United Harness Racing Association
by Wally Mann

Sale of Harold Park

Over 300 people at an Industry Meeting 13 March said it all, something of major significance was happening. After years of 'bad news' suddenly there were 187 million pieces of 'good news'. For those who have waited patiently, and maybe not so patiently for years, the good news delivered by Rex Horne and Graeme Campbell was worth waiting for.

Now that platform has been set it is up to our administrators to implement 'the game plan' and ensure harness racing in NSW never revisits its past 'dark days'. Congratulations to all those who worked tirelessly in delivering this platform.

Unfortunately the icing on the cake in the form of Race Fields Legislation could not be delivered on the day and we are to go through another appeal process next month. Until a final decision is reached the benefits to various sectors of the Industry, especially country racing, will not be fully known.

A large contingent of country industry participants attended the above meeting and whilst buoyed by the announcements regarding metropolitan racing there will still be an anxious wait to see what race fields will deliver to their areas.

This Association would like to acknowledge former Racing and Gaming Minister Kevin Greene for his efforts in the sale of Harold Park and RFL. His work and reforms for the three racing codes during his term are unprecedented and this association will be writing to him personally to convey our sincere thanks.

This issue is tied to Race Fields Legislation however discussions have commenced with HRNSW for increased remuneration, something which has not taken place since 2006. Drivers fees have been in arrears of W.A and Victoria as has the trainers percentage where W.A. and Victoria are currently at 7.5 percent which is below thoroughbred trainers 10 percent. Discussions continue.

The association is involved in ongoing discussions with HRNSW for 2011/12 season Insurance and centers around whether NSW continues its own cover or joins a National scheme. One thing that is acknowledged is that the current cover is 'not enough' and HRNSW will be doing its best for an improved scheme.

The issue of whether NSW goes to a 'user pays' licensing scheme similar to Victoria, i.e. drivers pay insurance per drive (Victoria $4) and trainers pay per starter (Victoria $5 including $1 sulky insurance) is included in discussions.

The association would take the opportunity to extend condolences to the family of former HRNSW Chief Steward James Perry who tragically lost his life in the recent Queensland floods. James Perry was a gentleman whose integrity was respected by all.

Final arrangements are being made for several of our young drivers who have won HRNSW Encouragement Awards in past few seasons to partake in a work experience trip to USA and attend The Hambletonian, World Drivers' Championship and Noel Daly's racing stables in New York in August. Harness Racing Travelworld, Melbourne and HRNSW are part sponsors of their trip.

The number of thoroughbred profile programmes on the four racing channels continues to increase whilst the boys on In The Gig are our only outlet. On Inter Dominion night a harness race from Alexandra Park was cut into and all four racing channels showed the same thoroughbred race!

We have Blacks A Fake to showcase against Black Caviar, we have our young drivers to promote, and nowhere in world harness racing are there more young female drivers than in Australia. Let's profile our horses more outside of the industry, Black Caviar has shown they will bring outside people to the track, they may just come back and they might just want to buy a share in a horse.

We have a wonderful group of young people that have come into our Industry intent on making it their career. It is our duty to ensure we do everything to promote harness racing for their professional

No end in sight for ‘whip issue’
by Wally Mann

Regrettably 2010 only represents a year of frustration for drivers who continue to be penalised ‘obscene’ amounts for endeavouring to obtain the best possible return for owners, trainers and punters.

Since the amended rules came into place 1 October, fines have continued, $18,000 in November, $2000 on Harold Park farewell night and we estimate that $100,000 has been taken from drivers’ pockets for whip fines between February and December 2010.

If we look at whip use just over one year ago we suggest the current situation is illogical and grossly unwarranted.

The UHRA fully supported whip reform, however from day one the process was flawed i.e. imposition rather than consultation and, 12 months on, the issue is still causing great angst.

By the time this column is published, the UHRA will have again met with HRNSW to vent its displeasure and to point out anomalies and inconsistencies being applied in respect of amended whip rules which came into effect 1 October.

Some of the points raised will have included:

• Perception that only drivers who cross the reins are being targeted;
• Drivers be given copy of HRAproduced DVD of amended rules effective 1 October (something we understood was agreed to in September last year);
• Ceasing of drivers being fined retrospectively;
• On 18 December, a NSW Jockey who earns a riding fee of $160 per race was fined $200 for hitting a horse that was out of contention in a $70,000 race. That jockey earned $1,120 for his day’s work! Drivers earn $40-55 per race and to our knowledge no NSW driver UNITED HARNESS RACING ASSOCIATION No end in sight for ‘whip issue’ by Wally Mann has been fined for hitting a horse out of contention.
• Drivers are being charged with ‘excessive use of the whip’ which we contend is a ‘false’ charge;
• Penalties and interpretations continue to vary from state to state;
• Animal welfare issues were addressed on 1 January, 2010 and there are no current issues with same yet penalties have increased.

