The Dogs are Barking

By Harley Walden

EVER since the NSW Premier Mike Baird announced that Greyhound racing would be banned in NSW from July next year Racing NSW has been on the front foot with a plan in place to protect the premier industry.

It is estimated that $204 million will be paid in the coming year, accordingly $2 million will be taken from prizemoney for a new Welfare Fund.

This will be in addition to Racing NSW’s existing horse welfare schemes.

This exciting new initiative will ensure that all NSW thoroughbred horses will be appropriately cared for outside of their racing careers.

This includes ex-racehorses as well as those thoroughbreds that never made it to the racetrack.

Racing NSW will provide resources for care, retraining and eventual one-homing of all NSW thoroughbred horses, including new careers as equestrian horses, companion or pleasure horses.

Specifically, Racing NSW will establish a new operating division for:- Appointment of a dedicated team of staff to manage the program, including a horse welfare veterinarian;  establishing partnerships with riding schools, pony clubs, local agricultural and other equestrian organisations to promote the re-homing of thoroughbred horses;

• Expanding the current thoroughbred rehabilitation program with additional re-trainers to vastly increase the capacity of new horses:
• Raising awareness for thoroughbred welfare and undertaking training days for their new owners “I believe that thoroughbred horses are one of the best looked after and cared for breed of animals by their owners and this program is just another initiative to continue the great work already being done”, said Racing NSW’s Chief Executive, Peter V’landys AM.

We need to be aware of community standards and we are being proactive in making sure our horses are cared for throughout their lives.

The first year there will be more than $2million to start this initiative and the plan is to keep building it into the future.

 ATC Community Grant

Australian Turf Club has awarded an inaugural community grant as part as part of its charity support for organisations based around the club’s four racecourses.

Parramatta Mission—which works in local communities around Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – has received a $2500 donation under the ATC’s new Community Engagement Program.

As well as providing for hundreds of free hot meals at Parramatta Mission, the Community Grant will assist a range of other services, including   accommodation, and mental health assistance from on-site case workers.

The ATC’s Community Engagement Program partners with local community and charities, as well as the racing industry.

The program’s main objectives are to: Support local communities around Rosehill Gardens, Royal Randwick, Canterbury Park and Warwick Farm racecourses; Engage ATC employees in volunteer work; build the ATC’s value to the local area as well as obtain members support for communities; be ethical and responsible in all initiatives.

ATC’s Executive GM-Human Resources, Jennifer Schembri, said more organisations across Sydney will continue to benefit as the program rolls out.

“This is a new initiative of the ATC and we are grateful to be able to help charitable organisations across all sections of the community,” Ms Schembri said.

Parramatta Mission Director of Development Michael Mendieta said: “We very much welcome the support – both in volunteers and financial aid – the ATC have provided.

Meals plus is a great initiative in feeding the hungry, and we couldn’t do this important work without, first, the generosity from our community, as demonstrated by ATC.”