|
February 14th 2001
INTRODUCTION
The first instalment of “Turfcall” dated June 23rd 2000 was
posted to approx: 120 people. The mix of which were chosen from all areas that
go to making up the complex world of the horseracing industry in England
Scotland and Wales, and in particular to the proven horsemen and horsewomen at
the top of this profession.
Turfcall’s aim and purpose is to bring “The Back Stage
Performers” directly to centre stage here. To uphold all their rights and
those of the beautiful creatures in their care.
TURFCALL points out the following serious problems in dire need of change:-
(a) Meagre levels of pay
(b) Scant recognition or reward
(c) In many cases nil to poor accommodation
(d) Long hours and very little time off
(e) Inconsistent levels of training for youngsters starting out
(f) No obvious career development structure
(g) Trainers left to fund the lot whilst other sections of the industry take all
the benefits and cream off most of the profits
(h) All skilled work riders, yearling and two year old handlers and riders at
the top of their profession, at present seriously overworked, and grossly
underpaid, unrecognised in the main for most of their fantastic achievements.
Now in an ever decreasing minority. To ask them further to take the learners
under their wing allotted to the trainers teams for work experience, must surely
be not only unacceptable, but grossly unfair to all parties.
UPDATE
TURFCALL’S highest priority to sort out the pay structures. See
Appendix A Reform Brief Pay Suggestions.
Set-up Grades A and B as top professional recognised skill and experience
levels to receive large increases in top up pay.
Grade A. Top professional recognition pay and reward for the skill and art of
TOP horsemen and horsewomen.
Grade B. Top professional recognition pay and reward for the skill and art of
ADVANCED horsemen and horsewomen.
Grade C. Those having completing the proposed 5 year University courses now
working their way up. To earn a significant and good wage with further career
opportunities of their choice, open to them.
Set out a separate level for Learners/students/apprentices. Set out a
separate level for part timer’s, in two sections. ( i.) Thoroughbred
handlers/riders as in Grades A.B.and C. ( ii.) Non thoroughbred handlers.
TURFCALL’S remuneration suggestion to establish the “Heart of
Horseracing Pool Licence”
That the further funds to make these wages up should come from yearly licences /
subscriptions and performance monies to be charged as standard practice to all
the other parties who directly benefit and make their living from horseracing.
In other words those who directly benefit from the skilled and professional
expertise of all those who prepare these animals for the track, the purpose
behind each racing team, who put the show on the road. The very heart and
backbone of horseracing. These are the people to whom the true copyright of this
industry/sport belong.
At present these other sections of the industry are taking all the benefits
and creaming off most of the profits which are not applicable to them alone in
any way. Their attention is called to the plight that they are directly causing
and placing these trainers teams of multi talented personnel in, where every
player is urgently needed to play their part. The very heart of horseracing at
this key grass roots level, they do not deserve to be neglected and forced into
poverty this way.
Page 2 TURFCALL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES SPECIFICALLY DEFINED
Page 3 TURFCALL LOOKS AT THE HIGHEST PRIORITY TO CHANGE
Page 4 TURFCALL TO DO SOMETHING TANGIBLE TO RAISE AWARENESS
Page 5,6,7,8,9. TURFCALL NOTES ON MEDIA FEEDBACK TO CLOSE
1.TURFCALL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES SPECIFICALLY DEFINED
To heighten awareness to understand fully an animal’s needs, care and
welfare. Horseracing is the ideal medium to take the lead in this where
horse and man compete as one at a high level on the racetrack through the
competition in races. This is a highly skilled profession make no mistake about
that. Not easy to learn at all, although when done well it looks so easy, this
is deceptive. Joe Public appear to have great difficulty in understanding what
this is all about, very difficult to get across to people … they do not
understand. The vast majority of people out there do not grasp what this is all
about at all in the main. This being part of the problem.
Total reform is needed to bring this neglected industry/sport to order.
Its image on the racetracks may look all glamour / glitter, but behind the
scenes far too many of its vital workforce necessities and needs are being
overlooked and ignored causing hardship beyond all reason. The only people
qualified to tackle this job and to set it to rights, are the proven
professional top horsemen and horsewomen in it. NO ONE ELSE QUALIFIES AT THIS
LEVEL TO “SET THIS ONE FAIR” FULL STOP.
