A harness racing trainer with 35 years experience has been forced to relocate to Queensland because he is unable to use Taree Showground to work his horses.
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Greg Minns and his partner, Marie Smith, bought a property in Coopernook for the purpose of training their horses, particularly the promising Decapria, which has two wins, two seconds and a third from nine starts at Bathurst, Penrith and Menangle.
Marie said if was their intention to use the Taree Showground and they contacted the Taree Show Society to gain permission. They were prepared to pay a fee. Taree Showground is listed with Harness Racing NSW on its public liability and Mr Minns carries public liability with his Harness Racing NSW licence.
However, Marie said despite meetings with show society officials, along with much correspondence, they have been frustrated in their attempts. This has led to the move to Queensland.
“When we purchased the property at Coopernook we didn’t think there would be any problem accessing the track in Taree,’’ Marie said.
“Every other showground in Australia that has a track allows access within 24 hours of providing a harness licence.’’
Marie claims the society hasn’t given her any concrete reason why they can’t use the track.
However, Taree Show Society president Milton Johnston said the matter isn’t finalised.
He claimed the society was only offered $50 a week in remuneration, which he said was unsatisfactory. He said there would be costs involved in maintaining the track and there were other expenses involved with the use of facilities at the showground.
Marie has contacted Harness Racing NSW chief executive John Dumesny on the matter. Mr Dumesny in turn contacted show society committee members Milton Johnston and Allan Richards, confirming the necessary insurances were in place.
“Hopefully your committee will agree to this request however should you wish to discuss this proposition with me, please contact me at your earliest convenience,’’ Mr Dumesny concluded in his correspondence. This was dated August 28.
Mr Dumesny then contacted Mr Johnston and Mr Richards on September 13 seeking a response.
“We cannot keep waiting for an answer so we request an answer by the close of business Friday, September 15, 2017,’’ he wrote.
Nothing was forthcoming.
Mr Johnston admitted the association didn’t reply to Mr Dumeesny, but said organisation of the Taree Show took priority.
He added the association is prepared to discuss the matter further, but added a $50 levy is not acceptable.
