Clairwood Investigation

Further to the Media Release issued by Gold Circle on 31st January 2012 relating to the cancellation of the race meeting held at Clairwood Racecourse on 26th January 2012, the Directors have received a full report on the findings of an independent investigation committee (the Committee), comprising Advocate Guy Hoffman SC (nominated by the National Horseracing Authority) and David Furness (nominated by Gold Circle).



The Committee has drawn the conclusion that the decision to cancel the race meeting held on the 26th January 2012 was procedurally correct and conformed to the requirements of the Rule 5.2.3 of the Rules and Regulations of the National Horseracing Authority. It was however noted that there was divided opinion amongst those persons interviewed, as to whether the race meeting should have been allowed to continue.



The Report indicated that there were procedural and operational deficiencies that had resulted in the deterioration of the Clairwood Racecourse over a number of months which led to the unfortunate circumstances of having to cancel the race meeting. As a result of these issues Gold Circle has implemented several remedial strategies which will ensure that racing at Clairwood will not be impeded in the future. An internal disciplinary process against affected personnel is to be progressed.



Highlighted in the Report was concern expressed by several interviewees regarding the future closure of the Clairwood Racecourse due to the proposed sale of the property. This has created insecurity amongst tenants and personnel as well as commentary that infrastructure essentials were not being implemented. Notwithstanding the proposed sale, Gold Circle records that it will continue to invest in all necessary infrastructures that ensure that the Clairwood Racecourse provides the facilities expected of a racing/training centre.



Gold Circle is in the process of finalising strategic plans which will ensure that racing in the province will not be materially affected by the future closure of Clairwood Racecourse through its two year transitional phase, the commissioning of a new racing surface at Greyville and provision for additional stabling/infrastructure at the Summerveld Training Centre.



ISSUED BY: MICHEL NAIRAC (ACTING CEO)

again, nowhere does it say why the freakin race meeting was held in the first place. If there was deterioration over a few months, why the heck not just change the venue a few weeks prior.

Anyway, there has been a lot of posts around this previously.

Yep PK i just shook my head when i read it...

The racing industry has an amazing ability to use the maximum amount of words to say FA.
This response is all about the future strategic plan for Clairwood/Gold Circle and ignores the issue........Who F^%&ED UP ?
Whos accountable?
Who's Management failed?
Bunch of Clowns just ducking and diving as the only thing under investigation was PROCEDURE.

You guys have said it all... what a joke!!!

is this press release for real or are they a month premature in realising it for april the first...

Hey Rob
This is South Africa.
There is only one answer you will get "" Wag 'n bietjie die Baas kom now""!!

and you wonder why the game is in such a state with such brilliance at the helm -

these fools they really say nothing! why do they have this meeting if they no want to do something? it is like having the court case and no verdict it comes.

if you have the same organ grinders, how is the monkey supposed to learn new tricks

A little bird whispered to me that 2 people decided that the meeting will not go ahead. They are both very short and known to sit on horses. They have been dealt with. There is a possitive in all this. I doubt that short people will in future easily stop a race meeting anywhere in South Africa. They do not control SA racing.

Sharkie i find it hard to believe that those two jocks got that meeting stopped on their own . However if you are correct why dont the officials name them and tell us what if any action was taken against them. Like all before me have said its a f@#$#ing joke and sad to see Mr Nairac saying so much and actually saying nothing. why not bring it into the open and tell the punters owners and everyone else what actually took place and how these people will be dealt with. Graeme Hawkins stated on that day that three officials had inspected the track on three different occasions prior tothe meeting and found nothing wrong. What aload of crap and then we have to read this report . They really think we are idiots and expect people to support them but they really are a bunch of clowns. very sad for punters owners and trainers alike . They should just close Clairwood and Scottsville and erect a big tent over Greyville and let the circus continue.