News

Mandatory trials in Victoria again under consultation

28th Jan 2009

Racenet - By Clinton Payne - Thursday, 29 January 2009

Discussions yesterday between Racing Victoria [RVL] and the Australian Trainers Association [ATA] has seen an agreement made that further consultation is required before achieving a “achieving mutually acceptable reform to the structure of trials for unraced horses”.

RVL recently announced that it would be mandatory from April 1 for all unraced horse to publicly trial before they race in the metropolitan area but after backlash from trainers RVL backtracked and postponed the introduction until June 1 stating that RVL would “ensure that trainers' concerns are understood and addressed within the confines of the new rule.”

RVL also acknowledged that the manner in which the decision was communicated to trainers was “flawed”.

“ Prior to the confusion surrounding last week’s premature communication in relation to this matter, RVL and the ATA were engaged in an ongoing and important consultation process,” RVL CEO Rob Hines said.

“RVL Chief Steward Terry Bailey will continue to lead this consultation in order that all of the reasonable concerns can be dealt with.”

ATA CEO John Alducci added, “My Board’s previous discussions with RVL on the trials issue were progressing well and despite last weeks unexpected and premature communication, I am pleased that we are back on track.”

“The program of consultation agreed to today by RVL and the ATA provides my constituents with an adequate opportunity to negotiate the best outcome for all.”