UNITED HARNESS RACING ASSOCIATION

January 31, 2018

A dedicated group of Harness Racing enthusiasts attended the UHRA AGM held at Menangle last Wednesday 31st January. The current Committee of Darren McCall, Gavin Fitzpatrick, Wally Mann, Leon Jurd, Bernie Hewitt, Robert Morris, Jim Douglass and Glenn McElhinney were re elected unopposed.

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The major discussion topic was much needed and long overdue Prizemoney increases with the Committee giving the Meeting an assurance that they would be working with HRICG to seek significant  Prizemoney increases from HRNSW as a priority.

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Another  outcome from the Meeting is that commencing next week UHRA will incorporate a “Weekly Blog” on our website www.uhransw.com.au where relevant Industry issues will be highlighted with comment and action detailed.

January 01, 2018

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the United Harness Racing Association (UHRA) will be held at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Wednesday 31st January 2018 at 6.30pm.

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AGENDA

1. Open Meeting

2. Apologies

3. Confirm Minutes of 2017 Annual General Meeting

4. To receive and adopt Annual Report

5. To receive and adopt Treasurer’s Report and Annual Financial Statements

6. Election of Committee

7. General Business

Wally Mann

Secretary

Election of Committee

Any Member wishing to stand for Committee should refer to UHRA Website uhransw.com.au or contact Secretary Tel: 0421055847. Written Nominations for Committee will close 10th January 2018. Any vacant Committee positions will be taken by nominations from the floor at Annual General Meeting 31st January 2018.

December 21, 2017

Click on the link below to read the UHRA Newsletter, December 2017.

August 30, 2017

Click on the link below to read the UHRA Newsletter, August 2017.

July 04, 2017

UHRA MEMBERS - Special Invitation to Bankstown Paceway in July.

As a valued member of the UHRA, Bankstown Paceway would like to invite you to join them in Champions Restaurant, at their July Meetings.

June 22, 2017

The Grand Circuit is well under away with the North America Cup , the Roses are Red , the Gold Cup from Mohawk last weekend.

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Coming up will be The Hambletonian in August , The Little Brown Jug in September , The Red Mile in September and October as well many other feature races in the upcoming months.

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Follow all the action on Harnessracing.com (click on the link below)

June 17, 2017

In recent months the UHRA has endorsed a Metropolitan Handicapping Proposal which has passed through HRICG.

This proposal will now commence a three month trial on 1 July 2017 at Menangle.  Any feedback can be directed to UHRA or HRNSW and HBNSW who will pass on any comments.

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Click on the button below to view the document or it can be viewed at www.harnessmediacentre.com.au and click on the banner Metropolitan Handicapping System.

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Darren McCall, President UHRA

June 12, 2017

UHRA Bi-Monthly Meeting with HRNSW 17th May 2017 (Our News Bulletin has been held over in order we can bring you updated position on several important issues).

Click on the link below to download the Bulletin.

May 18, 2017

In January 2017 a Delegation of Licensed Trainers and Drivers met with Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) regarding the Harness Racing Australia(HRA) announcement that effective 1st September 2017 there would be Whip Free Racing.

The Delegation were unanimous in their opposition to this proposal and stated their case in a very professional manner as well as their condemnation of no consultation with Horsemen beforehand. The Delegation felt that the current Rules were adequate if applied uniformly and this was also conveyed in writing to HRNSW.

On April 26 2017 a delegation from all States finally met with HRA and in short their position was also that the current Rules were adequate in meeting Safety and Welfare criteria for  Trainers , Drivers and Horses.

Whilst the Proposal continues to be debated between HRA , State Controlling bodies and State Horsemen’s Associations  we ask you to be aware of the current Rules and make every effort to comply accordingly.

> CLICK HERE FOR A COPY OF THE CURRENT WHIP RULES (for reference)

You are all aware of the delicate nature of this subject and the ensuing discussions therefore your co-operation is of the utmost importance to those representing you on this matter.

Darren McCall, President

Wally Mann, Secretary

May 14, 2017

This meeting will be held Wednesday 17th May and a report to participants will be forthcoming on UHRA Website wwwuhransw.com.au

Keep up with all UHRA News on our Website , Facebook and Twitter.

May 14, 2017

For your new Committee this issue was raised at UHRA AGM on 18th January 2017 and has subsequently been raised with HRNSW and their Stewards and HRA.

In July 2013 an Industry Forum on COT was held and UHRA made a submission detailing problems with this Rule. As that data is still relevant today and as the issue was never , in our opinion satisfactorily resolved , we presented the same data to HRNSW for discussion at National Stewards Conference week of 1st May.

The matter was also raised with HRA at Driver Consultative Forum on 26th April 2017.

May 14, 2017

The majority of our Industry are aware that this is a very delicate issue and all State Horsemen’s Associations are intensely involved in discussions with their own Controlling bodies and ultimately HRA in trying to work through a satisfactory solution.

