Media Release - Industry Update

05 April 2019 | the offices of the Chief Executive Officer
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On Friday 29th March 2019 Harness Racing SA (HRSA) advised the Committee of the South Australian Harness Racing Club (SAHRC) that it had lost confidence in the Committee’s ability to properly oversee and administer the affairs of the SAHRC. In consequence HRSA advised the SAHRC Committee that it required their resignations by the close of business today. This deadline has come and gone however there has been no response from the SAHRC Committee, notwithstanding that a response has been provided to their members.

Resultantly, as stated on Friday last, HRSA will cease programming meetings at Globe Derby Park effective Tuesday 9th April 2019.

Furthermore, to progress matters to an affirmative conclusion, HRSA will assist individual club members of the SAHRC promulgate a request for a Special General Meeting of the club for the purpose of firstly, amending the SAHRC constitution to provide club members with an ability to move a motion of no confidence in the clubs management committee, which is binding and would require the Committee to resign their Management Committee positions immediately, and secondly, if passed, putting the motion to the meeting.

The SAHRC President sent an information sheet to their members today in response to the HRSA Board demands of last week. The HRSA Board vehemently dispute a number of the assertions made in this communication, and some comments made which HRSA believe are defamatory.

In taking the actions it has the HRSA Board recognises that there will be disruption caused to a range of industry participants, be it trainers, drivers, owners and many others, however, if the situation at the SAHRC is not resolved, and resolved quickly, then the industry will suffer further.

The HRSA Board is steadfast in its resolve to drive change at SAHRC and best position both the club, and importantly the greater harness racing industry of South Australia, to meet the challenges of an ever-changing racing environment.

To this end the HRSA Board has been buoyed by the substantial support received as a consequence of the actions taken, including unqualified support from the SA Harness Racing Country Clubs Association.

Calendar Changes

As a consequence of the suspension of racing at Globe Derby the following is the revised calendar for April.

Please note: While it would have been desirable to have transferred some of the following meetings to Gawler this has not been possible due the Gawler HRC facility failing to comply with outstanding compliance and Council regulatory requirements.  

Saturday 13th April – this meeting has been transferred to Strathalbyn on Friday 12th April 2019. Stakes for this meeting will be increased to recognise the loss of the Saturday meeting.

Monday 15th April – transferred to Victor Harbor

Saturday 20th April – the meeting scheduled for Port Pirie has been cancelled. Stakes for the Kapunda meeting to be held on Thursday 25th 2019 (ANZAC Day) will be increased to recognise the loss of the Saturday meeting.

Sunday 21st April – Victor Harbor

Thursday 25th April - Kapunda

Saturday 27th April – will now be conducted at Port Pirie

Monday 29th April – transferred to Kapunda.

For further information please contact:

ROSS NEAL | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

(08) 8285 0723 •  rneal@saharness.org.au

 

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