Trainers revolt over relocation

By Paul Pickering
THE majority of Pakenham’s 90-strong horse training population say they would sooner leave the industry than relocate to Cranbourne under Racing Victoria Limited’s (RVL) plan to close 19 training centres.
That is one of the findings of a survey conducted by the Pakenham Trainers’ Association (PTA) this month in a bid to gauge support for Pakenham Racing Club’s do-or-die move to Nar Nar Goon.
The survey is a response to the RVL’s plan to scrap the venue as a training centre, while also slashing the club’s event-meeting schedule over the next five years if the move doesn’t go ahead.
PTA president Julien Welsh this week revealed that he and secretary Terry Ahern were developing a compelling submission to be tabled with RVL after the association’s general meeting on Wednesday, 11 February.
Welsh said the survey’s findings suggested that Pakenham:
• Had 890 runners during the 2007-08 season, making it the sixth largest country centre in Victoria – and one of the most cost-effective in terms of runners per funding dollar.
• Is the biggest horse-breaking and pre-training centre in the state.
• Has facilities equal to or better than all but six of Victoria’s 39 training centres.
• Ranks third among all Victorian country centres in occupational health and safety.
According to Welsh, most of the respondents said relocation to Cranbourne was not an option, with many travelling to Pakenham from as far as Belgrave South and Nyora.
“The majority said that they would be interested in buying or leasing land at the new location if it goes through, but they would not go to Cranbourne,” he said.
Ahern is hoping the submission will help convince RVL of Pakenham’s importance to the industry – and vice-versa.
“We’ve produced what we believe is a compelling argument on why Pakenham should continue as a training centre,” he said.
“Our first thought is to support Pakenham Racing Club in its move to Nar Nar Goon, because that would be really exciting for racing around here. But if that doesn’t go ahead we’re left fighting for our existence.”
PRC chairman Don Duffy and racing manager Michael Hodge met with RVL chief executive Rob Hines last Tuesday (20 January) to discuss the proposed relocation.
Hodge reported that the club’s submission was received ‘favourably’.
“There are still elements that RVL need to do their due diligence on and we’ll continue to work through those issues,” he said.
Hodge said the club had been advised that RVL would consider all submissions on its ‘Racing to 2020’ vision at its April board meeting.
Meanwhile, the PTA is encouraging all its members and their employees to attend its Wednesday, 11 February meeting, while also extending the invitation to other stakeholders in the local racing industry.
The meeting will be held at the Pakenham Racing Club committee room from 7pm.