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	Racing NSW Elects New Chairman 22/12/2008 Alan Brown elected to top position The Board of Racing NSW has elected former Sydney Turf Club Chairman, Alan Brown, as its Chairperson. Mr. Brown has had a long and successful involvement in the thoroughbred racing industry. His involvement in the administration of racing goes back to 1983 when he was elected to the Board of the Sydney Turf Club. Mr. Brown held various executive positions with the Club, including Treasurer and Vice-Chairperson before being appointed as Chairperson in 2005. Alan has had considerable success as an owner, having raced a number of winning horses including Party's Pride which won 16 of 32 starts including several group and listed races. Outside of racing, Alan is the proprietor of the legal firm Alan Brown & Co located in Sydney's CBD, in which his wife Belinda is a partner. Mr. Brown said that he was proud to have been selected to the role of Chairperson by his colleagues on the Board and was looking forward to the challenges which lay ahead for the industry. "We have a very experienced and talented Board who have all established enormous enthusiasm and commitment to the job at hand. I am sure we have the capacity to fulfill the industry's expectations of us." Mr. Alan Bell was elected to fill the role of Deputy Chairperson. Mr Bell is a veterinarian having practiced as an equine clinician. He is currently the principal of the major Global veterinary pharmaceutical company "Parnell". He has wide experience in the thoroughbred racing industry as an owner, breeder, trainer and Principal of a bloodstock and syndication management enterprise. Amongst the horses he owned were the champions, Grand Armee and Schillaci. In addition he trained group 1 winners Magic of Money and Dupain. Both Messrs Brown and Bell were elected unanimously. The Chairman was also chosen to represent Racing NSW on the Australian Racing Board and Racingcorp. For more information please contact Mr Peter V'landys, Racing NSW Chief Executive by phone on (02) 9551 7556.
	Fundamental Reform of Controls on Whip Use 15/12/2008 The Australian Racing Board announces 5 changes he Australian Racing Board has decided that fundamental changes are required to the current controls on whip use. These changes fall into 5 categories: (i) The type of whip used in Australian Racing. (ii) New regulations that tightly limit the circumstances in which a whip may be used. (iii) New regulations that tightly limit the way in which a whip may be used. (iv) Higher penalties for improper use of the whip. (v) Educating riders to conform to these new controls. “The Australian Racing Board will not tolerate abuse of horses and consider their welfare, and the safety of the rider to be paramount. Our current rules are based on those objectives, but we are not satisfied that they are as effective as they should be. We believe that we need to make our controls on whip use much more prescriptive” - Australian Racing Board Chairman, Bob Bentley. The Australian Racing Board also decided on a timetable for settling the detail of the reform of controls on whip use and then implementing these changes. Industry and public consultation will form an integral part of this process. The timetable agreed on by the Australian Racing Board is as follows: · Consultation period: 12th December, 2008 - 30th January, 2009. · Report by Australian Racing Board Chief Executive to Principal Racing Authorities: 16th February, 2009. · Adoption of amendments to Australian Rules of Racing implementing new controls on use of whip: Australian Racing Board meeting March, 2009. (Date of effect of rule changes to be decided on having regard to period determined for educating riders in respect of new controls.) End Release. Please contact Andrew Harding, Chief Executive for any further information. Phone: 02 9551 7700 Mobile: 0417 043 233
	Bob Bentley Elected Chairman of Australian Racing Board 12/12/2008 The Australian Racing Board has announced the election of Mr Bob Bentley as its new Chairman. BOB BENTLEY ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF AUSTRALIAN RACING BOARD The Australian Racing Board today announced the election of Mr Bob Bentley as its new Chairman. “I am extremely proud to take on this role. Unquestionably these are challenging times for the industry, but the fundamentals are strong and if Australian racing can become truly national in every sense then we can succeed. I firmly believe that tomorrow belongs to those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and be honest in tackling our problems. One thing that is absolutely essential is that we work nationally across the board. That includes calendar dates, programming, rules, handicapping, stewards and every other aspect of Australian racing.” Mr Bentley made special acknowledgement of the contribution of his predecessor Mr Pearson. “Bob has given excellent service to the Australian racing industry and made a truly lasting contribution, so I am particularly pleased that it is him who is passing the reins to me.” Notes to Editors: 1. The Chairman of the Australian Racing Board is elected by the Board of Directors. Election is for a two year term. 2. Bob Bentley is currently Chairman of Queensland Racing Limited, the controlling body for thoroughbred racing in that State. Mr Bentley will continue his role as Chairman of Queensland Racing Limited. 3. Mr Bentley has had an extensive business career in the timber industry, as a cattle producer and breeder, as well as a Director of the Tatts Group. Details of this career include: He is a non executive director of Tatts Group A Director of the Australian Racing Board Previous Chairman of the Queensland Principal Club, the Three Codes Racing Industry Coordinating Committee and the Ipswich Turf Club Previous Treasurer of Queensland Bloodhorse Breeders’ - 2 - Previous Chairman and Managing Director of Austral Plywoods Pty Ltd and Chairman of Plywood manufacturers Association of Australia End. Please direct all enquiries to: Mr Andrew Harding, Chief Executive, Australian Racing Board Ltd Phone: 0417 043 233
