FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

At the Annual General Meeting of the Sydney Turf Club (STC) on 27 September 2010, NSWROA Director Mr Laurie Macri was elected to the Board of Directors. Our congratulations to Laurie.

The STC, like NSWROA, are extremely fortunate to obtain the services of Laurie Macri for their Board. His background in the finance sector and his great passion for racing will make him a valuable addition to the STC Board particularly during this very important time.

I advise that the Association has been working hard with the AJC and STC to deliver the racing industry in Sydney with a new and better product. With the recent failure of the merger voting at the STC, all parties now need to move on somehow without the funding to again make racing in Sydney successful and profitable.

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A QUICK WORD WITH …… JOHN VOURIS

This month we have introduced a new feature into the Newsletter – “A Quick Word With”. Each month this column will feature a NSWROA Committee Member. Our “first cab off the rank” is our Treasurer – John Vouris.

1. What was your “introduction” into the racing industry?
As a young kid growing up in Redfern in the late fifties /early sixties I was a spotter for the local SP bookie.

2. Why did you decide to become a racehorse owner?
For the enjoyment and the thrill of winning. It is the only place I know where everyone is equal. If you have a good horse regardless of your colour, creed or religion, you will be accepted.

3. How many horses do you currently race?
I have 4 all with Barbara Joseph, a 4 year old, two 3 year olds and a 2 year old.

4. Who has been the “best” horse you have owned?
Before Too Long she ran in the Slipper in 2002 and led till the 300m. She won the Keith Mackay and then the Champagne Stakes G2 at Moonee Valley and broke the track record.

5. Who has been the “best” horse you have seen?
Kingston Town.

6. What has been your most memorable moment on a racecourse?
You can’t beat your first ever win, but when we won the Champagne Stakes I was with 10 of my mates on our annual Cox Plate tour and everyone of them backed her and we all had a great night.

7. What is your “vision” for the industry?
I would like to see all participants work together for the good of racing. Whilst we might have different and varied stakes in the business we should try to achieve a common goal.

8. If you were down to your last $20.00 – what would you spend it on?
Being a numbers man I would have a flexi boxed trifecta with my favourite numbers 2, 3, 5, 8 & 10.

NSWROA MEMBERS “WELCOME IN” FRIDAY NIGHT RACING
AT CANTERBURY PARK ON 24 SEPTEMBER 2010

Friday, 24th September 2010 was a very special date indeed - in fact it was an historic date for the NSW racing industry. The day in question was the date for the very first Friday Night Race Meeting ever to be held in Sydney and NSWROA members were “on hand” to celebrate as we “Welcomed In” Friday Night Racing to Sydney.

The function was attended by members and friends of the Association and was held in conjunction with a “Thank You” function for the sponsors and supporters of 2010 Racing’s Night of Champions.

Racing under lights is always a very exciting affair and the more so, of course, for those lucky enough to have runners or even better still, having winners.

Congratulations to NSWROA member Mr N Moriatis, AM who recorded a win with Mayluckday (NZ) in the first race of the night.

On behalf of the President and Committee of NSWROA, I would like to thank our members for their support via membership and attendance at our functions throughout the year.

May I also send a thank you to the Sydney Turf Club for allowing the Association to utilise their Directors’ Room for our function. The room which overlooks the Winning Post, provided our guests with a fantastic view of the action on the track whilst they enjoyed the superb food and beverages on offer.

NSWROA members Diana and Tony Curtis		(L-R) Peter Newsome, Peter Harney (Ambassador Travel) & Tim Harrowell (Emirates)
Caroline Searcy & Peter Wootton from TVN

NSWROA President, Ray McDowell made a moving speech highlighting the great success of the 2010 NSWROA Racing’s Night of Champions. He was glowing in his praise for our event management company Arinex and in particular Melissa Momitsas, whilst his comments regarding Darren Farnham and myself were quite overwhelming for us both. Ray made special individual mention to all the sponsors of the function thanking them profusely for their continued support of our flagship event. He also remarked on the fantastic effort of our hosts on the night, Caroline Searcy and Frank Coletta, our fashionista Ali Mutch and also of our auctioneer, Richard Callander.

NSWROA President Ray McDowell with Sharon Hunt & Darren Farnham		Paul Boustani & Melissa Momitsas from Arinex

Ray again highlighted to all present, the wonderful job our charity of choice, Redkite does to ease the pressure and to alleviate distress by providing emotional support, financial assistance and educational services to children, young people and their families throughout the difficult treatment period and beyond.

Without the support of events like Racing’s Night of Champions, Redkite would not be able to provide the valuable and essential services to children, young people and their families. So again to you our generous supporters – a very big thank you.

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.

The listing under comprises wins recorded in New South Wales as well as Australian black type successes which are recorded in bold type.

Accordingly, hereunder are the lucky NSWROA members who had winners in September 2010:

EXPERIENCE THE KENTUCKY DERBY WITH AMBASSADOR TRAVEL SERVICES

Our good friends and Racing’s Night of Champions supporter, Ambassador Travel Services, invite you to join them for the spectacle that is the Kentucky Derby.

This tour is designed for you to experience some of the best thoroughbred horse racing, stud farms and destinations the United States has to offer.

With a rich racing history starting back to 1875, The Kentucky Derby has become America’s most iconic race and is run annually in May at the world renowned Churchill Downs, set in the heart of Bluegrass country.

The tour incorporates not only the Derby and opportunity to visit some of Kentucky’s most prestigious stud farms, but also some of the United States most popular destinations including New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. We’ve included race days throughout for you to savour some of the nations’ top thoroughbred racing action while visiting both the East and the West coasts.

You may also take advantage of a range of extensions that we have to offer and take the opportunity to explore North America further.

For further information visit the Ambassador Travel Services website: www.ambassadortravel.com.au

200 YEARS OF HORSE RACING IN NSW – OFFICIAL CELEBRATION

Racing NSW invites you to the official celebration of 200 years of horse racing.

A three-course lunch including drinks accompanied by an eclectic afternoon of celebrations. Entertainment will include The Great Derbies Phantom Call Calcutta hosted by legendary racecaller Ian Craig OAM, a five-star charity auction and a surprise performance from a mystery act.

Proceeds to the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Sydney for injured jockeys - www.royalrehab.com.au

Click here to download a booking form.

For further information and bookings please contact Francesca Murchie at Racing NSW by Telephone: (02) 9551 7653 or Email: 200yearsofracing@racingnsw.com.au