JOHN CAMPBELL on the HAMBLETONIAN and HARNESS RACING

We're one week away from the most prestigious race for trotters in North America, the 94th running of The Hambletonian at The Meadowlands. TV 10/55's Scott Rapoport talks to Hall of Fame driver John Campbell. newyork.cbslocal.com

By Chris Roots, The Sydney Morning Herald

May 14, 2019 — 6.16pm

Todd McCarthy never thought he would represent Australia. That isn’t something you do as a harness driver. “It's more for cricket and rugby league,” he says.

But later in the month McCarthy, with his family in tow, will head to Sweden for the World Drivers Championship wearing the Australian silks.

Click here to read the full story: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/racing/mccarthy-takes-the-family-tradition-to-world-drivers-championship-20190514-p51nas.html?fbclid=IwAR3zKhGJ9TH0_Ar_hPbGTSzN8d2oPfP-M5hr_DWlnxK_5yCCACFI7hX9VtE

TO provide further opportunity for trainers to comply with an industry notice issued on March 27, 2019, in relation to the nomination of a horse for a race (including an official trial), it has been determined that HRNSW will provide an amnesty period until midnight on Tuesday April 30, 2019, for all trainers to ensure that stable returns are completed for horses in their stable.

From May 1, 2019, horses will become subject to the industry notice issued on March 27, 2019, that reminded trainers that unless a horse has been trained by a licensed trainer for a period of not less than 28 days immediately prior to nomination for a race (including an official trial) the horse shall be considered ineligible.

**Click on the link below to read the full HRNSW Integrity Notice:Click here to read the full Integrity Notice from HRNSW

ATTENTION TRAINERS DRIVERS and INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS

The attached is enclosed for reference for those attending HRNSW Stakeholder Information Session at Menangle 7pm Monday 8th April 2019. >

UHRA Committee and Executive Positions

UHRA AGM was held 30th January 2019 and UHRA Committee Meeting was held 13th February 2019 where elected Office Bearers elected the following:

President: Mr Jim Douglass

Vice President: Mr Gavin Fitzpatrick

Treasurer: Mr Leon Jurd

Secretary: Mr Wally Mann

Committee Members: Mr Bernie Hewitt , Mr Robert Morris , Mr Glenn McElhinney , Mr Shane Tritton

Trainer Remuneration

UHRA has corresponded and made submissions to HRNSW and HRICG commencing early 2018 on this matter. The matter is still under ‘robust’ discussion at HRICG and remains unresolved. We have spoken to as many individual Trainers as possible citing various scenarios ie Increase current remuneration from 7.5% to 10% to bring us in line with Thoroughbred Trainers or look at a Starters Fee which would benefit all Trainers. Whilst there is overwhelming support for a ‘pay increase’ if any Trainer has any comment to make on Remuneration or perhaps a different scenario, please contact us on our Website email address.

Notes for reference:

Trainers currently receive 7.5% basic remuneration and 5% for Breeders Challenge and Evolution Series (with slightly different distribution).Since UHRA raised this issue in early 2018 HRNSW has increased Owners Prizemoney by almost $5 mill.Thoroughbred Trainers have received 10% remuneration for some time.When HRNSW introduced Unplaced Prizemoney , this was funded by restructuring Placed Prizemoney which in fact actually reduced Trainer’s total Remuneration for a race.

With another impasse at HRICG on 18th February, UHRA will meet in near future with the NSW Standardbred Owners Association (with HRNSW in attendance) to try to resolve the matter.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

HRA is proposing to change Handicapping System nationally from 1st May 2019 to a Ratings System (refer separate HRNSW Notice). We have asked HRNSW for Documentation relating to this proposal , prior to Meetings at Menangle, Bathurst, Newcastle and Wagga however for their own reasons they have decided to run with handouts at the respective Meetings.

This proposed change to Handicapping represents perhaps one of the biggest changes to our Industry in memory therefore it is important that as many participants as possible attend HRNSW sponsored Meetings:

MENANGLE 7pm Monday 7th January 2019

BATHURST 7pm Tuesday 8th January 2019

NEWCASTLE 7pm Wednesday 9th January 2019

WAGGA TBA

W.Mann

Secretary

Dear UHRA Member,

Notice of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Wednesday 30th January 2019 at 6.30pm.

AGENDA

Open MeetingConfirm Minutes of 2018 Annual General MeetingTo receive and adopt Annual ReportTo receive and adopt Treasurer’s Report and Annual Financial StatementsElection of CommitteeGeneral Business

Wally Mann

Secretary

Election of Committee

Any Member wishing to stand for Committee should refer to UHRA Website uhransw.com.au or contact Wally Mann, Secretary Tel: 0421 055 847. Written Nominations for Committee will close 9th January 2019.