The National Trainers and Drivers Association called an emergency meeting with HRA in September, 2010 where it was agreed to amend the rules to allow crossing of the reins from 200m on the basis of safety and where it was agreed a ‘common sense’ approach to the rules be applied by stewards. Regrettably it seems the logistics of implementation of new whip rules have failed and may well have to go back to HRA.

Unfortunately the industry perception is that ‘bigger issues’ remain unaddressed or unable to achieve desired results. Yet a $200 ‘almost uncontestable’ fine (which drivers may appeal at a cost of $250) appears to have overtaken priorities at race meetings.

We believe that the totally unsustainable whip fines have been imposed against the spirit of the agreement between HRA and National Trainers and Drivers Association i.e. ‘common sense’, they are anomalous, unsustainable and unaffordable in harness racing and in that respect we have asked and will continue to ask that all whip fines be reimbursed with the exception of ‘genuine’ excessive use, cross reins prior to 200m, out of contention, etc.

The association can assure participants it will continue to vigorously oppose what it sees as the ‘unfair’ current imposition of penalties. Enough is enough: It is time for our participants-appointed body to support the participants.

Young Drivers Awards – trip to USA In the past two years Harness Racing Travelworld has sponsored NSW Young Drivers Encouragement Awards with winners being Ashlee Siejka, Brad Hewitt, Kerryann Turner and David White.

Lauren Brown, Dale Walker and Kate Dumesny from HRNSW, together with UHRA are in the process of trying to organize a 10-14 day trip to USA which would encompass the $1.5 million Hambletonian Trot at the Meadowlands in late July and early August. In addition they will attend the World Drivers’ Championship at Meadowlands, Yonkers, Harrah’s Chester, Tioga Downs and Moticello. ‘Downunder’ will be represented by West Australia’s Chris Lewis and New Zealand’s Dexter Dunn. We have been in touch with The Hambletonian Society with a view to a Junior Driver Challenge race at any of the above venues.

HRNSW want this to be a work experience trip and we have asked Noel Daly to assist in that area. If anyone is interested in attending The Hambletonian and World Drivers Championship together with our Young Drivers they should contact Kate Dumesny at HRNSW Tel: 02 9722 6600 or UHRA Tel: 0421 055 847

Farewell to HP and on to Menangle Congratulations to all involved in the Farewell to Harold Park on 17 December, 2010. It just goes to show how many people still take an interest in our sport.

Whip Regulations
On 13th January the UHRA incorporating Senior Trainers and Drivers , Female Drivers and Junior Drivers met with HRNSW Management and Stewards to discuss issues that had already arisen since new Whip Regulations were implemented on 1st January 2010. The NSW Owners Association also attended the meeting. A consensus reached by attendees included:

1. Crossing the reins at a designated distance from the finish
2. Prior to that designated distance the whip cannot be used more than 5 times with the reins crossed
3. Suspend all fines relating to the new Whip Rules

The attendees saw this position as mirroring the Thoroughbred Whip Rules which were negotiated with Jockeys.
Whilst flagging problems with the new Rules and the manner in which they were implemented (lack of meaningful consultation at HRA level) the Association reaffirmed its position that excessive and indiscriminate use of the whip are unacceptable practices.

HRNSW subsequently rescinded all fines up to 28th January , estimated around $28,000, in a move that was welcomed by 13th January attendees and Drivers in NSW.

HRA then announced a Review of Whip Rules calling for verbal and written submissions. UHRA made a written submission and also gave a verbal submission to HRA in Melbourne on 30th March which mirrored the consensus reached on 13th January. UHRA pointed out that in the 3 months since implementing the new Rules $100,000 est had been levied on Drivers throughout Australia which we saw as being ‘obscene’ and unsustainable. We estimated that 130-140 breaches occurred in January however the fact that similar numbers of breaches also occurred in February and March , indicated that the new Rules were not working.

At the time of writing we await the outcome of the HRA Review.