Some of the recent Social Media comments are unhelpful to those who are trying to resolve the issues as are some of the personal attacks on persons who are doing their utmost to represent the majority of Participants position on the issue.

Once the issue has been resolved , if you are dissatisfied with the Associations who are representing you , you have every right to put your hand up and stand for a position on same.

In the meantime please assist those who are doing their best for you by controlling your public comments on this matter.

May 04, 2017

On 4th May HRA released a Notice regarding Whip Fee Trials that are about to take place in Tasmania using a Safety Device designed by HRA accompanied by a Draft set of Rules designed by HRA.

At a national meeting of Trainers and Drivers held in Melbourne on 26th April, attended by representatives from all States, discussion took place on issues relating to the decision of HRA last December on Whip Free Racing.

Unfortunately the HRA Chairman was unable to attend the meeting.

Whilst no formal Minutes or a Report on that Meeting are yet available, points agreed by the State delegates which were debated with HRA included :

* No consultation with Trainers and Drivers prior to December 2016 announcement

* Correctly and uniformly policed, representatives believe the current rules are adequate.

* More time to test and discuss the proposed “whip free racing scenario” is needed and therefore it is imperative that there is a need to push back the proposed implementation date to allow ‘true’ consultation and testing of devices to take place.

* The use of a whip in non-racing situations is paramount.

* Imperative to use a device to urge a horse at a certain point in a race.

* Imperative to use a device in a race for safety purposes.

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At the meeting 26th April State Representatives were advised of Draft Rules which were listed in HRA Notice 4th May and that trials were to be organised in Tasmania by HRA utilising a safety device.

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HRA intended to have the safety advice available at the meeting 26th April however representatives were only able to view a photo as the prototype had not yet arrived in Australia as promised.

It was agreed that a further meeting of all State Representatives was an absolute necessity in early to mid-June. It is expected HRA Chairman will attend this meeting.

All State Representatives are united in their endeavours to bring this situation to a satisfactory resolution.

For and on behalf of

State Driver and Trainer Consultation Group

May 03, 2017

The UHRA has read HRA Notice entitled Whip Free Trials dated 4 May and is in the process of compiling a response.

May 03, 2017

The following letter was sent to National Trotguide and copied to UHRA from participant and member, Mr Jon. E. Ponsonby.

Mr Ponsonby, the writer notes that his letter is sent as a private participant and is not meant to represent UHRA but to give support accordingly.

UHRA is pleased to publish such correspondence.

> Click here to download letter

April 26, 2017

UHRA President Darren McCall and Matt Rue represented NSW at a HRA arranged Driver Representative Consultative Forum in Melbourne yesterday 26th April. Two Drivers from each State attended the Meeting which was chaired by HRA CEO Mr Andrew Kelly where the major Agenda item was Whip Free Racing.

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Robust debate was the order of the day with both parties presenting their cases in a forthright manner.

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The HRA Board will meet tomorrow Friday 28th April with this issue on their Agenda.

UHRA will not be making any official comment until the outcome of Friday’s Meeting is known suffice to say that Mr McCall has consulted with HRNSW at their Board Meeting today, briefing Board Members on yesterday’s Meeting with HRA from the State Representative’s perspective.

April 22, 2017

HRA Driver Representative Consultation Forum (on Whips) 26 April

Two Drivers from each State , nominated by their State Controlling body , will meet with HRA in Melbourne 26 April. HRNSW have nominated UHRA President Darren McCall and Matt Rue.

A provisional Agenda will include the following:

• Clarification and use of whips in non-racing activities

• Safety device design (inclusive of some manufactured examples) – a prototype is expected to be tabled

• Discussion on rule wording

• Development of a trial to determine viability and appropriateness – as well as post trial reporting mechanisms

The UHRA have commented separately on HRA Notice dated 19 April in respect of this meeting.  

Change of Tactics Rule

NSW Representatives at above Meeting will seek time to discuss this very contentious Rule which has caused great angst amongst participants.

Congratulations

To John McCarthy on achieving a milestone of training his 2000th winner at the Menangle race meeting 18th April. Amanda Rando’s prior article details John taking a punt selling up in Bathurst and moving his young family to Queensland where he reached the top of his profession before moving to Sydney where he has continued to achieve milestones. Along the way one son has become a very successful driver on the big stage in USA and his other two sons are leading drivers in Sydney.

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John would be the first to acknowledge the contribution and dedication of his wife Narelle. Congratulations to all concerned.

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HRA Handicapping Review

UHRA made a submission to HRA expressing reservations at a mentioned ‘Ratings Based System’ citing a desire for a ‘more black and white system’. We understand HRA have received many submissions and UHRA offered assistance with any Forum that progresses this issue.

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The ‘Shane Tritton Metropolitan Handicapping Proposal’ has also been forwarded to HRA.