	Racing Revolution to Transform Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival 10/12/2008 From 2009 to 2012 the main events of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival will be held as fixed dates in the month of April. Racing NSW today announced that from 2009 to 2012 the main events of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival will be held as fixed dates in the month of April. The Golden Slipper will be held on the first Saturday in April with the Australian Jockey Club carnival starting the following week. Easter, which has been the traditional time for the carnival, will be equally shared between the Sydney Turf Club and the Australian Jockey Club. Racing NSW has had the luxury of being provided an independent assessment of the Carnival by Events NSW who commissioned some of the best marketing personnel in Australia to provide advice. Events NSW is in discussions with Racing NSW to back the carnival with the potential to provide a promotional package of up to $10 million over four years. "We are in discussions with Events NSW on a radical proposal to revamp the carnival in 2010. However, pivotal to any funding provided from Events NSW was to make April the spotlight for horse racing, breeding and the horse industry as a whole," said Racing NSW CEO Mr Peter V'landys. "Whilst we will continue to work with Events NSW on their proposal we can understand that Events NSW required an answer as the 2009 carnival is only 5 months away. Integral to any funding for the 2009 carnival from Events NSW was a commitment to have fixed dates in April from 2010 onwards, with the Golden Slipper being on the first Saturday." Mr V'landys added that New South Wales is the genuine home of the Australian racing and breeding industries and in April the best horses, jockeys and trainers will be competing. "The fixed April dates will provide certainty and stability to our participants, international and interstate visitors, and the tourism industry by complementing a national schedule of feature race carnivals. "The fixed dates separates the Melbourne Festival of Racing from the Sydney Autumn Carnival thus reducing clashes in feature events. Both Racing Victoria Limited and Queensland Racing have provided assurances that they will not encroach on the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and are delighted that a national program is now in place. This has been an objective of the National Race Planning Committee for some years. "Sydney will also become the focus of the international racing calendar, between the Dubai World Cup in March and the Kentucky Derby in May." The NSW racing industry for many years has sought Government backing and with the Events NSW involvement this support has been forthcoming. It provides the platform to maximize marketing opportunity for the event. "Accordingly, the event will generate significant economic benefits for the State," Mr V'landys said. The Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival is one of five recurring anchor events to be held annually in the NSW Master Calendar. For more information please contact Mr Peter V'landys, Racing NSW Chief Executive by phone on (02) 9551 7556.
	RVL Boosts Prize Money 4/12/2008 $23.6M prize money plan will be implemented from 1 February 2009 The Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) Board has confirmed that the second phase of its two-year $23.6 million prize money plan will be implemented from 1 February 2009. The increases are targeted at minimum prize money levels for standard races to ensure these additional funds are spread broadly to racing’s participants. The increases to minimum prize money include: * Metropolitan Saturday and feature night races from $60,000 to $70,000 Metropolitan Midweek and standard night races from $27,500 to $30,000 Country Showcase races from $21,500 to $22,500 * Country Minimum TAB races from $10,500 to $12,000 and from $13,500 to $15,000 for Thursdays and Sunday P1 meetings. RVL Chief Executive Officer Rob Hines said the announcement affirmed the commitment to minimum prize money. “This is an excellent outcome for the industry as minimum prize money is the lifeblood for all participants and will drive further investment in Victorian thoroughbred racing in the long term “We have revised our budget for the remainder of the year and have taken into account a range of matters including revised forecasts from the joint venture partnership with Tabcorp. “We have been able to commit to the additional $4.5 million required for the remainder of this racing season and remain determined to deliver the full $23.6 million over the two years.