To call together all Top Horsemen and Horsewomen proven at the top of
this profession requesting their concentration thoughts and suggestions over the
best way to tackle the present dire situation. That there be put in place at
this top level a team of such personnel to uphold all rights at this key level.
Due to the fact that this has not been the case and is not the case at present,
it want’s to be made the case directly and pretty quick.
Here where Man and Beast compete as one. In all the preparation’s
for the track, and in competition on the track. The wellbeing needs of both must
be fairly upheld at all times. Monty Roberts, who was introduced to Britain by
The Queen, has made fantastic strides world wide in addressing the true balance
of understanding between horse and man to eradicate fear cruelty and ignorance.
Providing a clear and wonderful insight through his books, his documentary films
and his actual demonstrations. Showing how wonderful the true partnership
between man and beast can and should always aim to be.
This unique partnership when equally shared is a fantastic work of art
achievement at the highest level. Could this become the eighth wonder of the
world during this new millennium ?. Many more documentary films of this sort are
urgently needed in this country and throughout the world of horseracing to
heighten awareness to others whose lives are touched by these beautiful
creatures and indeed the rights of all living creatures.
Turfcall defines the two disciplines … Fettered and Unfettered.
To cut out all brute force and ignorance using heavy fines and stricter
monitoring practices to address fully all accidents injuries and deaths to both
horses and personnel. To tackle and stop practices exposed by Monty Roberts in
his Blushing E.T documentary. eg. Who was responsible for the cruel state
Blushing E.T. had been reduced to and suffered ? Matters such as these need a
full time investigative professional team of top horsemen / horsewomen to get
matters of this nature sorted out. Those responsible sent for re-training and
correction.
If thoroughbred racehorses are to be able to reach their true potential
they need to be nurtured and cared for by skilled personnel who know what they
are doing as true horsemen or horsewomen then and only then are they spared from
the abuse suffering and pain of ignorance that blight and waist their lives.
Awareness at this level now needs to be structured to ensure that this is fully
understood, realised and respected with incentive and recognition to uphold. A
thorough 5 year training program from the outset, with further structured
specialist tutorials/ courses thereafter.
2. WHAT IS IT THAT TURFCALL IS TRYING TO CHANGE
TURFCALL LOOKS AT THE HIGHEST PRIORITY
TO GET PROFESSIONAL REMUNERATION MONEY … NOT PEANUTS … OPERATIONAL
WITH PROPER SKILL GRADES SPECIFICALLY DEFINED AND UNDERSTOOD
To recruit all those possible that have had to leave their career in racing
due to meagre pay and lack of recognition and give them a fair deal. Plus the
chance to take specialist courses to better themselves in whatever areas that
interest them most. To ensure that a clear objective of what is on offer can be
realised, with pay structures to reflect and reward accordingly.
Professional status recognition and fair pay deal for Lads and Lasses
according to their status.
The present grades A,B, and C, to be reflected by CONSIDERABLE top up pay
rises. Turfcall suggests that the further funds to make these top up pay
packages should come from yearly subscriptions to be charged as standard
practice to all the other parties who directly benefit and make their living
from horseracing. In other words those who directly benefit from the skilled
expertise of all those who prepare these animals for the track.
To put in place a sound structure to uphold all these rights at this key
grass roots level, in respect of the trainers teams the professional multi
talents envolved by all personnel that make up those teams, where every player
is urgently needed to play their part. And to ensure for the future that
throughout the many complexities in relation to the other parties involved in
the world of horseracing that this balance be established and be kept to remain
fair.
TO SET UP A NATIONWIDE WEB OF AREA UNIVERSITIES.
To tackle and structure the training program and get in place. Suggested
idea strategy it is hoped that the racecourses will agree to helping along these
lines throughout the country, as a shop window for the sport. e.g. Newbury
Racecourse University facilities to be run in conjunction with Newbury College
with specialist tutors proven at the top of this their profession only. On race
days class rooms to be open to racegoer’s with demonstrations to heighten
awareness as to what this sport is actually all about. Perhaps many owners will
enjoy this, and some may like also to attend courses themselves. The provision
of a network of learning facilities within the right environment for the
specific purpose to form a thorough training program structured to meet all the
aspects and needs of this complex subject, for the benefit of youngsters
starting out and wishing to make this there career. With proper back up support
throughout. To stop kids being chucked in at the deep end with meagre help and
scant training. With no back up support whatsoever. This now to be corrected.
