FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

As members would be aware, the new Benchmark Programming and Handicapping model was introduced on 1 October 2009.

At the time of launching, Racing NSW committed to conduct a six month appraisal and review of the new and innovative system. That sixth month period ended on 31 March 2010 and Racing NSW is now conducting the review and submissions have been invited.

Accordingly as the Association has been asked by Racing NSW to respond on behalf of members, I am writing to members to request their participation in responding to that request. For your information, Racing NSW has listed the following general points when calling for submissions: Please include in your response any statistics, comments or examples of your viewpoint. If you wish you can also provide general answers to the following 3 questions:
• How has the system worked for you?
• What parts of the system didn’t work?
• What would you change?

If you are interested in contributing to the Association’s response, it would be appreciated if you could do so by either email nswroa1@ozemail.com.au or by facsimile (02) 9299 3212.

Please note that responses are required by 23 April 2010.

SCORE A BONUS FOOTY JUMPER*

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*Conditions apply, see Luxbet.com for details. Think! About your choices. Call your state based Gambling Help services on 1800 858 858. In NSW call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au In WA visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au Gamble responsibly.

BOOKINGS CLOSING FOR SYDNEY CUP DAY LUNCHEON

A reminder to members that bookings are now closing for the Sydney Cup Day Luncheon at Royal Randwick on Saturday 24 April 2010. As previous attendees will confirm, the NSWROA Sydney Cup Luncheon is an event not to be missed.

The package for the day includes a sumptuous buffet luncheon and beverage package, afternoon tea, Guest Tipsters and Tipping Competition, Best Hat & Best Tie Competition, a Raffle with great prizes, race book and pen and full tote and bookmaker facilities.

The luncheon will be held in the Vista Room, Level 5, Queen Elizabeth Stand, and is priced at $170.00 per person, GST inclusive.

I am very pleased to advise that Network 10 and TVN Media Personality Mr Frank Coletta will be our Master of Ceremonies on the day.

BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment as numbers are strictly limited. Please note that all bookings and payments must be received by 16 April 2010.

Click here for a booking form.

BMW BARRIER DRAW JUST ONE OF THE MANY HIGHLIGHTS AT LUNCHEON FUNCTION ON 30 MARCH 2010

The weather may have been dismal outside, but there were “no sign of clouds” inside the Three Lounge at Bar 333 at the Association’s function on Tuesday, 30 March.

The function, which was held following the AAMI Golden Slipper Barrier Draw, was a huge success with guests having a wonderful time savouring drinks and a cocktail style lunch as well as thoroughly enjoying themselves with the various entertainments on offer.

STC Committee Member Judith Foley (L) and guests		Brother Dan Stafford and Jo McKinnon

From the time our Master of Ceremonies, Jo McKinnon welcomed everyone and invited Brother Dan Stafford to say a few words, everyone relaxed immediately.

Guests were treated to a Phantom Call of the Golden Slipper by the legendary Ian Craig – who made a special return to the microphone for this event.

In fact Ian was kind enough to lend his dulcet tones to calling one of the many races conducted with “The Racing Game” which had such turf greats as “Tie The Knot, Octagonal, Bonecrusher and Kingston Town” matching strides in many a “hard fought” finish.

The Association’s charity of choice, Redkite – supporting children through cancer - were most appreciative of the generosity of guests.

Ian Craig calls another “hard fought finish” of The Racing Game		Kate Nivison (L) and guests

The barrier draw of Sydney’s premier Weight For Age event, The BMW was next on the agenda with Racing NSW Chief Steward Mr Ray Murrihy and Deputy Chief Steward Mr Greg Rudolph officiating.

The draw brought many cheers from the gathering of expectant owners as they “picked up a car” and “sealed their fate”.

Peter McGauran (L) and guests		Kingsley Edwards and Brad Smith
(L-R) Ian and Marilyn Craig and guest		Sharon Lenton and Doug May

The Association would like to thank Jo McKinnon, Brother Dan Stafford, Ray Murrihy, Greg Rudolph, Sharon Lenton, Doug May and the Sydney Turf Club for contributing to the success of the day.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year to this event.

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS

A WINNER – there are no better words for an owner to hear!

As members are aware, as part of our membership renewal process, NSWROA requested members to forward the names of their racehorses in order for us to acknowledge their racing triumphs in our publications.

By popular demand, this feature has been “upgraded” for the 2009/2010 racing season. Accordingly, hereunder are the lucky NSWROA members who had winners in March 2010:

NSWROA TO SPONSOR RACE DURING WAGGA CUP CARNIVAL

As part of the commitment of NSWROA to support our country colleagues, I am very pleased to advise that the Association will be sponsoring the NSW Racehorse Owners Association Maiden Handicap over 1000 metres on Town Plate Day – May 6.