	TRSA Announces $5M Agreement with Murray Bridge 4/12/2008 Establishment of a multi-million dollar equine precinct and residential development Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA) – the controlling body for thoroughbred racing in South Australia – has signed an innovative agreement with the Murray Bridge Racing Club to facilitate the next stage in the club’s plans for a multi‐million dollar equine precinct and residential development. The agreement will see TRSA act as guarantor for the $5 million loan being sought by Murray Bridge Racing Club to purchase 800 hectares of farm land in February 2009. In return, the club will offer its existing racecourse and the current farmland as security. The planned equine precinct will feature new and fully resourced race and training tracks, multipurpose function and spectator facilities as well as a specialised estate for trainers and their horses. Under the plan, the equine precinct will be funded through the creation of the 350 hectare residential community. In a joint statement, TRSA Chairman Philip Bentley and Murray Bridge Racing Club Chairman Reg Nolan said the Term Sheet Agreement was an important milestone in the project. “We envisage within three to four years there will be a brand new, state of the art racecourse with grass and synthetic tracks plus at least 50 hectares of training facilities at Murray Bridge,” Bentley and Nolan said. “We anticipate that Murray Bridge will eventually be the largest thoroughbred training centre in the State and we would expect that the racecourse will commence with one meeting every two weeks. The facilities will be state of the art and we anticipate they will prove helpful to the Club and the industry in growing revenue.” Facilities at the equine precinct will include a custom designed two kilometre cross country training track, while an equine hospital and an industry training academy are also under consideration. Approval of a Development Plan Amendment for development of the land is currently being sought. The Club has put forward a bold and visionary proposal. Now that TRSA and the Murray Bridge Club have agreed on the way they wish to proceed they will seek a joint development partner which will enable the Club and the industry, through TRSA, to financially benefit from the overall development of the sight. “As soon as the new racecourse is operational, the current racecourse, which adjoins a golf course, will be redeveloped,” Bentley and Nolan said. “In the longer term, the plan will see the development of 3,500 houses as part of a quality residential development. It really has the potential to become the jewel in the crown for racing in SA.” The plan also has some outstanding environmental features. More than 30% of the total site will be allocated to open space, native vegetation protection, training facilities and services, including a 500 metre‐deep wooded buffer zone next to the freeway. A one gigalitre onsite water storage wetland, formed within an existing drainage depression, will enable retention of site storm water and recycled water for track and stable irrigation. It will also be a habitat for wildlife and will assist with flood mitigation while there is also an option for an onsite sewage treatment plant. “We believe that this proposal will benefit the State of South Australia, the Murray Bridge community, the thoroughbred racing industry and the Murray Bridge Racing Club,” Bentley and Nolan said. Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA) is the controlling body for horseracing in South Australia, representing the interests of all metropolitan, regional and country clubs around the State. TRSA is the umbrella body for the South Australian Racing Clubs Council (SARCC), which represents the 25 regional and country clubs, and the South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC), which runs metropolitan Adelaide races. Further enquiries: Philip Bentley and Reg Nolan Chairman 0408 398 834
	Agreement Delivers Additional $1.2M to QLD Country Stakeholders 4/12/2008 $13.142M annual country racing funding package to country stakeholders for a three (3) year period, commencing July 1, 2009. A meeting between representatives of Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) and the Queensland Country Racing Committee (QCRC) has confirmed the delivery of an enhanced $13.142M annual country racing funding package to country stakeholders for a three (3) year period, commencing July 1, 2009. QRL has consulted widely during 2008 with a broad cross section of country racing stakeholders, which has enabled the delivery of a robust funding and race date schedule that will enhance the viability of country racing within Queensland. The revised funding package represents a 10% or $1.2M increase to QRL’s contribution to country racing. QRL chairman Mr Bob Bentley said, “The revised racing schedule has removed the majority of regional race date clashes and populated the country race less Saturdays, which were endemic in the