To tackle the suggested 5 year Learner/Student/Apprentice training program
structure to follow on from where the two Racing Schools achievement’s
have got to date, but to include full ongoing support and Weekly Area University
Training Tutorials once placed with trainers. Full recognition as to their needs
and guidance facility hot line. A fully structured learning program environment
to provide the chance for these youngsters to grasp the skill and art that this
profession so desperately calls out for. I have seen myself the radical
difference between this on the one hand and the cruelty and ignorance which
ruins and blights these beautiful creatures lives, as it does the kids.
To tackle and structure the suggested follow up further education
specialist courses. Tutorials/demonstrations/ further training program/work
experience abroad/ specialist courses/documentary film shows etc. Providing
support and enabling environmental area learning facilities providing far larger
opportunities for all those wishing to further their skills, or to learn new
specialist skills.
To tackle and structure adult education courses for those who perhaps are
members of syndicates and who would like to learn more.
3. TURFCALL TO DO SOMETHING TANGIBLE TO RAISE AWARENESS
Jockey’s to be charged a leg up fee to go directly to Lad or Lass who
cares for runner to apply to all runners in all races. Not only for the
direct purpose to establish and heighten awareness of the part played by same,
but to recognise fully exactly what that vital part actually IS. To give them
they’re fair share in decent professional recognition as their absolute right.
There is no balance here in any way whatsoever is there, defies all belief.
Note: Jump jockey’s fee = £93.15 plus vat if applicable per ride. Flat jockey’s
fee = £68.15 plus vat if applicable per ride.
Racecourses: All races at all meetings to provide decent prizes to go
to the Lad or Lass of both the winner and the placed horses, in each and every
race.
Racecourses: Best turned out awards these further observations to be
taken into account : Manners, personality, spirit, intelligence. Prizes First
£500. Second £400. Third £300.00. Fourth £200.00. In proportion ratio to
number of runners in each specific race that a prize of this sort is donated.
A points system in each stable yard to embrace riding ability on various
specific counts.
To set up suitable condition races that are open for Lads and Lasses to
ride in, to include a points system towards a full licence to ride. Ruling
to be put in place that all owners and trainers be encouraged to comply to use
this facility fully whenever possible.
On racehorse retirement rehabilitation. David Ashforth’s interview
with Carrie Humble in Racing Post November 30th 2000. Plus to name just a few
the work of Peter Humble Andrew Parker Bowles Julian Wilson Sir Peter O’Sullivan.
John Purefoy from Winchester puts forward the suggestion to get funds in for
this by charging a nominal levy to be imposed upon every horse declared at the 5
day stage of every race of perhaps 50p to £1. Plus a 5% of all racecourse daily
takings in through the racegoer’s turnstiles. Plus a 5% from all bets placed.
Plus a yearly sub from the government.
Monty Roberts books documentaries and exhibitions. Especially Monty’s
Blushing E.T. documentary. We in England need to make more of these type of
documentaries, especially to highlight and heighten awareness to the difference
between Grade A personnel and Grade C personnel.
Recent Southampton University Southern Eye Documentary “The Flea.”
Also Jenny Craddock’s B.B.C. program “Last Chance Saloon” Julian Wilson
chairman of trustees of Moorcroft Racing Welfare Centre.
To show more documentary films to raise awareness to these matter’s on
the daily televised programs, and sports programs. More feature films plus
back up support in all relevant newspapers and magazines.
Sophie Mitchell, 28, daughter of trainer Richard Mitchell is one of only
four professional female jump jockeys in this country, she has ridden 48
winners. Winning at Warwick on Balanak a horse who failed to run to win for
R.Dunwoody … A.Maguire … or Mark Dwyer. Sophie says that yearly she earns
around a tenth of what the top male riders achieve. Mainly because she gets far
fewer opportunities perhaps 20% to the male dominance preferences 80%. The
racing industry still treat a woman jockey as an oddity. Racecourses, Sophie
says “They just don’t think women are as important” meagre facilities for
their needs, in comparison to the male riders. Sophie says “ your performance
as a jockey, not your gender is what matters, some of the girls find these
attitudes intimidating.” Grossly unfair.
4. TURFCALL NOTES AND COMMENTS ON MEDIA FEEDBACK.
Sunday Racing through time thought and effort may well prove a resounding
success.
