Objectives

The following is a summary of the issues and objectives that NSWROA has addressed, is currently addressing, or is contributing to. They include specific current and long-term issues and objectives, and general objectives to maintain and improve the ownership experience of racehorse owners in NSW, from both the financial and enjoyment points of view.

Current & Past Issues

  • The Favretto report (Racing NSW initiative to have all owners supply credit card details at time of registering horse for use by trainers to pay accounts) – NSWROA did not agree to many aspects of the proposals;
  • Owner/trainer agreement;
  • Owner movement between viewing and presentation areas at new Royal Randwick;
  • Acceptance fees: Long-term objective – abolition of onerous acceptance fees for feature races. Short-term objective – prizemoney distribution structured so all runners in feature races have their acceptance fees covered;
  • Simplified horse/lease/syndicate registration process;
  • Reduction of costs to owners on an ongoing basis;
  • Fairer treatment of country-trained horses racing in the city under the Benchmark system;
  • Improving BOBS returns and ensuring the scheme remains viable, healthy and rewarding;
  • Rewarding participants that actually race in NSW and support our clubs and facilities;
  • Support trainers in all initiatives to ensure welfare of racehorses on training and racing surfaces; and
  • Appropriate recording of cessation of ownership for horses retired from racing.

Industry Representation and Contribution

The Association has ongoing representation on:

  • RICG (Racing Industry Consultative Group)
  • ATROC (The Racehorse Owners Associations national body)

The Association has made contribution on owners’ behalves to:

  • The Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group (TAWWG)
  • The Favretto Report
  • Productivity Commission on Wagering
  • Securities legislation
  • Thoroughbred Racing Act review

Industry Improvement

  • Continued monitoring and review of race programming to ensure all grades of horses have adequate racing opportunity;
  • Introduction of a dispute resolution process in conjunction with the Australian Trainers Association and Racing NSW;
  • Building relationships with other industry participants with a view to improving the racehorse-owning experience
  • Working with other industry participants and stakeholders to educate and encourage new owners to participate;
  • Assisting networking with owners through social and race day functions outside the competition of racing;
  • Ownership and production the NSW racing industry’s flagship event – the Racing’s Night of Champions Awards, for acknowledgement of owners and horses, and broadcast internationally.
  • Input into industry policy and strategic planning including submissions on the NSW Strategic Plan, the Thoroughbred Racing Act etc.

Members’ Benefits

  • Standardisation of owners’ entitlements at all racecourses in NSW and generally improving the racetrack experience for ALL owners;
  • Protecting the rights of owners in all industry negotiations;
  • Working with other stakeholders to attain additional benefits for members through discounts or access to events;
  • Maintain and invigorate schedule of race day functions for NSWROA which in turn promotes the use of race club facilities;
  • Pass on specific member suggestions to race clubs; and
  • Obtaining discounts from industry-related businesses for financial members.

Financial

  • Increased starter’s rebates paid down to tenth place at all racecourses.
  • Reduced cost of race club membership for NSWROA members.
  • Ongoing discussion with sponsors to provide additional rewards to owners.
  • Lobbied for starter payment for horses scratched at the barrier.

General objectives under our constitution

  • To promote, encourage and ensure co-operative effort in all matters pertaining to the interests of racehorse owners.
  • To promote the efficient conduct, regulation and development of horse racing and to encourage and promote the maintenance and improvement of the breed of racehorses.
  • To promote the consideration and discussion of all issues affecting the sport of horse racing and to promote the economy, efficiency, excellence and co-operation in such sport and to support and protect the character status and interest of the owners and to promote their best interests by all lawful means.
  • To diffuse amongst members information on all matters affecting owners or racehorses.