previous schedule. QRL’s model provides enhanced continuity and delivers maximum opportunities for stakeholders.” “Today’s decision has provided for a two tiered funding model, through the recognition of Strategic status to 28 Non-TAB Clubs who will conduct 185 race meetings, representing 65% of the country racing programme. These meetings will carry minimum prizemoney levels of $6000 per race, or $4000 to the winner, an increase of 50% on the previous minimum level.” “Each of the eight (8) regions has a minimum of three (3) Strategic tiered Clubs and the increased investment in these centres will ensure a viable and sustainable racing industry is maintained within each region,” said Mr Bentley. The monetary benefits provided to country racing that will commence from July 1, 2009 which clearly highlights the expenditure by QRL on areas other than prizemoney. QRL will no longer fund the administration of Non-TAB Clubs who were not included within the strategic funding tier, the majority of these Clubs race one (1) or two (2) times per year and these race meetings are considered as community events. It was agreed at the Country Racing forum conducted during June 2008 that QRL’s contribution to these meetings, which exceeds $32,000 per meeting for prizemoney and raceday expenses is a significant contribution to conduct a community event. QRL will continue to support these Clubs with minimum prizemoney levels of $4000 per race and the provision of raceday services at no charge to the Club. These services cost QRL in excess of $10,000 per meeting. “The financial capabilities of QRL are not inexhaustible and when considering that our total commitment to country racing exceeds $13M or 13.5% of the product fee revenue paid to the industry, it clearly highlights that QRL’s contribution to country racing is well in advance of our 7% obligation under the Racing Act 2002,” said Mr Bentley. “There needs to be urgent recognition from Government and Local Councils, of the significant contribution made by QRL in supporting community events that return no revenue to the industry. The provision of community events is not the responsibility of the racing industry.” “There must be a balance of support for country racing and the need for Queensland to have a strong and viable professional industry and I firmly believe this has been achieved through the new country racing funding and race date model.” “It was extremely pleasing that QRL and the QCRC have positioned themselves to work together to ensure a viable and sustainable future for country racing. It is important that country racing is integrated within the entire racing landscape and that decisions taken are for the betterment of the entire industry.” To ensure all interested parties have a comprehensive understanding as to the decisions taken at today’s meeting, the following details are available on the QRL website www.queenslandracing.com.au: Race Date and Strategic Club Allocations Draft 2009/10 Country Race Date Schedule Revised QRL Country Racing Policy For further information contact Queensland Racing Limited’s Racing Services Manager, Paul Brennan on 07 3869 9721.
	Thoroughbred Night Racing for Tasmania 4/12/2008 First night meeting on the drawing board for December 2009 TOTE Tasmania will fund a $6 million lighting project that will enable the Tasmanian Turf Club to stage night thoroughbred racing next year. The funding was announced by Racing Minister Michael Aird at the official opening of the new all-weather StrathAyr track in Launceston on Sunday. "TOTE Tasmania has agreed to fund the installation of lights to enable night racing at Mowbray. The work will be done during 2009 with the view of seeing our first night race run at the venue around this time next year," Mr Aird said. "With night thoroughbred racing being staged at only a small number of venues, Sly and the TABs have long stated a desire to increase the number of quality night thoroughbred races, particularly late in the week and from quality metropolitan venues." "The installation of lights at a Tasmanian track makes securing Sky Channel coverage for a number of Friday or Saturday night meetings more likely." "TOTE indicates that we would be able to comfortably run an additional 11 meetings a year, taking the total meetings staged at Mowbray to 35, with the possibility if extending that in the future," he said. It will give Tasmania an opportunity to tap into the Asian market with Tasmanian meetings likely to be programmed to coincide with meetings in Singapore and or Hong Kong as well as interstate meetings at Moonee Valley in Melbourne or Canterbury in Sydney. The Mowbray complex also has undergone a name change. It has been known as TasmanPark for the past three years but with that agreement completed, a new deal was struck with the TOTE taking over as naming rights sponsor. The venue will be known as The TOTE Racing Centre for at least the next five years
