12 July 2007 : MEDIA RELEASE

Direct Compensation for Racehorse Owners – World Youth Day

The NSW Racehorse Owners’ Association today again called to be involved in direct compensation negotiations with the NSW Government over the use of Randwick Racecourse for the 2008 Papal visit.

NSWROA believes that owners, not just trainers, have a right to compensation in relation to expenses incurred as part of the relocation of racehorses from Randwick. The NSWROA should therefore, be directly included in any negotiations with the NSW government.

It has so far been proposed that around 100 horses will go to Rosehill, 40 to Canterbury, 120 to Gosford and 400 to Warwick Farm. This will require additional expenditure by owners and they should be compensated for the extra cost.

The NSWROA believes that an independent body, such as Racing NSW, or an accounting firm should be used to negotiate the compensation claim with the NSW government and disburse any funds. This would be preferable to the Australian Jockey Club which, although a capable body, is perceived to be representing the interest of trainers and the racecourse.

“The AJC itself may be subject to potential claims against it arising out of the Papal visit,” said NSWROA Director John Vouris.

“We believe that if the AJC administers the fund, this could be a conflict of interest. The NSWROA would like any compensation fund to have criteria for disbursement and not be handled by any one body with a direct interest in the fund.”

Contact: Stephen Van Eyk
Ph: 0411 696 072