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Miracle Mile

Belated congratulations to all involved in what appeared to be the most successful Miracle Mile in many years.

Special mention of our participants and their attire on the big night , well done and let’s keep those standards up at all meetings.

UHRA Meetings with HRNSW

These Meetings are held on a bi monthly basis , the latest (and first for the new UHRA Committee) was held on 15th March. There were 34 items for discussion on the Agenda ranging from HRA Whip issue , Handicapping and Programming , Number of Starters in a race , Race Meetings on Sale Days to Outer Rim Shoes (taken off future Agenda's). Some of the issues discussed are included in this Report.

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Claim (Junior) Drivers

Claim Drivers are reminded that they are entitled to representation in the Steward’s Room and any request will not be refused. We recommend Claim drivers avail themselves of this entitlement. UHRA representatives will be available to attend with you if asked to do so.

Race Meetings on Sale Days

There has been a good deal of negative comment on this subject and we can advise there will be no race meeting on the day of NSW APG Sale next year.

Helmets and Body Protectors

Licensees are reminded that Helmets and Vests must be worn when working horses even on Private Properties. This is a OH&S and Insurance requirement.  

April 20, 2017

In October 2016 Harness Racing Australia (HRA) advised they would be banning the use of the Whip in racing and training from September 2017.

This decision was made WITHOUT CONSULTATION with Industry Participants.

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This lack of consultation was met with strong complaints from UHRA representing Trainers and Drivers in NSW and Meetings were held at Penrith and again at HRNSW Offices 31 January where 10 leading Industry Participants strongly put forward their opposition to banning Whips. These views were put to HRA by HRNSW and resulted in HRA organising a Meeting with 2 Drivers from each State on Wed 26 April in Melbourne. UHRA President Darren McCall and Matt Rue were selected to represent NSW.

We were disappointed to read HRA Notice 19 April which could be perceived to pre-empt the outcome of the Meeting before the State Representatives have been given the opportunity to put forward their views. Some of the content of HRA Notice defies comment.

UHRA Representatives at the Meeting with HRNSW 31 January made their views on this subject very clear in that we are strongly opposed to any ban on whips. Reasons for opposing the proposed ban were detailed and included OH&S. These views will be conveyed to HRA on 26 April.

Thanking you for your support.

Darren McCall, President UHRA
Wally Mann, Secretary UHRA

March 19, 2017

Trainers , Drivers and Stablehands form the largest representative group within the Harness Racing Industry and it is the aim of our new Committee to reflect that by increasing our membership Statewide. 

The UHRA is a NSW Association and it is our intention to have Representatives in all Regional areas as well as a Junior Trainer and Driver sub-committee. The Association is open to all Industry participants therefore if you are not a Member and wish to have a voice in your Industry please complete our Membership Form. To have a voice only costs $10 per season.

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We have a very dedicated and enthusiastic new Committee who will do their best to assist Members with ANY issue.

March 14, 2017

These Meetings are held bi-monthly between the two parties.

We will post a report as soon as several items from the Meeting are clarified.

February 27, 2017

Shane Tritton has circulated a Proposal for Metropolitan (only) Handicapping and it has been widely circulated including to all UHRA Members with some questions asked but in general, no negative feedback.

Meetings have been held with NSWHRC and HRNSW with ‘mock’ race field data still being compiled before the matter is hopefully presented at next HRICG Meeting. The UHRA and NSWHRC have agreed in principle to proceed and move forward with the Proposal.  If you do not have a copy of the Proposal please contact us.

February 19, 2017

• HRA Proposed Removal of Whips – refer above update

• HRNSW Sulky Fund – we are looking for a definitive position at April HRICG Meeting

• HRNSW 12 Starter Policy – this matter runs in conjunction with Metropolitan Handicapping Proposal (see below)

• Change of Tactics Rule and ODM Policy – meeting to be arranged with HRNSW

January 30, 2017

Darren McCall, John McCarthy, Steve Turnbull, Bernie Hewitt, Robert Morris, Rickie Alchin, Josh Turnbull, Colin McDowell and Wally Mann met with HRNSW.  Each participant spoke against the removal of whips from racing and training. An amicable meeting with the issue to now go back to HRA.
 

Subsequently HRA has decided to consult with two Trainer/Driver representatives from each State at end March and HRNSW will ask Darren McCall and Matt Rue to represent NSW.

January 20, 2017

Agenda Items discussed included:
 

• HRA Proposed Removal of Whips

• HRNSW 12 Starter Policy

• HRNSW Sulky Fund

• Metropolitan Handicapping Proposal

• Change of Tactics Rule and ODM Policy

• Handicapping , Race Programming , Provincial and Country Prizemoney

January 17, 2017

The UHRA AGM saw the biggest attendance in many years and issues raised at the Meeting for attention of the new Committee included the items listed below for the Committee’s first meeting on 21st January 2017.