lest we forget :
The Illumination Of Turffontein Racecourse
1. We, the trainers based at Turffontein Race Course who oppose the illumination of Turffontein Race Course and Night Racing thereat, believe that the following information should be brought to the attention of the public.
2. On Monday, 19 March 2007, a meeting called by Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited ("Phumelela") was held at Turffontein Race Course between a delegation representing the Turffontein Trainers and representatives of Phumelela.
3. Many issues were discussed at the meeting and it is impractical to set out exactly what transpired. We set out below some important issues:-
3.1
3.1.1 When the meeting commenced we voiced our disapproval that Phumelela went ahead with the illumination of Turffontein without properly consulting with us.
3.1.2 Phumelela did not agree with our sentiments but agreed that more should have been done by them and that as soon as Phumelela had received verbal authorisation it commenced its preparations for illuminating Turffontein Race Course.
3.2 The following must be pointed out:
3.2.1 On or about 30 January 2007 Phumelela made it publicly known that night racing was going to shift from Newmarket to Turffontein Race Course and would resume in October 2007.
3.2.2 In terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations a decision by the Gauteng Government must be in writing and a record is kept of these decisions. The written approval was only granted to Phumelela by the Gauteng Provincial Government on 26 February 2007.
3.2.3 Assuming that Phumelela was notified verbally that it would receive authorisation, such notification indicates that Phumelela is in contact with "the right people" which is in itself completely wrong.
3.3 Phumelela made it clear that it wanted to try and resolve the impasse and difficulties regarding the illumination of Turffontein Race Course and night racing. We expressed the view that in light of all the facts it appeared that the difficulties could not be addressed properly and resolved, however, we were amenable to seeking a resolution.
3.4 We asked Phumelela to furnish us with a written undertaking not to erect the lighting pending the outcome of our appeals which have been lodged with the Gauteng Government.:-
3.4.1 We were advised that the undertaking could not be given but Phumelela had decided to put the erection of the lighting "on hold".
3.4.2 We were informed that Phumelela needed to speak to its attorneys to see the amount of "penalties" it would suffer if the erection of the lights was held up.
3.4.3 A director of Phumelela categorically stated that Phumelela had not entered into a written agreement with its suppliers in connection with the lighting. We expressed our disbelief that such a statement could be made by a public company.
3.4.4 The statement does not appear to be correct when one has regard to what is stated on Phumelela's website:
"Phumelela has awarded the contract for the design and installation of the floodlights to a consortium comprising major electrical contractors Bekkers Electrical, Lighting Innovations and WSP Consulting Engineers (part of the international WSP group) after first appointing Africon Engineering International to prepare the specifications and tender documents."
3.5 It was explained to us that in light of the objections and appeals to the illumination of Turffontein Race Course and night racing there were three options open to Phumelela. These are:
3.5.1 Firstly, the lights go up and night racing takes place at Turffontein;
3.5.2 Secondly, there would be no lights or night racing at Turffontein Race Course and the lights would be moved to either Scottsville or Arlington Race Courses;
3.5.3 Thirdly, there would be night racing at Turffontein Race Course but the entire training centre (i.e. horses, grooms and trainers) would be relocated to another training centre.
3.6 We were told in clear terms that money was an extremely important factor in the decision to hold the night racing at Turffontein. If night racing was held at Scottsville, for example, Gold Circle would receive a greater portion of the income. In addition, Phumelela had worldwide contracts whereby it would be necessary to broadcast one race every day from SA. Night racing is important to Phumelela inasmuch as it would link up Australia and America causing Phumelela's revenues to increase.
4. We are of the view that the third option put to us by Phumelela is, unsavoury and a direct threat to the trainers at Turffontein Race Course to "tow the line".
5. Newmarket Race Course and night racing thereat was lost because of decisions made by amongst others, Phumelela. The training centre at Turffontein Race Course is an institution on its own and has been around for as long as one can remember. Horse racing will not benefit should the lights go up at Turffontein and/or the trainers are relocated.
6. In addition to the meeting held at Turffontein, the following should be known:
6.1 Over the last two weeks, the petrol station opposite Turffontein Race Course was held up. A bookmaker was held up on Turffontein Race Course. The Turffontein area is already not safe.
6.2 Phumelela is not allowing trainers and owners to voice their views regarding what has transpired with Newmarket Race Course and the state of horse racing in general:-
6.2.1 A particular trainer, after having voiced his views regarding horse racing after the last night race at Newmarket, was told that his interview would not be aired as Phumelela was not pleased with its contents.
6.2.2 On Wednesday, 22 March 2007, Phumelela cut into a live feed from Newmarket when mention was made of the sad loss of the Newmarket Race Course.
6.3 Phumelela is working hand in glove with the current board of directors of the Racing Association. A requisition has been furnished by more than 100 members of the Racing Association to call a general meeting whereby a vote is called to remove the directors and appoint a new board. A new broom sweeps clean. The horse racing industry needs to be tidied up. Phumelela thinks of the bottom line and not what is in the best interests of horseracing.
6.4 A letter of demand was sent to each trainer by Phumelela stating that should payments not be received by the 30th of each month, this would result in the automatic non-acceptance of entries and declarations until the outstanding rental is paid. It may be so that certain trainers are in arrears with their rentals, however, Phumelela cannot prevent nominations inasmuch as the nominations are made on behalf of the owners of the horses.
7. We hope that the public supports us in our endeavours to oppose the illumination of night racing and to restore the racing industry to its former glory.
via email - L Wainstein, 083 222 9201
www.concernedowners.co.za
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