National Trainers and Drivers Association 
This Association comprising Victorian Trainers and Drivers Assn , United Harness Racing Assn ,West Australia BOTRA , Queensland BOTRA , South Australia BOTRA and Tasmania BOTRA was formed in-principle at a meeting held in Sydney in September 2009. Whilst the catalyst for the meeting was the new Whip Rules other agenda items included:

1. Medication Rules
2. Racing Rules
3. Handicapping including Fillies and Mares
4. T&D Insurance and Superannuation

The Association has since become incorporated and has advised HRA it wishes to be involved in the consultation process for future Trainer and Driver issues.
A submission on Whip Rules which paralleled those from UHRA and Victorian T&D Assn was presented to HRA on 30th March. 

HRA Prohibited Substance Review
HRA invited submissions in February 2010 with UHRA requesting that Ranitidine and Omeprazole(ulcers) and Altrenogest(cycling for fillies and mares) be added to an exception list. We also requested that the withholding period for Procaine be reviewed and reduced.

Fillies and Mares
More opportunities for fillies and mares is on the agenda at every talkfest. The recently announced enhancements by HRNSW will assist to some extent however ongoing support from all sectors is required. Fillies and mares fall into the same category as many other Industry issues including races for Trotters, they will only be as successful as (administrators) want them to be.

UHRA Membership Dues
We are pleased to advise that commencing this financial year (1st July), Members can pay their Membership subscriptions with their License renewal with one payment to HRNSW who will collect on our behalf. This system has operated in Victoria for some time between the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association and Harness Racing Victoria.

Email News
We have recently commenced emailing news and information to Members. If you have not advised or have changed your email address, please contact the Secretary wally@tmfildes.co.au or Tel: 0421055847

Attn: Mr Andrew Kelly

Dear Andrew,

We respond to your Media Release 22 January 2010 entitled Drivers Responding Well to New Rules which has already been described to you as astounding. Further we see it as  selective and ill timed.

You will appreciate that your giving credit to the drivers for the way they have adapted to the new Rules will have a hollow affect on those who have incurred some of the 140 plus violations  and $30,000 plus in  fines to date as well as  those who have never previously had a blemish on their records in respect of whips.

It was our understanding there would be a ‘transition period’ in implementing the new Rules on the basis the Drivers can’t be expected to change overnight , clearly this did not happen.

The UHRA believes the level of fines are inappropriate , unrealistic and directly affect people’s livelihoods and in this respect we asked Harness Racing NSW on 13th January to suspend all fines relating to the new Rules.

Your Media Release advises the new Rules introduced on 1st January 2010 were endorsed by member organizations throughout Australia however we have continually raised the issue of why didn’t HRA include Trainer and Driver Associations in the consultation process ie those directly involved in executing any new driving Rules.

When it appeared there was to be no genuine consultation  and all we were hearing was ‘it’s already a done deal’ , a meeting of various State’s Trainer and Driver Associations took place in Sydney 2nd September 2009 , where a National Trainer and Driver Association was formed in principle , with a view to meeting HRA prior to ‘rubber stamping’ the new Rules. The approaches in trying to arrange a meeting with HRA could only be described as frustrating and a ‘last minute’ phone hook-up does not represent genuine consultation and due process in our opinion. We believe we would not be in the position we are today if a meeting was held with National  Trainer and Driver delegates in October , similar to that held with the Jockeys who resolved their issues and ‘got on with business’.

When some of Australia’s most respected and experienced Drivers  publicly express their concerns about the new Rules , including safety concerns , surely a controlling body has an obligation to investigate in the interests of participant welfare.

In respect of your comments regarding NSW , we can only respond that the UHRA represents Trainers and Drivers on a ‘clear majority’ basis , in this case an overwhelming majority. Under the current administrative structure in NSW our participants feel comfortable expressing their views and when they feel that new regulations have been imposed rather than negotiated through consultation , difficulties occur. The Drivers in NSW seek nothing more than the process Jockeys took when negotiating with their controlling body.

Your selective reference to Canada and Europe emphasizes problems in copying someone else’s Rules where different criteria exists. Their sulkies are much shorter than ours with the horses back legs passing under the driver resulting in him not having to ‘reach’ when driving out his horse. In reference to North America you fail to mention what Rules apply in the two biggest jurisdictions for betting turnover and horse population , New Jersey and New York , one being that Drivers are permitted to cross the reins. Perhaps we should be looking closer to home ie New Zealand where Whip Regulations appear to work and the sulkies are the same size as Australia.

The UHRA acknowledges the need for a proactive and progressive National Harness Racing body however that body needs to recognize the expertise of the persons it represents and when making decisions that affect Trainers or Drivers or Breeders etc it needs to consult and seek input from that sector so that decisions are made in a transparent manner.