	Racing Victoria Limited Release 2020 Vision Statement 21/11/2008 Racing to 2020 has been developed to address the future of the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry. Racing Victoria Limited Chief Executive Officer Rob Hines has declared "racing is open for business" at the public release of Racing to 2020, RVL’s vision for the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry. "The vision provides the platform and framework for industry development over the next 10 to 15 years. It addresses a wide range of factors that define a successful future. Now more than ever, it is essential that the entire industry operates with a more collective, innovative and less protectionist approach if we are to succeed and achieve our goals," said Hines. "A sustainable future will be achieved by maintaining customer focus, maximising revenue, renovating and renewing racing’s infrastructure and increasing returns to participants." RVL has identified five key pillars for future success. [1]Product, Brand and IP [2]Customers [3]Our People, Stakeholders and Investors [4]Infrastructure Sustainability
	Independent Selection Panel Announced for selection of the Board of Racing NSW. 21/11/2008 Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, today announced the three members of the panel who will select the new independent Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, today announced the three members of the panel who will select the new independent B. Mr Greene said the Panel will comprise:- [1] His Honour Mr Barrie Thorley, AM; [2] The Hon Ian Armstrong OBE; and [3] Mr Des Gleeson. Mr Thorley AM is a former District Court Judge who has held positions as Chief Executive of the Judicial Commission of NSW, Chairman of the NSW Police Board, and Chairman of the State Drug Crime Commission. He recently retired from the positions of Racing Appeals Tribunal, and Greyhound and Harness Racing Appeals Tribunal. Mr Armstrong was the State Member for Lachlan between 1981 and 2007, and during this time he was the National Party Leader and Deputy Premier. He has held various Ministerial and shadow Minister portfolios, including Racing. Mr Gleeson headed the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Stewards Panel for 12 of his 35 years as a Steward which ended when he retired from the position in July this year. During his time, he oversighted the transformation of the Victoria Stewards Dept to a professional integrity services unit covering surveillance, compliance, bet monitoring and bookmakers' supervision, and expanded drug testing. "These three men have the qualifications and experience to ensure the best possible members are appointed to the Board," Mr Greene said. "They will select the five-member Board on merit in accordance with skills-based criteria. "They will then make recommendations to me for the appointment of Board members, as, Under the Act I am required to give effect to the panel's recommendations. The panel will be assisted by a probity advisor and the NSW Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation. "I have said all along this is about doing everything possible to ensure the Racing NSW Board - which will oversee the growth and development of the industry - is established in a way that provides leadership and direction for the future. "It is paramount to the future viability of thoroughbred racing in NSW that the industry has a functional, energetic and productive board that has the full confidence of all participants. "The panel is currently re-advertising for applications from prospective Board members and they will also consider the 60 applications received from earlier this year. "The new independent Board of Racing NSW will be announced as soon as possible. Once the new Board is in place I will commission a review to determine options for future Board appointment processes. "The review will include extensive consultation with the thoroughbred racing industry."
	Changes to Copyright Racing Materials supplied by RISA effective Thursday 20 November 2008 19/11/2008 Sandown Lakeside - Sat 22nd November to be displayed as Betfair Park Sandown Lakeside On Thursday 13 November 2008 Melbourne Racing Club announced that Betfair has secured naming rights to Sandown Racecourse. (A pdf of the Melbourne Racing Club Press Release is attached) As the sponsorship includes naming rights to Sandown Racecourse we advise you that with effect Thursday 20 November 2008 all Copyright Racing Materials supplied by RISA will include the new name for Sandown Racecourse. The Racecourse name is contained within the ‘Venue Description Field’ included in the Copyright Racing Materials files. (Old Name)Sandown Lakeside (New Name) Betfair Park Sandown Lakeside (Old Name)Sandown Hillside (New Name) Betfair Park Sandown Hillside Please note the ‘Venue Description Field’ is a maximum of 30 characters. The first Copyright Racing Material files / products to incorporate the new Racecourse Name will be ‘Acceptances’ released on Thursday 20th November for the Betfair Park Sandown Lakeside race meeting on Saturday 22nd November.