Any vacant Committee positions will be taken by nominations from the floor at Annual General Meeting 30th January 2019.

HARNESS Racing New South Wales Stewards remind owners of all sulkies that are currently being used within NSW that each sulky must be fitted with an official tag issued by HRNSW Stewards. This will act as the sulky official identification number (SOIN).

The removal of the official tag shall void any future cover and/or claims.

Owners are reminded that any sulky which has had the identification tag removed for painting or repair, a replacement tag will be fitted. It is required that during this period the old identification tag is retained and provided at request.

Further information regarding the Sulky Recovery Scheme can be found by the link below.

Harness Racing Industry Forum 2018

The UHRA will make a presentation at The Forum to be held at Bathurst on Saturday 28th July 2018. In light of Racing NSW Media Release 18th July advising of more Prizemoney Increases as well as Trainer , Jockey and Strapper Incentives , citing Tax Parity and Racefields revenues , the UHRA will be expecting HRNSW to make announcements relating to similar significant Prizemoney Increases and Trainer and Driver Incentives.

(Visit the UHRA Home Page for more information regarding the Forum).

We expect the recent Thoroughbred Prizemoney announcements as well as Animal Welfare/Rehoming matters will be raised at various times during HRNSW , UHRA , Owners and Breeders Presentations. This would include the recent unbalanced Four Corners Report which included Animal Welfare issues. We were disappointed with the fact that some aspects of the Report went unchallenged and in that respect we include here an article from The Horse publication on tongue ties. We will be discussing the Four Corners Report with HRNSW at our next bi-monthly meeting.

Watch the Four Corners Report:

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/off-track/9960642

Article on Tongue Ties: https://thehorse.com/148951/study-tongue-ties-appear-to-benefit-racehorses/

Trainer Remuneration

Trainers , Drivers and Stablehands will be aware UHRA has been making strong representations through HRIG and HRNSW for a better lot for the Participants we represent and we are extremely disappointed we have not made any significant progress.

We have put forward representations for Trainer Starter Subsidy and/or increase from 7.5% to 10% remuneration on Prizemoney to bring us in line with our Thoroughbred counterparts. It is untenable that Trainers only receive 5% remuneration from HRNSW signature Breeders Challenge races and Trainers do not receive remuneration from Unplaced Prizemoney which has actually decreased their remuneration return from per race Prizemoney.

We will be looking for something positive to come from the Forum for those who we represent.

Other Thoroughbred Initiatives

Provincial and Country Championships , Rising Stars Series , Unplaced Prizemoney. Yes ,all Harness Racing initiatives instigated some time ago !!

UHRA Change of Postal Address

Please note our new postal address

UHRA , C/- P O Box 507, CHESTER HILL NSW 2162

If you have any constructive comments to make on any subject please contact UHRA at admin@uhransw.com.au . Your correspondence will be received on a Strictly Confidential basis.

HRNSW Financial Position

At HRICG 7th May the issue of additional funding this upcoming Financial Year was debated at length with HRICG agreeing to put a further Submission to HRNSW as soon as possible. The intention of any further funding would be to address Prizemoney at the lower levels ie ‘the bread and butter races’ which represent the majority of horses in the system.

We are optimistic the HRICG voice will be heard.

HRA Whip Rule

A final Draft has been agreed between UHRA and HRNSW however is still being discussed with other State’s Horseman’s Associations. As UHRA is a member of National Trainers and Drivers Assn we are looking for a uniform and consistent application of this Rule nationally.

We again advise Participants that HRNSW have been on the front foot here and have listened to what UHRA have to say and have supported us accordingly.

Change of Tactics Rule

Finally after 5 years of angst and Participant Penalties the most contentious and incoherent Rule that has ever been introduced in Harness Racing has been removed. There will be a local Rule to cover abuse of tactics to which we do not believe there will be little objection.

In this Industry there is no point in dwelling on the past however in this instance the UHRA spoke strongly against the Rule when it was introduced and again when a HRNSW sponsored Forum was held in July 2013 and we again express our extreme disappointment in our own people who did not support the Forum and those who spoke in favour of the Rule. Shame on you and how much you may have cost your fellow participants in the last 5 years.

HRNSW have again led on the front foot here and listened to UHRA viewpoint.

Occupational Health and Safety

Once again we are seeing too many accidents and injuries on the track. Whilst there have been many complaints from well meaning persons about Ambulance and Paramedical Services, perhaps we should be looking at Racing Rules with a view to trying to avoid some of the accidents.