We therefore take the opportunity to ask HRA to meet with National Trainer and Driver delegates to review the first month of the new Rules where each State can put its views forward and a position is  reached which ensures we can move forward together.

Neil A Day
President

HRNSW CEO
We take the opportunity to congratulate Sam Nati on his appointment as CEO of HRNSW. Sam brings a wealth of racing knowledge to his position and we look forward to his progressive and enterprising style which he displayed in his previous position at Sky Channel.

Superannuation
The Association recently had a fruitful meeting with HRNSW on this matter and both parties are progressing with a study on the viability of a scheme for Trainers and Drivers.

Sulky Insurance
This long outstanding issue has gone back to HRNSW to assess if a statewide scheme is viable. We are as frustrated as everyone in that Trainers are unable to get cover at all tracks.

Whip Regulations
The UHRA has expressed its concern in writing to HRNSW and the Australian Harness Racing Council about certain aspects of the new Regulations including safety and integrity. We also expressed concern at the lack of direct consultation with Trainer and Driver Associations.
The new Rules will be in force when this article is published and we will be monitoring  the situation closely.

Alabar Farms
We are pleased to advise that Alabar Farms have offered UHRA Members 20% on stallion services to Ponder , Great Success(Tr) , Artesian , Elsu, Sutter Hanover , Tiz a Masterpiece and Gotta Go Colluct. We thank Alabar for their support of Harness Racing in NSW as well as the UHRA.

UHRA Members Raffle and Gig Draw
Congratulations to Margaret Waite who won the USTA cap raffle on Breeders Challenge day which was signed by leading US Drivers and to Dean McDowell who won the Regal Brumby Sulky lucky draw on Miracle Mile day.
Our thanks to R.J.Walsh and Son for their sponsorship of UHRA.

Trainer and Driver Insurance
Licenced persons will have received from HRNSW their  Insurance Program Summary. As the Insurance is not ‘comprehensive’ HRNSW encourages all participants to take out Private Health , Life and Income Protection Insurance according to their own individual needs and circumstances .
Regrettably serious injuries have again recently taken place therefore we ask all licencees to read their Insurance documentation thoroughly.

Outstanding Achievement
Congratulations to John Heath , his family and son-in-law driver John Ogden on their success with 3yo filly trotter Arizona Blue which culminated with her award as Australian 3yo Trotter of the Year , the first NSW filly to be honoured with such an award. John bred the filly at his ‘Bonnyrigg Park’ property where he breeds up to 25 mares each year for himself and other local trainers and clients.

(After 20 years) Is it Time for Common Sense Co-operation and Compromise?
If one mentions changing the handicapping system or prizemoney distribution it draws emotive discussion from all sectors of the Industry. The recent shortage of horses and racefields in Sydney  has again led to calls for change and we hope HRNSW can co-ordinate positive discussion where perceived self interest views can be put aside and a  ‘what’s best for Industry’ decision , endorsed by all , is the result. This will entail all parties compromising on some issues and working in the interests of the whole industry. Handicapping and Prizemoney distribution are ’20 year issues’ , the UHRA will be contributing on basis of what’s best for the whole Industry.

Restricted Racing
The new HRA handicapping which came into place 1st September 2009 is causing problems primarily in NSW country areas. UHRA is taking this matter up with HRNSW.

Breeders Challenge Venues
The Sires Stakes series has always been a great drawcard and well received in NSW  country areas. UHRA will be approaching HRNSW with a view to scheduling heats of the Breeders Challenge in harness racing’s heartland areas.

UHRA Membership Composition
Whilst the UHRA is entrusted with representing Trainers and Drivers , the Association is open to all Industry persons and our membership includes Breeders , Owners , Supporters , Analysts, etc. An interesting fact is that 77% of our Members own or share ownership in horses. A recent assessment of a weeks race fields in NSW showed over 50% of the horses racing were owned or part owned by the trainers or their families.

