FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

February 2011 marks the commencement of a historical time in the racing industry.

With the merger process of the Australian Jockey Club and Sydney Turf Club finalised, the Australian Turf Club Limited has now been created with the new entity officially operating from 7 February 2011.

May I take this opportunity to state that the NSW Racehorse Owners Association (NSWROA) fully supports the Australian Turf Club and looks forward to working hard with the Club to continue the work NSWROA commenced with the Australian Jockey Club and Sydney Turf Club, to deliver a new and better product for the racing industry.

I would like to formally congratulate:-

    •  Mr John Cornish on his appointment as Chairperson of the ATC;
    •  Mr Michael Crismale on his appointment as Vice Chairperson;
    •  Mr Darren Pearce on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer; and
    •  all ATC Board Members on their appointments.

I would also like to acknowledge Mr Michael Kenny, the former STC Chief Executive Officer, who has resigned after twenty six years with the Sydney Turf Club. It is hard to find superlatives for a man of this calibre. NSWROA has had a great working relationship with the STC which was directly attributed to Michael’s willingness to listen and nurture rapport between parties. NSWROA wishes Michael all the very best with his future endeavours, which hopefully will be in the industry, and looks forward to our continued association.

It is now the perfect opportunity as we enter “the New Era in Racing”, for all participants involved in the industry to come together and produce a more vibrant product to entice new people, both as owners and racegoers, to our magnificent industry.

Let’s all work together to make NSW the home of the best racing industry in the land.

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BOOKINGS CLOSING FOR NIGHT RACING COCKTAIL FUNCTION AT CANTERBURY PARK – 18 FEBRUARY 2011

A reminder to members that bookings are closing for our night racing cocktail function, our first function for 2011, which is to be conducted on Friday, 18 February 2011, at Canterbury Park Racecourse.

The cost of the function is $55.00 per person which includes free admission to the track, a race book and a mouth watering cocktail menu. There will also be a cash bar available.

If you are interested in attending, please complete the attached booking form and return to the NSWROA office by Monday, 14 February 2011 by:

Email: nswroa1@ozemail.com.au;
Facsimile: 9299 3212 or
Post: GPO Box 1506 Sydney NSW 2001.

MEMORABILIA EXHIBITION TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF RACING

Our good friend and NSWROA member, Mr Graham Caves, has kindly prepared for the interest of members, the following item on the exhibition which was held last year to celebrate 200 years of racing.

* * * * *

The year 2010 was a significant milestone in the history of horse racing in N.S.W. and therefore Australia.

On October 15 it was the anniversary of 200 years of horse racing in our country and the Australian Jockey Club chose to mark the occasion with a display of memorabilia from its vast collection.

As a member of the AJC’s newly formed Heritage Society, this writer was able to participate in preparing and planning the exhibition, held at Randwick on Saturday October 16 2010, and we were grateful to receive the attendance of Her Excellency Governor Marie Bashir, to open the exhibition for us.

Her Excellency Governor Marie Bashir arriving at the Exhibition		The Governor opens the exhibition

The Governor was generous in her praise of the AJC for staging such a pageant and of the Heritage Society for choosing to acknowledge her favourite Australian historical figure, her predecessor Governor Lachlan Macquarie, for his role in proclaiming the first race meeting in the country, held at the racecourse in Hyde Park in 1810.

We were given the use of the entire ground floor of the famous Tea House and were able to display some large objects appropriate to the history of racing, such as a scale model of a tram, complete with dinger for the kids, the mode of transport that moved the huge crowds that attended race meetings in the “good old days”. There was the recently re-discovered chronograph (currently being restored) that timed the races at Randwick from the early 1900s to the 1950s and the actual bells that pealed across the course in those early days to co-ordinate the happenings of a busy raceday.

It was the largest exhibition of its kind staged by the AJC and more than 450 individual pieces were displayed. They ranged from massive oil paintings of famous horses and prominent people, framed pictures of champions, jockeys and race finishes, and awe inspiring gold cups (including two Melbourne Cups), to an inkwell made from the hoof of the great mare Wakeful, a swish made from the tail of Carbine and many old and rare racebooks. There was a splendid display of Women in Racing and racing fashions down through the ages and much much more.

The exhibition was well received by those who came to Randwick that day, Caulfield Cup Day, and the consensus was that it would have been wonderful to have it displayed for longer, and even that it should become a model for a N.S.W. Museum of Racing.

In closing I would like to thank Gary Beecroft of the AJC Heritage Society and Joan Sleeman for the use of the photographs throughout this article.

GOLDEN SLIPPER HATS & TEA FUNCTION – 20 MARCH 2011

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

The Golden Slipper Hats and Tea, which is held in conjunction with Sharon Lenton Events, will take place on:

One of the glamour events leading into the Sydney Carnival, this is the third occasion the event has been held. This year guests will be dazzled with millinery inspired from Europe, Autumn fashion trends with accessories to match and a makeup artist to demonstrate how to compliment your look.

Female race caller Victoria Shaw will be the event compare and there will be surprises to entertain guests throughout the event.

(L-R) Gina Kotzoulas, Lisa Wellings & Sharon Lenton at 2010 event

Also to be showcased on the day will be the latest collection from Lindsay Clare, who is now based in Europe and Kim Fletcher, last year’s ambassador for the Melbourne Carnival who jets all over the world to bring the world to Melbourne, and who will for Autumn, bring the look to Sydney.

