Alexandra Park track update

There has recently been some speculation that the racing surface here at Alexandra Park is becoming under increased scrutiny and in some cases becoming dangerous to race on.

The ATC would like to reiterate to everyone that we take the condition & safety of the track surface extremely seriously and as such, subsequent to some material that has been in circulation in both the print/online media and social media, that on Tuesday 28th November the ATC invited vastly experienced horsemen (and president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Owners Association) Richard Brosnan to trial a couple of horses on the track.

Richard reported that in his opinion the current state of the track  was very acceptable and although there were a couple of minor issues that he pointed out, these are (and have been) easily rectified and that he feels there is no risk to the safety of either horses or drivers competing on the track.

The course was walked extensively by Richard in conjunction with track manager Wayne Thomas and we are confident that the track will be in excellent condition into the foreseeable future and beyond.

The ATC encourages feedback from driver's in regards to the state of the track so that any potential issues can be minimised but would like to remind everyone that should you have any issues in regards to the state of the track on racenights to please see your Horseman's representative Todd Macfarlane who will relay this to the racing & track manager to remedy these issues in a timely manner.

As an aside to this, in order to help preserve the condition of the track on racenights, we would like to request (where possible) to warm your horse up around the outside of the track as opposed to down near the markers.

We say it over and over and over again but where has the year gone? It's almost hard to believe that the NZ Cup carnival has been and gone (and a big congratulations must go the all of the connections of Jack's Legend, Maxim & No Doctor Needed who did the North so very proud filling 3 of the top 6 positions.)

Looking forward to December and it's the North Islands time to shine with the focus for NZ Harness turning to the North for the upcoming December features. Initial nominations for the Group One 2017 Auckland Cup & National Trot close this Friday December 1 at 11.00am – these can be given to Regan on either 09 631 1163 or 027 249 1205. The best part is if received by this time, there is no initial nomination or sustaining payment required so with over a month until the big day, anything could happen between then and now so we encourage all of you thinking of a tilt at the Cup to nominate and give yourself the chance to be in to win!!

And for those of you who are still deciding what to do for New Years, must we remind you that there is no need to go anywhere other than here at The Park. Following on from the family fun day at the races (hopefully in the beautiful Auckland sunshine) there will be a fireworks display on track followed by the ever popular live band Split Second (yes those groovy boys from the Harness awards) who will this year be playing in the Elsu lounge and taking as through to 2018!!

We would just like to once again thank everyone who has taken heed of previous comments relating to keeping your stalls clean and tidy on racenights! The difference has really been noticeable across the past month and the grounds team would like to say thank you to everyone for chipping in and doing your part to keep the stables looking in tip-top condition!

The ATC & Racing department would like to thank everyone for their support here throughout 2017 and wish everyone the best of luck for the upcoming December meetings. Stay safes during this busy time and we wish everyone a safe & merry Xmas and New Year!

Changes to the ATC Stables Health & Safety Policies and Procedures (in effect from the race meeting of Friday August 25)

In the interest of the H&S of everyone involved (combined with the recent changes to H&S in the workplace) as of the meeting on Friday August 25 a new stables H&S policy will be implemented. There are some big changes that have needed to be made and whilst we appreciate that not everyone will see the need for such changes, we ask that everyone gets on board and co-operates with us as we transition these changes. The following changes need to be noted by all as anyone who refuses to co-operate and follow the new stables H&S policy will be denied access to the stables on racenight.

Entry to the stables will only be permitted to licensees (trainers, owners & stablehands will be given a stable pass upon entry and required to wear this at all times when in the stabling area), owners (and guests of owners) who have obtained a stable pass from the main reception (along with their other owner's entitlements) & children 6-14 who have completed the SAAC course. Children aged 15-17 who are guests of owners or the club with a valid stable pass are permitted in the stables only under the supervision (and responsibility) of an adult. Children 5 years of age and younger are not permitted in the stables at any time. Any individual who is granted entry to the stables (except licensees) will be asked to remain in the designated areas (the green sealed pathways) and those who choose to ignore this request will do so at their own risk. 

The ATC would like to remind everyone that the only personnel permitted to handle horses in the stabling area are licensees (trainers & stablehands) – those children who gain their S.A.A.C qualification are only permitted in the stables under adult supervision – this S.A.A.C qualification does not permit the holder to handle horses in the stabling area unless they have a HRNZ approved stablehands licence!!

Smoking is not at any time permitted in the stables – those who are caught smoking will be asked to put their cigarette out or asked to move outside of the stabling complex. Repeat offenders will be issued with a warning from Club officials which may lead to further consequences.

Glass is not at any time permitted in the stables – you will be asked to dispose of your drink before entry is granted.

Please note that stable passes will no longer be given out at the main stables entrance adjacent to the birdcage. Anyone requiring additional stable passes who is not in the aforementioned will be directed to the Racing Manager in the raceday office located in the Admin building.

The SAAC (Stable Area Awareness Course) for children aged 6-14 years will take place 1 hour prior to the start of the first tote race on the first meeting of each month here at The Park. Children who pass this course will be issued with a temporary pass which will admit them to the stables when under the supervision of an adult. They will then be issued with photo ID and a lanyard for easy access on racenight (when again under the supervision of an adult). Children are permitted to turn up on the night to partake in the course but we do ask that parents/guardians let the club know (Racing Manager Regan Cotter) when their child will be attending to assist us through this period.

Upcoming S.A.A.C course dates as follows –

Friday December 1st

Friday December 15th

Sunday December 31st

If you have any questions relating to any of the new H&S procedures & policies please don't hesitate to contact Regan or ATC H&S Manager Shane Primrose – shane.primrose@alexandrapark.nz / 09 631 1189

Programmes

Programmes for all of December are now online at http://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/datahr/programmes/programm.htm

Upcoming  Race Meetings @ The Park

Thursday 30th November

Friday 1st December

Friday 8th December

Friday 15th December (Premier)

Saturday 16th December

Friday 22nd December

Sunday 31st December (Premier – Auckland Cup)

Upcoming Trial & Workout dates

For those of you who like to get in early and see the videos ASAP (prior to the official results been entered) please remember the race videos can be viewed on http://m.hrnz.co.nz/ (note these will be available via this link once Magness is able to upload the videos onto the HRNZ website).
 

Saturday 2nd December – Workouts Franklin Park

Tuesday 5th December – Workouts Franklin Park

Saturday 9th December – Trials & Workouts Alex Park

Tuesday 12th December – Workouts Franklin Park

Tuesday 19th December – Trials (LH) & Workouts Franklin Park

Saturday 23rd December – Workouts Franklin Park

Thursday 28th December – Trials (RH) & Workouts Franklin Park

Regan Cotter

Racing Manager