Email News
We have recently commenced emailing news and information to Members. If you have not advised or have changed your email address , please contact the Secretary wally@tmfildes.co.au or Tel: 0421055847

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of United Harness Racing Association which was held 29th July 2009 at Tabcorp Park Menangle saw a  gathering of enthusiastic participants interested in being part of a new era for harness racing in NSW. “We were pleased with the number of attendees  ,  particularly the number of young persons at the meeting “ said President Neil Day “ They were enthusiastic , positive and not afraid to voice their views. I see their enthusiasm  and input as an asset for the future well being of our Industry” Day added. The meeting  agreed on Proposals to be put to respective Administrations and the subject matter included:

1. Sulky Insurance
2. Superannuation for Trainers and Drivers
3. Entry to racetracks for Trainers and Drivers
4. Benevolent Fund
5. Tabcorp Menangle Park racing issues incl. Sectional times
6. Bad Debt issues
7. Co-ordination of Trials

The Meeting elected the following Office Bearers for 2009/10
Neil Day  , President
Leon Jurd , Vice President
Wally Mann, Secretary
Cheryl Atkins , Treasurer
Committee: Barry Lew , David Jack , Peter Morris , Gavin Fitzpatrick
Julie Maughan will continue as the Association’s Nth West representative.

Sulky Insurance: It was agreed to continue to lobby for a statewide scheme similar to that operated by HRVic and Victorian Trainer and Drivers Association.
Superannuation: This matter was previously discussed with HRNSW and it was agreed to pursue the implementation of a scheme for Trainers and Drivers.
Free entry to TAB meetings for participating Trainers and Drivers: Whilst acknowledging that the majority of tracks admit participating Trainers and Drivers free of charge , the association will continue to pursue the removal of this archaic practice by the minority.
Benevolent Fund: Recent misfortune involving Industry participants has prompted support for revamping a Benevolent Fund. With the disbanding of GHRRA , the Association will be approaching HRNSW to re establish a fund which can realistically assist those in need.
Tabcorp Park Menangle: The Association has been concerned about recent criticism of our ‘showpiece’ 1400m track at Menangle.  For many months our Stewards have attempted to raise their views on racing at Menangle however ‘under new management’ their views may now be able to be heard. The UHRA AGM took a position to be put to HRNSW that sectionals at Menangle be 31secs , the candy pole be moved to 600m and a sprint lane should be looked at only as a last option. This is a proposal ‘to get things moving’ which can be trialled and then tinkered with to get the desired result for better racing.
Bad Debt Issues: Trainers expressed concern that they have no mechanism to collect unpaid training or agistment accounts.  The Association undertook to discuss this issue with HRNSW with a view to developing a course of action to assist Trainers.
Co-ordination of Trials: Refers to liaising with HRNSW with a view to  publishing a schedule for dates and times of Trials in the Metropolitan area.

Fillies and Mares
At a recent Industry Seminar a frustrated particpant  commented to the effect “ there is not much point racing a female horse in NSW after its 3yo season”.  At every Industry ‘talkfest’ the subject of more opportunities for fillies and mares is raised and usually a “Claytons Policy” is reached resulting in nothing basically changing. Other states have shown how a supportive fillies and mares racing schedule can work and in that respect the UHRA will propose to HRNSW its willingness  to sponsor a CO (4yo and over , non-winners lifetime) heat and final , races to be run at core centres with the final to be held at one of those venues. This will be on the basis other relevant parties make a similar and genuine commitment to promote more  fillies and mares racing.

National Trainers and Drivers Conference
Recent National Industry issues have seen State Trainers and Driver Associations in contact with each other with a suggestion that a meeting take place to discuss these specific issues as well as Industry issues in general that affect their Members.
Whilst it is early days this could be the forerunner of Annual Meetings where resolutions could not only be put to State controlling bodies but also to Harness Racing Australia.

Nomination/Acceptance Policy
The HRNSW Blackout of Nominations Policy continues to cause angst amongst Trainers. The Association is receiving increasing complaints , accompanied by examples , therefore we will be taking the matter up with HRNSW with a view to resolving the problems.

HRNSW CEO
Whilst congratulating Sam Nati on his upcoming appointment as HRNSW CEO , the Association would like to formally thank Max Pool for his efforts over the past seven years. Max’s term saw perhaps the greatest changes of significance in harness racing for some 30 years with many difficult and delicate issues to be addressed. Despite personal tragedy during his term , Max always handled these situations in a most professional and competent manner and his efforts are acknowledged by the UHRA . We , along with all harness racing participants thank Max and wish him all the best for the future.

UHRA Sponsors
The Association is pleased to advise that Allied Express , R.J.Walsh and Son and International Animal Health Products will continue their sponsorship for 2009/10 season.

UHRA Membership
We encourage those who have not joined or who have not renewed their Memberships for 2009/10 to do so and have an official voice in the Industry.
All 2009/10 Members will be in the running for a Regal Brumby Sulky kindly donated by our sponsor R.J.Walsh and Son. This Members lucky draw will take place first week in November.