Racing Qld announces new industry advisory panels

Designed to play an important role in the future of the industry in Queensland, the industry advisory panels will meet quarterly to assist Racing Queensland in the process of formulating strategy and making decisions on important industry matters.

Each advisory group is made up of a cross section of key industry representatives. The groups will be chaired by Racing Queensland Directors with specific code experience and will be attended by representatives from Racing Queensland management.

Racing Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dr Eliot Forbes said the industry advisory panels were part of the organisation’s commitment to listening to industry stakeholders across all codes and regions.

“We have looked to appoint a mix of members, as well as expertise on a local, state and national level. Racing Queensland is committed to working with its stakeholders in order to address matters of concern and help shape the future of the industry in this state,” said Dr Forbes.

“We are proud to announce a structured framework for industry consultation. The advice from the panels will be of critical assistance for Racing Queensland as it formulates and implements its strategy and makes decisions on important industry matters,” he said.

The Thoroughbred Advisory Panel is:

HISTORY was made in Birdsville on Sunday, with a female duo of jockey and trainer winning the Birdsville Cup for the first time in 134 years.

Breeding and Racing webnews reports a 10-horse field contested the 1600m Birdsville Cup, with Darwin-based jockey Kayla Cross winning on the Heather Lehmann-trained Moore Alpha. Trained at Murray Bridge, South Australia, the 6YO gelding by Blevic from Ma’Haba won his second cup in succession having won the 1600m Betoota Cup the week before.

The revised program followed 55mm of rainfall in Birdsville in the days preceding the race meet, which equated to more than a third of the town’s yearly rainfall average. The deluge turned Birdsville’s iconic red racetrack to sludge and forced the closure of all roads to and from the township. “We worked on the track until late last night. It was a case of the outback spirit coming through – we were determined that the rain wouldn’t beat us and we’d host the races today,” said Birdsville Race Club vice-president Gary Brook.

TOOWOOMBA Thoroughbred enthusiast Del Fitton has sent me details of the popular Fitton Insurance Equine Hall of Fame function being held on Saturday, September 24 and Festival of the Horse Darling Downs stud tour being held on Sunday, September 25.

The Hall of Fame, which starts at 12.30pm at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, will celebrate the induction of the late Rob Atkinson, Bill Camer, Terry Drennan and the late Pat O’Shea. Guest speaker is pioneer female jockey Pam O’Neill. Cost is $65 per person.

The following day, the stud tour, featuring Peter Bredhauer, Jim Atkinson and Helen Walker, will depart Toowoomba Turf Club’s Clifford Park, Hursley Road at 7.45am to visit Bahram, Wattle Brae and Lyndhurst studs plus Glencoe Stockhorses and Oakmore Park Droughtmasters. Cost is $105 per person.

Bookings for both events close on Friday, September16. For all inquiries and bookings contact Del Fitton on (07) 4630 1379 or email delfitton@gmail.com

MINIMUM prizemoney for Saturday metropolitan races in Sydney will increase to $100,000 per race starting October 1 as part of a massive prizemoney boost for NSW.

Prizemoney will also increase at provincial and country level as well as stakes racing.

Racing NSW Chairman, John Messara said in 2012 total NSW prizemoney was $118.9 million. “From October 1, annual prizemoney in NSW will be more than $204 million – an increase of $85 million over that time. These increases are entirely sustainable and are fully-funded from the proceeds of the sale of digital media rights, Race Fields legislation fees and parity,” Mr Messara said.