	Owners of Horses Trained at Randwick during World Youth Day to receive Compensation 14/11/2008 Credit of $700 per horse (conditions apply) Racing NSW is pleased to advise that owners of horses trained by Randwick trainers which were relocated to other training facilities as a result of World Youth Day are to receive a credit of $700 per horse. Racing NSW has separately paid specific expenses such as transport costs for World Youth Day relocation to avoid those costs being passed through to owners. This additional credit recognises the disruption caused by the relocation to training preparation of those horses. The arrangements have been developed by Racing NSW working with Mr Stephen van Eyk and the NSW Racehorse Owners Association and following consultation with the NSW Trainers Association. The credit will be funded from the World Youth Day Compensation Fund administered by Racing NSW. Payments are being made from that fund to Randwick trainers, who are to either pay or credit the allowance to the owners of the eligible horses. The terms attaching to the payment require that the benefit be passed on to owners within one month. Horses Eligible for the Credit The credit allowance of $700 per horse (approximately one week's training fees) is being paid for:- • each horse which was in work at Randwick and was relocated by a Randwick trainer to the Randwick trainer's primary alternative training venue (i.e. Warwick Farm, Rosehill, Hawkesbury or Sunshine Coast) on or about 13 June 2008 at the start of the World Youth Day relocation period; • each horse which was in work at the Randwick trainer's primary alternative training venue and which was relocated with the trainer back to Randwick in late August 2008 at the end of the World Youth Day relocation period. If a horse falls in both categories (i.e. it was relocated from Randwick at the start of the relocation period and back to Randwick at the end) the allowance is payable for both relocations, making the total allowance for that horse $1,400. In general, other than stable ponies (in respect of which no allowance is payable), a horse will be eligible for the allowance if, but only if, the Randwick trainer was reimbursed by Racing NSW from the World Youth Day compensation fund for the transport costs of relocating the horse.
	Reforms To NSW Racing Board Appointment Process 14/11/2008 Legislation paves the way for a three-person panel to select a new functional, energetic and productive board Racing Minister Kevin Greene has announced reforms to the NSW Racing Board appointment process which have passed through State Parliament with bi-partisan support. Mr Greene said the legislation paves the way for a three-person panel to select a new functional, energetic and productive board. "I announced recently that this process needed to get back on track, and the passage of this legislation allows Racing NSW to do exactly that," he said. "It is significant to note these reforms passed through both houses of Government with bipartisan support. "It is also important to clearly state the only significant change to the previous system is that a three-person board of eminent people now replaces the nine-person panel to independently select the board of Racing NSW. "These three people will shortly be announced as soon as relevant probity and background checks have been finalised. "In addition, advertisements will shortly appear in major newspapers calling for further expressions of interest for those wishing to apply to become a board member. New candidates will be considered alongside applications already received," he said. Mr Greene initiated the changes when it became clear after some time that the existing process could not be given a probity assurance. The new panel will be assisted by a probity advisor and the NSW Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation. It will make recommendations for the appointment of Board members to the Minister who will then give effect to those recommendations. The NSW Government will also commission a review to determine options for future Board appointment processes. The process will include extensive consultation with thoroughbred racing industry stakeholders. "The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the NSW Racing Board is established in a way that provides leadership and direction for the future," Mr Greene said. - The Hon Kevin Greene MP, Minister for Gaming and Racing - Media Release (media contact Adam Wallace 0407 079 369)
	Race fields Legislation Introduced to Qld Parliament 14/11/2008 The Bill will be retrospective to 1 September 2008 The Bligh Government has moved to protect the future of racing in Queensland with the introduction of 'race fields' legislation into State Parliament. Treasurer Andrew Fraser said it was an important step forward for the racing industry. "Since New South Wales committed to introducing 'race fields' legislation earlier this year, the Bligh Government had no option but to follow the same path," Mr Fraser said. "The legislation will allow Queensland's racing bodies to charge wagering operators a turnover-based fee for using Queensland racing product. "The Queensland industry itself will determine the rate applied, but I expect it to be similar to NSW, where the charge is 1.5%. "As has been previously announced, the Bill will be retrospective to 1 September 2008. This will bring the operation of the 'race fields' legislation in line with NSW. "The revenue gathered from 'race fields' fees will go straight back into the racing industry. "Without this legislation, the Queensland racing industry could lose millions each year. Mr Fraser said the State Government had taken into account the recent High Court decision in the relation to the Betfair v West Australian Government case. "It is important that any legislation does not discriminate against operators on a geographical basis. All wagering operators, whether based in Queensland or licensed elsewhere in Australia, will be required to gain approval to offer betting on Queensland races."
