NOTICE TO OWNERS/TRAINERS
HRSA has recently completed a review of all operational and financial aspects of trial meetings conducted throughout the state. The scope of the review including the expectations of owners; trainers; interested parties and both the club conducting the trials meeting and HRSA.
In undertaking the review HRSA consulted with all clubs conducting trials; plus a representation of owners and trainers; and also those who derive wagering information through the conduct of trials meetings.
The review determined that while historically the financial responsibility for running trials meetings has rested with the club conducting them, this has, over time, migrated to the point where HRSA is the primary contributor and facilitator for the majority of trials meetings conducted in South Australia. This being either operationally, financially or both.
The reality is that while trials are a popular mechanism, utilised by owners and trainers to prepare their horses to race, the costs borne by HRSA in funding these trials meetings has becoming increasingly prohibitive, with this season the net cost to HRSA (after entry fees are deducted) being in excess of $40,000.00. This burden is significant and it is unsustainable.
Resultantly, effective 1st June 2018, HRSA will cease to fund the operation of trials within the state.
As a consequence of this decision, the Sunday morning trials historically conducted at Globe Derby Park every alternate Sunday will be discontinued. Effective immediately.
The Gawler Harness Racing Club will continue to conduct fortnightly trials on Sunday mornings while the Port Pirie and Mount Gambier clubs will make a determination as to when they will conduct trials at their respective venues.
Furthermore, in the alternate week to Gawler trials, trials will be programmed to be run prior to the first race (numbers permitting) at race meetings conducted at Globe Derby Park. These being, in the interim, on Sunday’s, during the current Sunday racing trial period and thereafter either on Sundays; Saturday nights and/or Monday afternoons, dependent upon the outcomes of the Sunday racing trial.
While the changes outlined will not suit all, it is unreasonable to expect the HRSA to fund the operation of trials to the extent outlined above.
For further information please contact:
ROSS NEAL | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(08) 8285 2899 • rneal@saharness.org.au