There will of course always be incidents in Harness and Thoroughbred Racing with horses and equipment however we have undertaken with HRNSW to try and improve our lot by consultation at Penalty Review Forum where Rules of Racing are on the table.

Sulky Fund

Under review.

Trainer Remuneration

Remains on the table between UHRA , HRICG and HRNSW. With current escalation in Fuel and Feed costs it is a pressing issue.

If you have any constructive comments to make on any subject please contact UHRA at: admin@uhransw.com.au. Your correspondence will be received on a Strictly Confidential basis.

UHRA Finally met with HRNSW on 18th April and the following is a summary of items discussed and UHRA comments on same.

HRNSW Financial Position

HRNSW explained their position in respect of expenditure including Futures Fund , Capital Expenditure Projects (including Mobile Barrier expenditure) etc and income received including Tax Parity etc. UHRA of course were looking for a Prizemoney ‘pot of gold’ which unfortunately was not forthcoming.

Subsequent discussions amongst UHRA Committee Members revealed queries on the appropriateness of some of the expenditure and these queries will be raised at HRICG Meeting on 7th May.

HRA Whip Rule

A final Draft was put before UHRA (and hopefully all other State’s Horseman’s Associations) which has been agreed in principle by UHRA however its success is dependent on a common sense , uniform and consistent application by Stewards nationally.

Ironically the Draft Rule basically mirrors what was put to HRNSW by Participants in January 2017. We have stated we hope the situation that occurred in respect of non-consultative HRA announcement in December 2016 never happens again and with HRA ‘under new management’ we trust this will be the case. After nine years and millions of dollars in Fines , enough is finally enough.

Change of Tactics Rule

Still causing great angst at time of writing and will go to HRA May Meeting. We stated to HRNSW we unfortunately don’t expect any State to stand up and call for the repelling of a totally inappropriate Rule. Can HRNSW get this over the line like they did with the Whip Rule?

New Metro Handicapping System

Although we are told ‘turnover has not decreased’ , we are looking for more definitive statistics.

Sulky Fund

We were advised the Fund now has over $300,000 in reserve. This is far too much and we will be going to HRICG with a proposal to reduce the $4 premium and increase recovery costs.

UHRA AGM Inquiries

Issues tabled at our AGM in January were discussed and included:

No Metro Meetings during Bathurst Carnival – review taking place10 Horse Fields – also raised at Trainer Focus Groups – HRICG Agenda itemProvincial/Country Derbies and Oaks – run as lead up to NSW Derby/Oaks i/o afterwards

HRNSW $2.8mill Funding Injection

UHRA through its website asked for feedback on HRNSW Notice. The overwhelming feedback we received was that respondents felt the Injection was top heavy and that more should have been done to the bottom line , ie increase prizemoney levels for ‘the bread and butter horses’ from Maiden level upwards.

There was and still is confusion as to what the intention is with R Racing. The suggestion that R races may be run as a trial in one area to give slow horses a chance to earn was met with ‘what about slow horses in all other areas’. This and all other issues directed to UHRA on this matter will be tabled at HRICG.

Trainer Remuneration

As you aware this is an ongoing issue for UHRA via HRNSW and HRICG. UHRA has to put ‘an initial position’ to HRICG for its May 7 Meeting with a view to any changes that place will be from beginning of Financial Year July 1. The NSW Trainer Prizemoney Earnings Table on the HRA website for 2016/7 show the 10th ranked trainer would have received a maximum of $37,000 (based on 7.5% however Breeders Challenge races are only remunerated at 5% - a glaring anomaly) which is not sustainable.

The question here of course is WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 900 Trainers in the State , how can they possibly make ends meet??

It is disappointing that Administrators ‘simple solution’ is for trainers to put their fees up however the reality is that it is not feasible. Costs have increased dramatically and margins have decreased , that is the reality. Accounting advice says that Metropolitan Trainers (dependant on own or oncourse training) should be charging a minimum of $80 per day. There is no cost difference in feeding a thoroughbred or Standardbred but a Metropolitan Thoroughbred Trainer can charge a base rate of $110-150 per day. The market dictates the price Trainers can command , how many horses would a Trainer have in his stable if he or she was to charge $80 ? The same equation of course applies to Country Trainers.

We are continuing to work on a much needed changed remuneration package for Trainers through HRICG and HRNSW. It goes without saying that any improvement to a Trainer’s lot is dependent on prizemoney increases.