As this event has been sold out every year it has been held and well in advance of the function, it would be wise to purchase your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

To reserve your place at this glamour event visit www.sharonlentonevents.com.au.

EXCLUSIVE INSURANCE PACKAGE FOR NSWROA MEMBERS

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

One of the benefits of NSWROA membership is the exclusive racehorse insurance package available from NSWROA corporate partner, Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers.

This leading insurance broking firm was established over 40 years ago and has earned a highly respected reputation for the quality of its service and expertise in a number of specialised areas, including thoroughbred insurance.

Gow-Gates is proud of the close relationship held with NSWROA for the last 25 years, which was initiated by Anthony Gow-Gates who is an owner himself – his greatest success having been a part owner of the 2000 AJC Derby winner, FAIRWAY.

The insurance package offered to NSWROA members includes significantly reduced premiums for mortality cover through Lloyd’s of London. This offer is available to all NSWROA members for their ownership interests, regardless as to 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). Stallion shares, broodmares, foals and pre-sale yearlings can also be covered.

The Lloyd’s mortality cover is basically for 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. The policy also covers the horse in the event that it is stolen, as well as all transits anywhere within Australia and to (or from) New Zealand.

Benefits 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).

Importantly, in addition to these cost savings and special policy inclusions, is the professional and personalised service that is provided with the package.

Should you wish to find out more about the NSWROA horse insurance package, please contact Kingsley Edwards of Gow-Gates’ Bloodstock Insurance Division, on (02) 8267 9940 or 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.

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 January 2011:

NSWROA MEMBERS VICTORIOUS IN SALE INCENTIVE RACES

It would be very remiss of me indeed if I did not make special mention of the wins of Karuta Queen and Pane in the Glass in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Inglis Classic respectively.

Why so? Because both are owned by NSWROA members. But that is not all they have in common. Both are undefeated to date, both were bought for relatively small amounts, both are fillies and both will most probably line up against each other in the premier race for two-year-olds, the Group 1 AAMI Golden Slipper Stakes.

Karuta Queen (Not A Single Doubt-Card Queen) who is owned by Mr G and Mrs V Williams, was purchased from the draft of Turangga Farm (and bred by fellow NSWROA member Ramsey Pastoral Company) at the 2010 Magic Millions Sale for a modest sum of $30,000. The filly scored by 2.8 lengths in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (under set weights) on 15 January 2011 and is undefeated in her four race starts amassing $1,414,000 in prizemoney to date.

Pane in the Glass (Testa Rossa-Lyrics) who is owned by Patinack Farm Racing Syndicate was purchased at the 2010 Inglis Classic Sale from the draft of Sledmere Farm, again for a modest amount, $32,000. Pane in the Glass saluted in the Inglis Classic (under set weights) on 22 January 2011 by 5.8 lengths, is also undefeated from her three race starts and has accumulated $373,000 in prizemoney to date.

We look forward with much anticipation to the clash of these very exciting fillies.

RESULTS OF 2011 EARLY BIRD MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL COMPETITION

The 2011 Early Bird Membership Renewal Competition, was drawn on Monday 7 February 2011 by NSWROA President, Mr Ray McDowell.

The winners were:
1st Prize – J Carmody
2nd Prize – T & Mrs D Wallace
3rd Prize – A Baddock

Our congratulations to all prize winners.

BOBS & BOBS EXTRA UPDATE

As I hope every owner knows, in August last year we started paying out bonuses for BOBS Extra, and after the first 6 months of the racing season we can say it’s already a success.

Since 1 August and until the end of January, there’ve been 56 winners of BOBS Extra bonuses, worth $378,750 in cash value.

13 of those winners have been maiden gallopers, so that’s a reward for owners who have the patience to persevere with horses that take time to mature.

The other interesting point about BOBS Extra is that country and provincial meetings are seeing the real benefits. By the end of January there had been 4 BOBS Extra bonuses won at Saturday metropolitan meetings, 10 at midweek metro fixtures, 16 at provincial tracks, 23 at country TAB meetings and 3 at non-TAB meetings. So 75% of BOBS Extra bonuses are being won at country or provincial tracks.

Just to refresh your memories on BOBS Extra, it offers the same bonuses as BOBS but only for winning over distances of 1600 metres and longer, and only for horses from the day they turn 4 years old until the day they retire.

BOBS Extra costs $840 to enter, and you must do it as the same time as you enter BOBS – you can’t be in BOBS Extra without entering BOBS as well, for a total of $1500.

Entry forms for BOBS 2011 and BOBS Extra are available now – you can download them from the Racing NSW website, or we can send you forms by mail, fax or email.

The closing date is 1 September. And remember – if you own a yearling that’s BOBS Eligible, whether you bred it yourself or bought it privately or at a yearling sale, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s entered in BOBS.

Any questions on BOBS or BOBS Extra, don’t hesitate to give me a call (02-9551 7574) or send an email (jgatfield@racingnsw.com.au).

If you have a BOBS Double-Up credit and want to use that on a yearling you’ve purchased, download the “Redeem Voucher” form from the website and send us that together with the invoice from the auction house. Double-Up vouchers can be used for yearlings bought at auction through Magic Millions, Inglis, NZ Bloodstock (Karaka), Peter Milling & Co (Dubbo), and Brisbane Bloodstock. A Double-Up voucher is valid for 2 years – if it’s not redeemed in that time it will be cancelled and you’ll lose your bonus!