Have other trainers outside of Sydney ever been asked to discuss these subjects ? Remember minimum.standards feedback? Is two enough to represent all of NSW? Did they consult us? What was the purpose of the meeting?

Also, what do the participants think of the Golden Muzzle Auctions that was just announced by GRNSW?

I suspect there will be a lot of buy backs. So, how does it attract new participants and better bred dogs? With breeding bonuses in Qld and Vic how does it address the shortfall of dogs bred in NSW?

The prize money is there for Wenty Park but it drops right off for the race over 400m dogs at Richmond. The carrot is the money for WP n Richmond and nothing for regional NSW. It follows the same theme with the 280m races at Wenty Park. Again, nothing for regional NSW.

As with any Auction, there is always a percentage of buy-backs due to a number of factors including the primary one that owners think their pups are worth 'X' and purchasers think they are worth 'Y' - they are the market forces of any Auction.

Our breeding numbers in NSW were very low for July to December in 2018 (1,195 pups in total) but if we don't provide an incentive to breeders, the numbers for that same period next year could be even lower therefore jeopardising the sustainability of racing in the future - by conducting the Auction this year and putting that strategy in place, at the very least, we are attempting to invigorate the breeding sector at what is a notorious slow time of the year and provide an Auction and associated Race series that people can plan towards.

Due to the limited time frame we were working with, it was only possible to stage one Auction this year and given that for the past four years Richmond has been that venue in metro. Sydney where an Auction has been conducted, it was decided that it was the best location.

In regards to Regional NSW, the strategy for 2020 and beyond, has always been to conduct 'satellite' Auctions in key Regional areas which would contain approx. 50-70 pups per Auction - an associated race series (Regional Heats and Final with winners and placegetters progressing through to the feature final) would also be staged in each Regional venue.

I am very aware of the logistics for a Breeder to transport a pup from say Casino or Wagga to Richmond; be designated a late lot number (not everyone can be in the first 20 lots to be auctioned); and then if it doesn't reach their reserve, buy the pup back and then travel back home.

The plan for 2020 is to stage a Gold Muzzle Auction in the following regions; Northern Rivers; Newcastle; Central West; South; and Sydney Metro.

Hope that answers some of your concerns - all details are available a EXTERNAL LINK or you can drop me an email; [email protected]
Regards,
Mark Duclos

The Auction is open to pups born in any state of Australia - not sure about Richmond mate but haven't heard anything to the contrary.

Who is underwriting the project if you cant reach your targets?

If the Auction is extremely successful where does the extra money go ?

While waiting for responses to the above, Lismore B Meeting was abandoned due to lack of nominations. There were suggestions on here and a few whispers around the traps that there was going to be a prize money increase by the end of last year. IMO, its very difficult for us to receive one when spending on administration is extremely high. A couple of us that I know of, have notified GRNSW of our concerns.

I'll give credit where it is due. Last Saturday, 9 March we eventually raced at Wauchope, but it was not without concerns. There were thunderstorms on the MNC, that had brewed all day long. However, between storms we were able to kennel our dogs. After kennelling, it once again rained heavily and as it was just about to ease off, the club lost power and there were no track lights. So, the `sparky' was called, arrived promptly and fixed the problem.

The rain was still falling slightly. When the power was restored the rain came down somewhat harder. However, the steward (a new one for up this way and came with high regard) never panicked and we raced in light rain.

A few trainers questioned the length of the lure in front of the leading dog in the two trials and first race, which I agreed so I went up to the steward and he was happy to speak with the lure driver. There were no problems with my approach and his response. It was a simple request and the response was immediate. Well done to this relatively young steward. Us trainers and owners thank you. Perhaps, the other steward had he been there may have called off the meeting too soon.

However, it all could have been avoided had GWIC, GRNSW and Wauchope Club raced in the morning (10am). There would have been no concerns with storms and power outages, but I understand that everyone needs to be available to operate the race meeting. It doesn't affect the TAB as it was a non-TAB meeting. I did ask a few trainers and they would race anywhere / anytime.

No reason is mentioned, just says transfered. Secret Service doesn't give details about anything anymore, lol.

The participant ask where they were going next? They told him they were going to Grafton. So 1hr 45min to Grafton. The participant has about twelve participants around where he resides, but no, the Officers went to Grafton.

So, here is their day.
1 to 3 hours to Airport
1.5 hours flying
5 hours driving,
30min for inspection and
possible overnight stay somewhere

So, he imagines the same or other Compliance Officers will do the same for the other participants around him.

I just sent off a respectful email to the CEO of GWIC for a response for the above as well as thanking the steward at Wauchope.

I just sent off a respectful email to the CEO of GRNSW, GWIC and Secretary of HRGRC (Wauchope) for a response about Wauchope e.g. programming a morning meeting during the hotter months of the year.