This would be a straight forward exercise for the Racing Teams, simple
infact to the many highly specialised and tricky circumstances , which can and
often do occur daily in any Racing Yard. If that is the grass roots professional
personnel at the very heart of this industry were allowed to keep their houses
properly in order. But due to the gross underfunding and neglect they have been
left to choke on over decades, in their valiant attempts to keep the horseracing
show on the road. Left to cope against all adversity reaching the present dire
state appears not to matter one jot to the vast majority. Now the true situation
comes to light exposing these problems. Sunday Racing should go down in history
as the saving grace of a fantastic sport.
What the Sunday Racing experiment … venture into the unknown … has
turned up and exposed is something that has been let to fester and rot over
decades, whilst a blind eye is turned and the ensuing neglect is now in a very
real low and dangerous state. Talented personnel vital to this industry have
been forced through circumstances beyond their control to move on, unable to
live on a meagre wage without recognition for their talents . The “ pat on the
back” and “dedication label” syndrome, have snuffed out far too many key
grass root’s personnel. No money now can ever replace them. The gold has been
chucked in the gutter unrecognised by the powers that be and the other parties
that make their living through this complex industry for far to long. The B.H.B.
Stable Staff Resources Group have a situation on their hands that cannot be
addressed overnight.
Charlie Brooks book “Crossing the Line” in particular Chapter 11
pages 229 to 236 quote “ With people of that quality seeping out of the
industry, who is going to look after the thoroughbred population in years to
come ?” Charlie puts the whole ghastly scenario in a nutshell his quote “The
B.H.B should be all powerful” Absolutely, so why is it that they are not ?
The issues at stake here are a contamination of rust and decay. Gross
misunderstanding of the issues at stake which are putting the whole sport in
danger of collapse and under a dreadful strain these people do not deserve to be
treated any longer like this. This has got to stop and be sorted out and put to
rights.
The cracks have been around for a very long time, so why is it that
nothing has ever been done about them ? Why have the powers that be not seen the
danger signals ? Or if they have, acted to get this matter sorted ? Why is it
thought that a pat on the back be good enough ? Or a label of dedication given,
in place of a sound wage for the professional and skilled work done. Why should
the expertise of professional horsemen and horsewomen be overlooked as of small
account ? Why are they being denied a good wage and a decent quality of life ?
They certainly earn it so why is it for so long now they have not been getting
it ? They do not deserve to be placed under the whitewash of a charity for their
life contribution so generously given during their lifetimes to supply others
with the many luxuries in life, for which they themselves are not allowed any at
all !
5. Special “RACING POST” Six Day Report from Tuesday
8.8.00 through to Sunday 13.8.00
“SUNDAY RACING IS IT WORKING ?”
Tuesday Aug: 8th 2000 Part 1 “We are running on empty” Insiders
damning verdict on Sunday racing:
Wednesday Aug: 9th 2000 Part 2 “Something has just got to give” There
has to come a time when you have to say ‘enough is enough’
Thursday Aug: 10th 2000. Part 3 “Jockeys are turning into zombies” Punch-drunk
in a blur of action.
Friday August 11th 2000. Part 4 “A bad day at the office for layers.” We
ask punters for their views.
Saturday August 12th 2000. Part 5 “ No knee-jerk reaction-BHB.” Problems
so many problems.
Sunday August 13th 2000. Part 6 “They like it – but they don’t want
to bet on it.” Punters views.
Saturday August 12th 2000 Channel 4 The Morning Line John Francome
interviews Louise Stradling a Lass working with the team of trainer Roger
Charlton at Beckhampton near Marlborough Wiltshire. Louise respectfully
points out that part time workers with no understanding or skill of riding,
handling and caring for thoroughbreds through no fault of their own, may well
manage part time work of other sorts as perhaps for hotel’s etc with ease. But
for part time with trainers teams this is a different ball game altogether ”.
Lord Oaksey who helped establish the Stable Lads Association quote “This
is a very serious situation. I freely admit that not nearly enough has been
done. Anyone that wants racing to flourish ought to see that this is a problem
that needs to be resolved”.
Sir John Kemball chief executive of Racing Welfare quote “ fraught
with inadequacies, leaving the government and charities to pick up the pieces of
racing’s neglect”.
