Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
The decision by now ex Racing Australia (RA) Director, Ms Robyn Whishaw, to make public her letter of resignation last week, only served to reinforce what industry broadly has known for a number of years; that the mistrust and infighting amongst Directors had served to blunt the ability of the Board to deliver in its capacity as our national body.
The Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA) is the peak body representing the national interests of the thoroughbred racehorse trainer.
Participants in this group number some 3,500+ licensed individuals. Our trainers toil away caring for their horses, providing secure employment for their staff, building and investing in infrastructure for today and for the future, and ultimately, delivering the racing product daily around the country.
In essence, these trainers are fulfilling their charter. For Racing Australia sadly, you, the Board, cannot say the same.
It is rare for the ATA to be so moved that it feels the need to express a written view on matters involving the Board of Racing Australia. However, these are unprecedented times, and as a representative body, it would be remiss of us not to voice our concerns on this subject.
Andrew Nicholl
Hence, our Association, in the strongest possible terms, calls on Racing NSW to abandon their current litigation. We also call on all directors to come back to the table, to set aside past differences, and re-set the national agenda.
Objectivity must be the adopted cornerstone, and outcomes targeted and ultimately achieved that collectively benefit the industry; from improving equine welfare strategies across all states and territories, to modernising the pattern, from interacting with government at the Federal and (as appropriate) state levels to help open up pathways that address our labour crisis, to promoting campaigns that both engage and educate the public and in turn, help broaden racings appeal. These MUST be immediate priorities.
There has never existed a greater crisis of confidence in the ability of the Racing Australia Board to take this industry forward, at a point when common beliefs, progressive thinking and strong leadership is essential.
The time for behavioural change, collaboration and collective forward thinking is now; the only question is will that come from those incumbent on your Board?
We, on behalf of our 3,500+ licensed trainers, eagerly await your response.
Yours Sincerely,
Andrew Nicholl (Chief Executive Officer)
