The AGM was very well attended and was very well Chaired. Many issues were discussed, we have really exciting things happening in GC Country, especially for our grooms.
The one fundamental down here is that the horse and horseracing comes first. It's a pity, Bob, that your informant or yourself never chose to mention all of the really good things from the AGM.
Paul Peter was not discussed specifically at all. This fell under the NHRA section, as did the Caffeine story and many other NHRA issues and the direction which NHRA appears to be choosing nowadays.
The Gold Circle management actually visited Kimberley and what touched them most, was the fact that they found a vibrant Racing Community down there, where families live and work in harmony. People who love Racing more than anything else. People who would be unemployed. Whilst we can all accept the closure of a course, it is difficult to accept the closure of a Centre and to see passionate Racing people, grooms, wives and children of grooms being put on the street. I can only praise the GC Board, for their commitment to Racing and for trying to assist in Kimberley !
Maybe your informant will never let the truth spoil a good story or is a sensationalist, who knows ?
But here are just some points from the AGM -
☆ KZN grooms get extra R1000 per Winner
☆ KZN Grooms pension fund kicks off in December, with a decent lump sum.
☆Clinic to be opened at Summerveld, under construction at GC expense. Will service all grooms and also other people from the area.
☆Stakes will not reduce.
☆Lowest Stakes in KZN Handicaps will be R90k.
☆ Certain course surface improvements are being considered.
☆KZN Trainers Association is setting up the entire process of the new SA Trainers Association, and funding the whole process until the SA Trainers Association is able to repay the costs.
This was a PROPER AGM and Trainers could only leave there, proud of what is happening and being done for us in this region, during such tough times.
Hi Louis, where are the funds coming from that will kick off the Grooms pension fund? I have not received any communication as a GC member in this regard.
Louis summed up the meeting well. Very positive for Natal trainers and our racing and GC has done a great job managing our money. Kimberly, stakes, clinic, pension fund etc all a big plus. The PP comment was just a tongue in cheek chirp at how the NHRA was helping fund itself IMHO. Great meeting and as said, lots of good happening especially with the help of Hollywoodbets.
I hope you are right Louis as there was a fund set up by Owners but that has been in suspense since the new body was formed. If it is the same fund then it has everything to do with GC members, do not be fooled that GC directors who hold various conflicting positions that they are empowered to make any decisions they would like.
Topic Author