	Queensland Jockey Riding Fee Increase 10/11/2008 Backdated to September 1, 2008 Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) today reached a joint agreement with Richard Pratt, president of the Queensland Jockey Association (QJA), on the increase of the jockey riding fee in Queensland. This follows a submission from the QJA and the QRL Board recognises that the costs incurred by jockeys to conduct their trade has increased dramatically, and more recently with the sharp rise in travelling costs due to fuel cost increases. Queensland racing spans the whole of the state with 123 clubs, and jockeys are often required to travel great distances to provincial and country meetings to earn their incomes. The QRL Board confirmed that the jockey riding fee would increase from September 1, 2008 from $127 per ride to $140 per ride for year 1. The jockey riding fee would be backdated to September 1, 2008. In year 2, from September 1, 2009 the jockey riding fee will increase by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) based on the June to June CPI. QRL will continue to contribute towards the riding fee which is in excess of $6M per annum. Barrier trial riding fee The Board of QRL also agreed to increase the barrier trial riding fee from $27.50 per ride to $35 per ride effective from December 1, 2008 with an increase in CPI in line with the increase in the jockey riding fee from September 1, 2009. For further information please contact QRL Senior Communications Officer Claire Power on 0438 733 738 or QJA President Richard Pratt on 0401 666 745.
	Final fields and barrier draws for Emirates Stakes Day have been released 7/11/2008 For more detail go to Free Racing Info on this website or for detailed analysis goto RISAForm on this website
	Final Acceptances for Emirates Melbourne Cup - Tuesday 4th November 30/10/2008 Deadline 5pm (AESST) Saturday 1st November Please note that acceptances for the Emirates Melbourne Cup only close at 5pm (AESST) on Saturday 1st November. Riders for the Cup must be declared by 7pm (AESST)on Saturday 1st November. Acceptances for ALL other races at Flemington on Tuesday 4th November close at 9am (AESST) on Friday 31st October. Riders for these races must be declared by 12 Noon (AESST) on Friday 31st October.
	Late Entries for Crown Oaks 27/10/2008 Entries closing for horses not previously nominated Please note that the Final Late Entry for horses not previously nominated in the Crown Oaks close at 12 Noon (AESST) on Thursday 30th October ($55,000)
	Manager of Horse Syndication Compliance Services 21/10/2008 The Thoroughbred Trainers Service Centre (TTSC) - A division of RISA is currently seeking a person to join our Melbourne Office. Unique opportunity to work in the thoroughbred horse racing industry. [1] Help establish an industry service [2] Contribute on a national basis [3] Flemington based We are looking for you if you can demonstrate the following: 1. Do you have a minimum of three years experience with thoroughbred horse syndication? 2. Has your experience with syndicates involved the issue of shares and in turn compliance with ASIC guidelines? 3. Does your experience include preparation of product disclosure statements and liaison with lead regulators? 4. Are you seeking an opportunity to leverage your experience in an organisation where you will have an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the success of the organisation? If you answered yes to all four questions above then we are looking for you. To be considered for this unique role please submit a cover letter detailing your experience with points 1 - 3 and attach your resume. The Manager of Horse Syndication Compliance Services is a key role within The Thoroughbred Trainers Service Centre (TTSC) - A division of RISA. David Connell Commercial Manager david.connell@risa.com.au
	Jockey SMS Service Introduced in Tasmania 21/10/2008 Jockey availability to be sent via SMS to all Trainers that have nominated a horse(s) for the relevant race meeting Tasmania has had continual issues with jockey availability at race meetings. To help combat this issue, the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council are implementing an SMS service to notify trainers of the jockeys that will be available for upcoming race meetings. This service will be offered to the industry at no charge. We request that jockeys and apprentices (through their Master) provide the TTRC with the following information: 1. Name of jockey; 2. Riding weight; 3. Claim if applicable; 4. The races they are available for (optional); and a 5. Contact phone number. This information will then be sent via SMS to all Trainers that have nominated a horse(s) for the relevant race meeting. Availability details are to be provided by no later than noon on Mondays (for the following weekend’s race meeting) to: Name Contact Details Peta Hitchens Operations Manager, TTRC Ph: 03 6233 4313 Mob: 0409 718 599 Fax: 03 6272 4097 Email: p.hitchens@corp.totetas.com.au

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