Maria McCabe Lass working with David Elsworth’s Team quote “The
catastrophic burden placed on the minions upon whom the rusty old wheels of the
racing industry turn. Who even pauses for the briefest of moments to consider
just how stable staff, horse box drivers and yes, even jockeys are able to cope
physically with the rigours of this phenomenal workload”.
Britain’s trainers cite deep- rooted financial problems facing the
entire racing industry as the explanation behind the present dire situation. William
Haggas Mark Johnston Sir Michael Stoute Mark Pitman Mick Channon Lester Piggott
Richard Hannon have all spoken out recently upholding the rights of all
personnel who make up their racing teams … the vital ingredient to their
success. Ben Hanbury quote “We all rely on stable staff a huge amount.”
Luca Cumani quote “We are running Formula 1 teams but paying the
wages of a local mechanic, trainers are caught in the middle.”
Richard Fahey quote “Lads work hard and need looking after. There
has got to be every available incentive to keep them in the game”.
Warwick Smith head lad to Richard Fahey quote “Articles are written
every few years about the poor down-trodden stable lads, and people think some
good will come out of it. But nothing does”.
Thomas Arnold that famous headmaster of Rugby School in the earlier part
of the 19th century, quote “There is nothing so unnatural and convulsive
to society as the strain to keep things fixed when all the world is in eternal
progress; and the cause of all the evils of the world may be traced to that most
natural but most deadly error of human indolence and corruption that our
business is to preserve and not improve”.
Sir Ian MacGregor quote “ANY management that stands still is
destined to fail”.
Jean Cadman quote “The understanding and nurturing of thoroughbred’s is a
professional job - that of the stable staff who live and care for their horses
daily. The false assumption that the mucker out’s of stables is all that is
required of them seen as unskilled casual labour / Butlers and chambermaid’s
as servant’s slaves more like in racing should be recognised as professionals of
job. As who else knows thy horse better than stable staff.” Jean
says “ I did it 50 years ago and the status symbol still stinks to-day just
the same as mucker out of horses with no professional recognition of job
beyond menial tasks with few perks of job behind scenes. I just hope before I
pop my clog’s stable staff will be recognised as professionals with full
remuneration recognition . Excuses of their dedication to horses- as not
recognised professionally is no longer acceptable. Servants to racing must be
professionals.”
The Burnham report factors, as with The Media Rights seem out of focus
unbalanced and way off the mark as to addressing fairly and reasonably the
actual vital issues at stake here.
In the context of all parties that make up this industry. That golden goose
sure needs reviving and given life saving treatment and convalescence care if it
is ever going to lay any more eggs. AND pretty quick. And only by the people
qualified to “Set it fair.”
The Aga Khan’s Call made at the Moyglare Dinner in Ireland on 8.12.2000
quote “Needed a fairer distribution of prize-money to help owners
participating in smaller races”.
Michael Harris, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owner’s Association quote
“Britain the poor man of international racing. Calls the prize-money at the
bottom end “dire”.
Owen Brennan Trainer quote “It’s daft how low prize-money is in
Britain. It’s desperate compared to even some of the smaller courses in
Ireland. Racecourses in my opinion, spend too much on the wrong improvements.
They spend millions on new stands and hospitality suites without looking after
their first priority, the owner, without whom there would be no racing”.
Pat Brennan Owner quote “It’s a joke for leading tracks to be
rewarding owners with such abysmal amounts. Racecourse have improved facilities
for racegoers, but are they doing it at the expense of owners ? Do they really
need all those fancy bars ? ”. The trickle down effect that eventually should
reach the heart of the racing teams is ZERO by that time. The whole system right
across the board is defunct out of order and totally unbalanced.
The Marchioness of Tavistock Owner and Breeder quote “Staffing levels
will need to increase substantially for there to be the proper infrastructure in
the yards to ensure the standard of care that should exist, and also for the
lads themselves to have a proper life”.
Michael Jarvis quote “I wish we could come up with a brainwave but
it’s a question of money. Most of us are finding things very tough at the
moment”.
Andy Fox Henrietta Knights head lad quote “Some lads leave their
career in racing with a lump sum of £2.000 this is a disgrace”.
Andy Cook head lad for Micky Hammond quote “When lads come into the
sport there is no one really to advise them”.
Andy Shaw travelling head lad to Sean Woods quote “I think it would
be a good idea if someone from the pensions industry went round the training
centres to put lads in the picture”.
