoman and we will put them into a nursery register on this site.

11 Nov 2009

BOTRA meeting report

Members may be interested to hear what BOTRA has been concerning itself with on their behalf. Now you can read the minutes of the BOTRA meeting held on 2nd September 2009.

Sept 07

National Trainers and Drivers Association

BOTRA Tas members will be interested to learn some of the outcomes of a national trainers and drivers forum held in Sydney on 2nd September 2009.

After ongoing discussion by relevant State bodies, it was agreed that there was a need for a national voice at HRA level, with that organisation promoting national policies. It was then agreed to form the National Trainers and Drivers Association, with all relevant State bodies being invited to join.

BOTRA Tas is pleased to announce that it will be represented at all future quarterly meetings, scheduled to be held in Sydney.

Topics discussed at the 2nd September meeting included the following.

Harness Racing Australia (HRA)

Consultation process : Delegates were concerned with the 'levels of bureaucracy' and the perceived lack of consultation and due process with recent trainers' and drivers' issues
National Rules : It was noted that HRA was moving to a National Rules approach

HRA Rules - proposed changes to whip regulations

Delegates expressed concern that HRA had proposed changes to whip regulations without consulting trainers and drivers. It was agreed that the new association would write to HRA, seeking a consultation meeting prior to the HRA meeting to be held on 12th October 2009, when new whip regulations are set to be ratified. Issues including safety concerns and whip length are to be included in the discussion.

Medication Rules

A general discussion took place on current issues, including a reported paper on use of therapeutic medication. It was noted that if authorities 'move the goalposts', then industry should be consulted/advised.

Racing Rules

It was agreed that the National Rules needed to be continually scrutinized and updated as required.

Handicapping

A general discussion took place on the new National Handicapping System. It was noted that States can utilise parts of the new system which suit their circumstances, at the same time remaining within the parameters of the new system. The meeting agreed that more effort was required in programming fillies and mares races and giving them let-ups as required. Statistics were tabled as to the number of Australian and New Zealand mares racing in North America. Claiming races were discussed and each State advised how they sought to implement these successfully.

Trainer and driver insurance and superannuation

It was agreed to reconsider trainer and driver insurance on a national basis and to investigate a national superannuation scheme for trainers and drivers.

Other business