FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

Members will recall that I advised that I would keep you updated on some of the various issues the Association is dealing with on behalf of racehorse owners in New South Wales.

One subject in particular that has generated a number of comments in recent times is the programming of staying races.

The Association wrote to Racing NSW expressing the dissatisfaction of the Association and its members at the recent clash of staying races in the programming calendar. Particular mention was made to the clash of the MTC Wagga Gold Cup on 7th May and the STC Lord Mayor’s Cup on 8th May which resulted in a number of dual acceptors in both races.

The Association agreed that more staying races needed to be conducted and in fact commented that with the introduction of BOBS Extra next season it felt confident that field sizes will increase. However, the Association was concerned that some country races may “suffer” reduced field sizes if a clash similar to that expressed above, occurred again.

The above is just one of a number of issues the Association is presently investigating on behalf of members. Without going into too much detail at this time, I can advise that some of these issues will be raised with the Racing Industry Consultation Group.

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2010 RACING'S NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

NSWROA is, once again in 2010, proud to be hosting Racing’s Night of Champions, the most prestigious charity award’s night in Australian racing.

Racing’s Night of Champions will return to the Grand Pavilion at Rosehill Gardens this year on 12 August 2010 and NSWROA cordially invites you to join us for the evening. As members would be aware, Racing’s Night of Champions is in aid of Redkite who support children and their families through cancer.

With the theme of “Celebrating 200 Years of Racing in NSW” guests will be treated to some fantastic moments in racing’s long and proud history.

I am very pleased to advise that the feature entertainment for the evening will be provided by David Campbell, one of Australia’s favourite cabaret and Broadway performers.

Racing’s Night of Champions is without doubt the best value night out you can have. For the low admission price of $198.00 per person you receive:

• a sumptuous 3 course meal
• fine wines and beverages; and
• entertainment by the big names in the Australian industry.

You will find it very hard to get such value for money from any other event and by attending you are also assisting Redkite, who now more than ever, need our help. So why not treat yourself to a great night out and at the same time show your support for Redkite.

In addition, in order to assist guests travelling to the function, NSWROA has arranged for a return bus service to the event at a nominal fee. The bus will travel between Randwick and Rosehill. Bookings for this service will be essential.

For further information regarding the Racing’s Night of Champions, visit the NSWROA website www.nswroa.com.au or click here to view the latest flyer for the event.

BENEFITS OF THE NSWROA HORSE INSURANCE PACKAGE

Our good friend and corporate partner Gow Gates Insurance Brokers, have kindly prepared the following advice, via Kingsley Edwards, B.Agr.Ec (Syd.), Dip.Fin.Serv. (Ins. Broking), ANZIIF (Snr. Assoc.), C.I.P., for members:

The horse insurance package available exclusively to members is a significant benefit of belonging to the NSWROA.

Cost savings and special policy inclusions are features of the insurance package offered to NSWROA members. The mortality insurance cover offered by Lloyd’s of London through Gow-Gates is available to all NSWROA members for their ownership interests, regardless of whether a horse is owned 100%, or in a partnership/syndicate, and covers horses currently racing or horses as yet unraced (including yearlings purchased at sale). Breeding risks including stallion shares, broodmares, foals and pre-sale yearlings can also be covered.

The Lloyd’s mortality policy covers death of the horse from any disease/illness or accident/injury, but does not cover intentional slaughter unless a vet certifies that the horse's suffering is incurable and so excessive that immediate destruction is imperative for humane reasons. Covers also extends to theft of the horse and transits anywhere within Australia and to (or from) New Zealand.

Extensions of the policy offered to NSWROA members that are not part of the standard policy include: the death of a horse which becomes ill or injured within the period of insurance for up to 12 months after the policy expires; and surgery conducted by a qualified veterinarian under local or general anaesthetic (both subject to the policy terms and conditions).

The package provides not only this quality insurance product, but is delivered by professional and experienced staff who ensure a level of personalised service aimed at making the insurance process as easy as possible, particularly in the efficient handling of claims and their settlement.

The bloodstock division at Gow-Gates was established over 25 years ago and its expertise in assisting clients to manage the risks of horse ownership is another benefit of the NSWROA insurance package of which members can take advantage.

Should you wish to find out more about the NSWROA horse insurance package, please contact Kingsley Edwards of the Bloodstock Insurance Division on (02) 8267 9940 or by email kedwards@gowgates.com.au.

Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers (Australasia) Pty Ltd, A.B.N 29 069 562 787, AFSL 245433.

Disclaimer: The information in the above article is intended as a guide only and should not be relied upon without the consulting the “Lloyd’s Equine Policy LE (Australia) LMA3069” wording with relevant endorsements and seeking independent professional advice.

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 May 2010:

BOBS & BOBS EXTRA UPDATE

During the month of May owners of horses racing in NSW won 127 BOBS bonuses, valued in cash terms at just under $1 million. It was a record number for May and it took the payments for this season to more than $6 million.

By the end of May 893 bonuses had been won this season, compared with 772 at this time last year.

Of those 893 bonuses, winning owners had opted not to take the cash in 309 cases (or 34.6%) but to exercise their right to double the value with a Double-Up voucher. At the same time last year 197 bonuses had been claimed as Double-Up vouchers – so there is an obvious trend towards this option.

It demonstrates quite clearly that the Racing NSW initiative in introducing our unique Double-Up system is popular with owners and is contributing enormously to the breeding side of the industry as well as to ownership.

Since Double-Up was introduced in January 2006, $5 million worth of cash bonuses has been doubled – meaning Racing NSW has put $10 million directly into horse ownership.

When you consider those figures it makes perfect sense to make sure that your rising 2-year-old is entered for BOBS. Don’t delay – download the nomination form and get it back to us well before the last minute rush!

Here’s the link:
http://www.racingnsw.com.au/site/_content/document/00000487-nomination.pdf

From the start of the new racing season on 1 August we’ll be paying BOBS Extra bonuses too, so if you own a 4YO for which you paid the $2500 nomination fee last year, start looking for those races of 1600 metres and longer. And we will be making sure that clubs program more races to cater for BOBS Extra.

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

CONTACT DETAILS FOR MEMBERS

Have you recently moved, changed your postal address or obtained an email address? If so, it would be greatly appreciated if you could contact the office in order for our records to be updated.

Yours in Racing
Ray McDowell, President
10 June 2010