Monday Racing / Shortage of Horses

We were disappointed to be advised that Menangle racing on Mondays is to cease with one reason given as lack of horses. Whilst one can cite Programming and Handicapping as another reason, in respect of shortage of horses we pointed out that in a recent 5 days of racing at Yonkers Paceway in New York 75 Australian and New Zealand horses raced and this included 24 mares !! The USA have a shortage of horses and so do New Zealand and we continue to supplement Queensland racing.

We keep running out a figure of 16.7% of horses paid their way last season , the conclusion here is that unless we change our Programming and Handicapping and improve the lot of the ‘bottom end’ horses then the current trend will continue.

Marketing our Product

We produced print media articles for Thoroughbreds and Greyhounds and referred to perceived lack of same for Harness Racing. We also referred to the very successful Thoroughbred Syndications which have given the smaller investor an opportunity to share in racehorse ownership for a reasonable investment. These Syndications have resulted in more people becoming involved as well as prominent personalities becoming involved and being promoted thus giving free marketing for racing.

If you have any constructive comments to make on any subject please contact UHRA at admin@uhransw.com.au . Your correspondence will be received on a Strictly Confidential basis.

We apologise for no Blog last week due ‘Blogger’ away from Office.

HRA Whip Rules

After a forgettable and costly 18 months since Whip Free Racing was announced without consultation, it appears some genuine ground was made at HRA Executive Meeting in Brisbane this week. We had initially thought this matter would have been resolved last year after the HRNSW sponsored Forum comprising all States at Menangle in July only for a National Stewards Conference to come up with a left field ‘forty five degree no brainer’ which was rejected by UHRA and subsequently by National Trainers and Drivers Assn (which comprises all States Horsemen’s Associations). We now await official notification from HRA.

NB. We can say here that HRNSW did listen to us on this matter which may not have been the case elsewhere.

HRNSW $2.8 Million Funding Injection – Industry comment

A HRICG Meeting was held 14th March and this topic was discussed at length. UHRA and other Members will forward their feedback to HRICG Chairman and this will be the basis of discussion at April HRICG/HRNSW Meeting. We thank those Participants who took the time to express their views to UHRA.

Penalty Guidelines Review Forum

The next Meeting is scheduled for April between HRNSW, HRICG and UHRA. To be frank not a lot has happened at first two Meetings however recent Tribunal decisions and current Substance cases together with Interference Penalties should ensure a lively April Meeting.

Provincial Handicapping Proposal

With a new Metro Handicapping System operating , a follow up Provincial Handicapping Proposal has been circulated to HRNSW , HRICG , NSWHRC , Harness Clubs Committee for comment. We will watch developments closely.

UHRA and HRNSW Bi-Monthly Meeting

Will take place early April and COD items include : OH&S and Welfare, Sulky Fund Monetary position (with a view to enhancements) and several items which were raised by Members at UHRA AGM in January including 10 horse fields.

If you have any constructive comments to make on any subject please contact UHRA at admin@uhransw.com.au . Your correspondence will be received on a Strictly Confidential basis.

Welcome to UHRA Weekly Blog where we will detail pertinent Industry issues and keep you updated with UHRA action issues:

HRNSW $2.8 Million Funding Injection – Industry comment

Last week we asked for Participant comment and we have received several written and many more verbal responses. The feedback to date can best be summarised as follows:

An expectation that more than $2.8 million would be made availableA perception of the enhancements being ‘top heavy’An expectation that the bottom levels or bread and butter levels have not been lifted high enoughVarying views on R racesWhat the Announcement actually means in respect of an increase to total prizemoney, number of races run and prizemoney per race

We have passed some of our initial feedback to HRNSW who have explained more detail of some of their initiatives to us and we have asked them to detail those to Participants in a single document ie same format as the original announcement.

We will leave the comment line open until we see how our request to HRNSW is addressed.

Penalty Guidelines Review Forum.

The second Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 7th March between HRNSW, HRICG and UHRA. This Meeting will not only discuss Raceday and Racing Penalties but also Penalties for Substances.

Unwanted Headlines.

Once again our Industry and the Thoroughbred Industry (and previously the Greyhound Industry) have been rocked with ‘unwanted headlines’ which result in current issues such as the above and matters like a thorough assessment of the recent APG Sale taking a backseat, which should not be the case.

Unfortunately it comes at a time when all three racing codes are under intense scrutiny from persons with greatly different agendas to Industry Participants lncluding those whose livelihoods depend on same. To give those persons fuel for their agendas is to say the least, extremely disappointing.

If you have any constructive comments to make on any subject please contact UHRA at admin@uhransw.com.au . Your correspondence will be received on a Strictly Confidential basis.