Steve Collier, travelling head lad for John Dunlop quote “I’ve
been in the game for 29 years, and my pension slip shows a minus. According to
them I owe them £21. Even if the figures are right and we come out with
£2.000, that’s a derisory amount”.
Michael Harris, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners Association,
said “I have every sympathy with stable staff and there is no question
something better has to be worked out. It is an endemic problem in racing that
can only be solved by curing the underfunding in the industry. Until there is
more money, racing will continue to operate on a shoestring”.
Tristram Ricketts the B.H.B’s executive quote “It’s vital that
racing has adequate numbers of well trained properly remunerated staff with the
skills to do an essential job”.
Raye Wilkinson northern representative of the Stable Lads’ Welfare Trust
has devised a “Lifetime In Racing” series. Race recognition for the true
long-serving unsung heroes. Now to get some deserved recognition thanks to this
novel idea and the whole hearted response from Yorkshire racecourses. Raye’s
first race to be named after Donald “Ticker” Hoy to be at Pontefract on May
2nd. One at Thirsk for Charlie Greatorex and the other at Doncaster for Ernie
Paterson. These three men have given a lifetime to the game. Please phone your
nominations through to Raye on 01969 624123.
The Marchioness of Tavistock Owner and Breeder Quote “Without doubt
the most urgent requirement is for better basic care of the horse, and to have
that we need to have more attention paid to the welfare of stable staff, this
whole issue must be tackled”.
Maria McCabe Lass working with David Elsworth’s Team Quote “So a
message to the almighty BHB, Just who were you elected to represent ?”
John Gosden quote “As long as racing is divided by factions, the
future is bleak for improving its financial state”.
Mark Johnston Trainer Quote “Must we resort to confrontation ?”
Mark Johnston Trainer “ Quote “ Why, oh why, are potential bidders
having discussions with the RCA and excluding the BHB and all other interested
parties ? It seems they have decided among themselves to take sole ownership of
racing’s product and carve it up for their own gain”.
Mark Johnston Trainer Quote “ We have played the game for long
enough. We democratically elected the BHB as the sole representative for the
industry with regard to funding and the replacement of the levy. Yet, the RCA
having stated that it was also backing the BHB, is still sailing under an
independent flag”.
Mark Johnston Trainer Quote “Over the last few years, those opposed
to the racing industries case for better funding have used political arguments
against us. They have accused us of being a divided industry, unable to put our
own house in order , and they have used this argument to excuse the daylight
robbery by the Government and the big bookmakers, which has gone on for years
and continues today.”
Mark Johnston Trainer Quote “It is time for us to present some
ultimatums, gentle at first but forceful if necessary. Firstly, the RCA must be
told, once and for all, that it does not have sole rights to, or control of,
racing’s product, and that it must involve the BHB in all negotiations. The
BHB must then complete its proposal for the future funding of racing, have it
approved by Government and put it into practice. At the first sign of either of
these approaches failing, we should simply calculate the minimum cost to owners
of funding a full field in a race and we should refuse to turn up for any
contest that offers less”.
Bill Adams Secretary General of the Stable Lads Association Quote “
We are the only ones left in the dark, now our voice is just beginning to be
heard.”
Maria McCabe Lass working with David Elsworth’s Team Quote “We
have been in the throws of an acute staffing crisis for many years now”.
The Marchioness of Tavistock Owner and Breeder quote “In my opinion,
this whole issue is driven by greed-the greed of bookmakers and the government
for revenue from racing. What has to happen is that we have to put much more
into racing before we can take more out.”
Eddie Hide Retired Flat Jockey Quote “If I had to name one secret of
whatever success I achieved
It would perhaps be that, because of my family and my upbringing, I was
always a horseman first and a jockey second. In other words, my commitment was
to all aspects of the job of getting horses to win races rather than to being
spectacularly brilliant in the saddle. I never thought I was marvellous – I
just marvelled at the opportunities that came my way !”.
The BHB through Peter Savill’s copyright action against William Hill
started in March 1999 over its database rights. Now in the wake of its landmark
High Court Victory The Times on Saturday February 10th 2001 report from Alan Lee
Racing Correspondent “Racing has struck a significant early blow in what is
destined to be a prolonged scrap with the bookmakers over the future funding of
the sport. This is a result of incalculable importance to racing’s finances. I
understand that all the leading bookmakers, not just the company defeated in
court, may be found to owe the BHB almost two years in back payments for use of
such information.” Peter Savill said “ It will also assist us in negotiating
licences and payment from the many bookmakers who have so far refused to enter
into licenses with BHB.”