Town Plate Day is of course part of the prestigious Wagga Gold Cup Carnival which commences on 18th April with Prelude Day and concludes on 7th May for Cup Day.

The 2010 Cup Carnival has more than half a million dollars in prizemoney with the featured event the Listed Wagga Gold Cup (2000m), worth $130,000.

The Wagga carnival attracts all the big names in racing with horses from the stables of Bart Cummings, Gai Waterhouse, John O’Shea and Tim Martin and the calibre of jockeys such as Corey Brown, Hugh Bowman, Tim Clark and Jim Cassidy regulars at Wagga each year.

Off the track, the carnival boasts the Myer Fashions on the Field, which prizes exceeding $16,000, musical entertainment throughout the day, 40 plus corporate marquees and 12,000 people enjoying a day of fun.

We encourage all members in the Southern Region to join us on 6 May for a great day out.

For further details on the Carnival, visit the Murrumbidgee Turf Club website at www.mtcwagga.com.au.

ENCHANTED GOLDEN SLIPPER HATS AND HIGH TEA – A STUNNING SUCCESS

SOLD OUT! For the second year in succession the Golden Slipper Hats and High Tea function was sold out well in advance of the event being held. Our congratulations to event organizers, Catherine Kelly and Sharon Lenton (who is a recent appointee to the Cornucopia Committee) on another fantastic event this year.

The theme for 2010 was an “Enchanted Golden Slipper Hats and High Tea” with guests being greeted by none other than the “Fairest of them All” Snow White and the Wicked Witch when they walked into the Sir Stamford at Circular Quay on Sunday 21 March 2010.

The Wicked Witch and Snow White		Lesley Brown, Belinda Brown and Judith Foley

The compare for the event was Rachel Watt who did a wonderful job in her “debut role” – surely someone with a bright future within the media and entertainment was provided by Katherine Taliana who was very well received by the guests.

The wonderful creations of the very talented couture milliners, comprising the Australian Milliners’ Guild, Embellish Atelier, Hat Box Creations, Lin Teo Designs, Papillon Hats by Margaret Keeble, Pipparella, Suzy O’Rourke, Suzanne O’Brien and Neil Grigg, were paraded by a team of beautiful models who showcased the millinery in exceptional style.

(l-r) Denise Bromley, Swita Fee, Kathy Macris, Sharon Lenton & Liz Kastanias		(l-r) Shirley McGrath, Rosemary Mula & Christine Mathers

One of the many highlights of the afternoon was the competition for “Best Dressed” which was enormously difficult for Guest Judge, Gina Kotzoulas of Anthea Crawford, as the level of immaculately dressed women was extremely high. The winner for the day was Lisa Wellings.

(l-r) Gina Kotzoulas, Lisa Wellings & Sharon Lenton		Jean Carroll (centre) the guest of honour at the function

The guest of honour at the function was Jean Carroll who delighted guests when she reminisced of her life “in the trade”.

If you love your fashion – this event is a definite must on your calendar.

BOBS & BOBS EXTRA UPDATE

The 2010 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale closed on 8 April with more than $86m invested in 364 lots – in theory the most select group of yearlings in the country. At an average of around $221,000 that is an enormous investment.

It’s interesting to note that 87% of those in the catalogue were BOBS Eligible and most of those that were not eligible had been bred in New Zealand and shipped across the Tasman for this sale.

A number of studmasters and bloodstock agents confirmed to me that buyers – including clients living overseas – were quite adamant that they wanted only BOBS Eligible yearlings because the BOBS bonuses make it so much more affordable to race a horse from the most successful stables in NSW.

March was a big month for BOBS bonuses with 112 being won. In cash terms that meant an extra $662,500 being pumped back into the industry by Racing NSW, but of course many owners multiply their bonuses by opting for a Double-Up voucher.

That is especially valuable to country owners who are racing horses for lesser prizemoney, and I’m sure we’ll see many BOBS Double-Up vouchers being redeemed after the Scone Yearling Sale in May. More than 400 yearlings are in that catalogue, the vast majority BOBS Eligible.

Once the Asian Racing Conference, Autumn Racing Carnival and Scone Yearling Sales are out of the way I will be looking at ways in which we can improve the BOBS and BOBS Extra system even further. I am happy to receive any suggestions from owners – send me an email: jgatfield@racingnsw.com.au .

For further information please contact:
John Gatfield,
BOBS Executive Officer,
Racing NSW,
(02) 9551-7574,
jgatfield@racingnsw.com.au

VALE – MR DES HOYSTED

The NSW Racehorse Owners Association (NSWROA) was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of one of racing’s finest – Mr Des Hoysted in March.

Des who was 86 at the time of his passing, first began race calling in 1952 and entertained many thousands of listeners during the next 31 years at both 2GB and 2UE.

Des is survived by his wife Pat and on behalf of the NSWROA Committee and our members, we extend our deepest sympathy to her.