HRICG Meeting and Meeting with HRNSW Monday 19th January 2018

HRNSW advised HRICG that announcement regarding ‘Funding Injection’ would be made the following evening on In the Gig programme. UHRA have received a variety of comments on this announcement and before UHRA makes any comment itself , we would ask that if any other Members and Industry Participants wish to comment constructively on a Strictly Confidential basis they can do so by emailing admin@uhransw.com.au and we will attempt to summarise your comments in next week’s Blog.Handicapping and Programming Forums have been conducted by HRNSW around the State with a view to listening to Trainers and Drivers ideas on improving our H & P system (UHRA has continually stated that figures obtained in January 2017 which showed that only 16.7% of horses in NSW were paying their way , means our P & H needs to be dramatically reviewed). The results of these Forums will be advised to HRICG as part of the consultation process.Whips and Change of Tactics(COT) – ‘the beat goes on (and on)’. HRNSW advised Whips will be addressed at HRA March Meeting and COT at HRA CEO’s and Chief Stewards May Meeting. We again put forward that unless consensus is reached this time we expect NSW will ‘stand alone’ , as previously stated to UHRA.Trainer Remuneration – UHRA will prepare submission for HRICG on this matter. For information the following were points of discussion , a Trainer Starter Subsidy , Thoroughbred Trainers receive 10% , Trainers receive no percentage of Unplaced Prizemoney which is significant in some areas including Country Cups. APG Sydney Yearling Sale 11am this Sunday at Warwick Farm Riverside

If you have any constructive comments to make on any subject please contact UHRA at admin@uhransw.com.au . Your correspondence will be received on a Strictly Confidential basis.

Participants are advised that HRNSW will be announcing ‘Industry enhancements’ on SKY’s In The Gig programme Tuesday 20th February 6.00 pm Channel 527 (SKY Blue).

Whilst specific details are being kept under wraps until the announcement , all participants will be hopeful the new HRNSW Board will send positive signals to the Industry for the future direction of Harness Racing in NSW.

Welcome to the second edition of UHRA Weekly Blog where we will detail pertinent Industry issues and keep you updated with UHRA action issues:

HRICG Meeting and Meeting with HRNSW Monday 19th January 2018

We see Monday’s Meeting as being one that will define the direction the new Board of HRNSW will take for the future of Harness Racing in NSW. The ‘big ticket’ item will be Prizemoney. With accumulated revenues from Racefields and Tax Parity the Industry will be looking for major announcements.

HRNSW have advised the Whip(14 month issue) and COT(4 year issue) have again been referred to February HRA Meeting. HRNSW have previously advised ‘go it alone’ approach if necessary. UHRA will be seeking a definitive response at HRICG.

UHRA has previously successfully negotiated Drivers and Trainers enhanced remuneration. We will put on the table various ideas for Trainer remuneration in conjunction with Prizemoney increases and one of points raised will be ‘are dramatic increases in training costs recoverable in current harness racing climate’ and our counterparts in Thoroughbred Industry are remunerated 10 percent compared to our 7.5 percent.

HRICG – a more visible presence of HRICG ie it’s composition , functions , website etc will be discussed and hopefully finalised.

Watch this space !!

(Image: Lance Fearne Photography)

Welcome to the first edition of UHRA Weekly Blog where we will detail pertinent Industry issues and keep you updated with UHRA action issues.

Below is an extract of our previous Meetings' Minutes:

* Elected (unopposed) Committee at AGM 31st January : Darren McCall , Gavin Fitzpatrick , Leon Jurd , Wally Mann , Bernie Hewitt , Robert Morris , Jim Douglass , Glenn McElhinney. President , Vice President etc positions will be decided at Committee Meeting later this month.

* Penalty Review Meeting – was held 7th February between HRNSW , HRICG Members and UHRA. Meeting was a result of UHRA ongoing complaints regarding ‘unaffordable monetary fines’ being levied on Participants. This was an initial ‘overview’ Meeting with next to be held in a month’s time where more specific areas will be discussed. Of course a large percentage of fines relate to Whip use and we hope this will be clarified in near future by HRNSW/HRA.

* HRICG of which UHRA is an integral Member will next meet 19th February followed by Meeting with HRNSW.

* Prizemoney increases will be a major topic at HRICG Meeting and UHRA have coupled this topic with Trainers and Drivers remuneration.

* UHRA have stated that Prizemoney increases announced in conjunction with APG Sale at new Inglis Warwick Farm Sales Complex would represent a not to be missed marketing opportunity.

*Handicapping and Programming – UHRA , HRICG , HRNSW and HRCC(Clubs) have been presented with a ‘Proposed Handicapping System for Provincial Race Meetings’. UHRA will discuss this proposal at its February Committee meeting.