A long look … into copyright factors on various other level’s not
least of these being Stable Staff … the personnel who nurture and care for
each horse daily the ones who do actually take all the risks, the very ones that
can either make or break these beautiful young creatures lives.
The various other front’s within this sport to enable it to be recognised
and properly appreciated with remuneration to match expertise.
We read of US Triple Crown winner Affirmed’s death in the Racing Post on
Monday January 15th 2001 Dan Farley’s tribute with not a single word about
or from the Lad who nurtured and cared for Affirmed daily, no photograph nothing
only just a glimpse of a grey shirt.
Steve Cauthen mournes the death of quote “ the loss of a great
friend, of somebody who made a big impact on my life and career something I
respected every time I was around him. He was probably the most intelligent
horse I was ever around. He had a lot of common sense, he loved to run and
battle, and he was an easy horse to ride. I just appreciated his company-and I
think everyone else around him did. The horse had such class and presence. I
could always trust him to give me his best. I always knew he would run a big
race. He was very, very special and everybody he touched was awed by him. He
humbled a lot of people. He was such a gentleman, a strong horse-just very
dignified. He knew he was the real deal.” No word about or from the Lad who’s
daily work had nurtured and developed Affirmed’s life …
In the late 1960’s a Lass working with the Auriol Sinclair’s Team at
Lewes was asked to take on a two year old colt by Sir Winston Churchill’s
High Hat, bought as a yearling for £17,000.00. Sold as a two year old for
£250.00 with the reputation of being savage in the box and unrideable. This
colt incidentally had killed the Lad that “did him” and was quickly sold for
a give away price. This Lass took over a copyright that was desperate … and
exceedingly dangerous. The Lass cared for all that young animal’s needs daily
she always rode him out, and in all his work. He was the only horse to win on
the flat in the yard that year. Going on to win many good hurdles races and
chases in the years that followed. Auriol Sinclair’s understanding of animals
ensured that through that Lass that young animal’s broken life was renewed and
pieced back to-gether gradually daily.
The twist in the tale comes in this true story due to the fact that
before joining Auriol Sinclair’s team, this Lass had written to Fred Winter
asking for a job with him. This letter received a prompt reply to say that …
“ he did not employ girls”. Strangely as things turned out he was the very
man who later purchased this animal so benefiting directly from all that this
Lass had achieved with this horse through her patient renewal and character
confidence rebuilding techniques which enabled this horse to re-find his feet
and to get his life back. Copyright indeed, but only a girl’s …. a girl who
had had the chance to benefit from a fantastic tutor over 7 years. Without that
start she would never have been able to tackle such an undertaking. That Horses
name was Cardinal’s Error.
The copyright of each animal placed in training under the supervision of
the team captain “The Trainer” depends to the greater extent on the
person who’s job it is to nurture and care for it’s daily needs this
includes riding it out at exercise and in all it’s work and preparation for
the track. >From a yearling onward the skill and art of that person is
paramount to the youngsters future success, to its happiness and wellbeing. This
job can never be done by a Learner a Student or an Apprentice. The skill and art
required to carry out this highly skilled tutorial can only be achieved over a
period of time by a top horseman or horsewoman and in company of same, as in
Grade A and Grade B as specified in the Reform Brief Suggestions of Turfcall.
Where in the wide world can man find …
Nobility without pride,
Friendship without envy,
Or beauty without vanity ?
Here, where grace is laced with muscle
And strength, by gentleness confined.
He serves without servility:
He has fought without emnity:
There is nothing so powerful,
Nothing less violent;
There is nothing so quick;
Nothing more patient.
England’s past has been borne on his back,
All our history is his industry;
We are his heirs,
He our inheritance … The Horse by Ronald Duncan
Published by Alan Tabar Ltd by permission of David Higham Associates
This blueprint is the copyright of Margaret Clarke. Margaret and her late
husband Eugene “Nobby” Clarke served the sport of horseracing between them
for over 100 years from Zarathustra to Persian Bold.
Web: www.turfcall.co.uk E Mail: info@turfcall.co.uk
|
