Richard talks to Gary and Matt about his reaction to the recent set of Morphettville trials and gives some preliminary details of two upcoming SAROA events. https://saroa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/200216-SAROA-interview.mp3
Gary and Richard discuss the Trials from the Race Day Stalls at Morphettville on Thursday 13th. Richard talks about horses he has owned but is no longer involved with including dual Pakenham winner Left Hand Man. They also talk about life after racing for the former talented sprinter Mile High. (pictured above winning at Moonee Valley) https://saroa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/200208-SAROA-interview.mp3
A relatively new member of the SAROA committee is Chris Nutt, read all about him below Committee member Chris Nutt Occupation Plumber First Horse Owned I had a share in a filly called Hive Jive when I was 16, so it was in my Dad’s name. The first in my name was a leased horse with Mick Kluske by the name of Phoenix Nights. Neither horse was blessed with much ability on the track. Favourite Horse Owned Hard question to answer, I think they’re like your children. You don’t have a favourite. Biggest Win. No great heights achieved yet, a couple BM64 races in Victoria. A highlight was having a runner at Flemington on Oaks Day 2018, she ran second last but it was a great experience, probably my favourite day at the races so far. Best Horse you have seen In the flesh it would have to be Black Caviar closely followed by Takeover Target. Favourite Race or Racetrack I love the country tracks. My two favourites would be Oakbank as we go every year and I love the atmosphere at Strathalbyn. Favourite Jockey Craig Williams. I really admire his professionalism and the way he gives back to the industry and is always so humble. Interests Outside of Racing Spending time with my family Reason for Joining SAROA Committee I emailed SAROA with an idea to promote/increase ownership in SA and was asked if I was interested in joining the Committee, so I did. I love racing and want to try and help to promote and grow the industry where possible. Being part of the SAROA committee is also a great way to learn about other parts of the industry that most people don’t see.
Richard talks to Gary and Matt about the upcoming Morphettville trial to be run on February 13th from the race day stalls. https://saroa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/200125-SAROA-interview.mp3
We have received comments about safety concerns regarding recent hot weather and the viability of race meetings on days of extreme heat. Although the conditions can be very trying SAROA is confident that TRSA and the Stewards are fully aware of the implications for Equine Welfare and will make any decision based on the best interests of horses and jockeys. In relation to the recently postponed Morphettville twilight meeting TRSA advised as follows: TRSA and the SAJC In conjunction with industry experts will continue to monitor the situation and will not proceed should the forecast deteriorate. We consider the welfare of horses and participants as paramount and will not compromise their safety if the conditions are not suitable. In addition TRSA has a detailed hot weather policy http://www.theracessa.com.au/industry/stewards/official-stewards-policy which will be followed. It is our belief that we should allow TRSA to continue to monitor the weather forecasts and make a considered decision on any heat affected meeting. If however owners or trainers have individual concerns they are of course entitled to scratch their horses.
Richard and Matt discuss new Equine Welfare measures to be introduced by TRSA https://saroa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/191214-SAROA-interview.mp3
TRSA have held briefings with industry participants to outline their Equine Welfare measures. The main features are a 1% deduction from prizemoney to fund Equine Welfare initiatives to commence 1 July 2020, TRSA intends to appoint a full time Equine Welfare officer as part of these measures. Below is an email that SAROA has received from TRSA CEO Jim Watters further outlining what is involved Further to the briefing when we met this afternoon, and as you and your members are aware, equine welfare and racehorse retirement is a critical issue that everyone in the racing industry needs to address as a priority moving forward. While we have supported various initiatives to date, the thoroughbred racing industry nationally is taking a greater focus on such, and is mindful of the expectations, and perceptions of the wider community. Equine welfare and racehorse retirement is an issue that must be addressed at a National level, and the harmonisation as much as possible across all States and Territories is important. In recognising this and to allow us to further develop and expand on what we have implemented to date, the TRSA Board has resolved to implement as from 1 July 2020, a deduction of 1% of all prizemoney, which will be utilised and allocated to address local issues regarding equine welfare and racehorse retirement. In adopting this policy, the TRSA Board was mindful of the need to allocate these funds in an appropriate manner to assist in equine welfare matters, and we will advise in coming months how the funding from the 1% of prizemoney deductions will be utilised towards various projects to assist in the improvement of equine welfare and racehorse retirement in SA. These are important issues that our industry faces and by tackling them with a National harmonisation and focus, we look forward to a number of favourable outcomes for the sustainability of the industry. For any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Nick Redin at nredin@theracessa.com.au. Regards Jim Watters Chief Executive Thoroughbred Racing SA
Secretary – Richard Stafford Occupation: Semi-retired pharmaceutical chemist. First Horse Owned: Annoyed, he was owned on lease and gave me my first winner in a maiden at Gawler. Favourite Horse Owned: Arinos – heaps of ability and a thrilling come from behind racing style. Biggest Win: Arinos in the listed Service Stream Stakes on Oaks Day at Flemington but his most notable run was dead-heat for second to Star Spangled Banner in the Oakleigh Plate, also ran eighth in the Newmarket that year. Best Horse you have seen: I don’t really enjoy crowds so I haven’t been to a lot of the big race meetings, so my answer to this might seem a bit odd but Reckless is the best horse I have seen live. I was at Flemington for Dulcify’s tragic Melbourne Cup. Favourite Race or Racetrack: Favourite race is the Cox Plate even though I have not been to it. Favourite track: I love country racing and have enjoyed trips to Mindarie-Halidon; Jamestown; Clare; Port Augusta and Port Lincoln. Favourite Jockey: Craig Williams. Interests Outside of Racing: NFL; Cricket; AFL; wine and music. Reason for Joining SAROA Committee: I believe that owners are the backbone of our industry and I wanted to help make sure they are represented and consulted as much as possible when decisions about racing are made.
Richard and Gary discuss the Apprentice Academy Awards night and the Winner of the SAROA Award Lizzie Annells. Attention then turns to recent winners owned by SAROA members https://saroa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/191130-SAROA.mp3
This year’s SAROA Apprentice Award went to Lizzie Annells, a relatively recent addition to the riding ranks from the Gordon Richard’s stable. Lizzie recently rode her first winner at Penola but the award is based more on her friendly attitude around the stables. To quote directly from the nomination we received for Lizzie. The attributes of Lizzie are numerous, however specific to the SA Racing Community she has demonstrated the virtues of companionship, extensive and detailed horsemanship, ultimate respect for her Master and a sense of humour that has seen her small frame, yet massive heart for the horse – transform the stable into an inviting environment for Owners. Congratulations Lizzie.