Minister for Racing Martin Pakula visited Ballarat Turf Club today to launch the Australian Trainers Trust, established to provide financial assistance to trainers and their families in times of need.
As part of the Keep Victorian Racing Strong plan the Andrews Labor government have provided $200,000 to the trust with a further $50,000 from Racing Victoria.
The trust has been established in recognition of the changing pressures faced by trainers and their families and will raise awareness of the challenges faced by trainers.
Victoria is home to more than 1000 thoroughbred trainers, with over 10,000 horses currently in training across the state.
The government also recognises the vital role that jockeys play in the industry and has provided $160,000 to the National Jockeys Trust, which gives financial and other support to jockeys, apprentice jockeys and their families.
Victoria is the proud leader of Australian racing, generating more than $2.8 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 26,500 full time jobs.
The VRIF returns unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes back to the industry and allows the three racing codes, racing clubs and other key stakeholders to have a say in growing Victorian racing.
It funds projects and initiatives at tracks across Victoria, supporting jobs, improving animal and participant safety, increasing integrity measures and boosting the racing experience for racegoers.
Quotes attributable to Minster for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Australian Trainers Trust will provide financial relief to trainers that are unable to continue working due to serious injury, illness or death.”
“Victorian trainers are integral to keeping the racing industry alive and this trust will ensure that they are supported in times of illness, injury or crisis.”
Quotes attributable to John Alducci, CEO, Australian Trainers Association
“The Australian Trainers Trust provides trainers an opportunity to secure support while they recover and return to work and offers their families financial peace of mind.”
Quotes attributable to Bernard Saundry, CEO, Racing Victoria
“Racing Victoria is proud to support the Australian Trainers’ Trust, which is one of many RV initiatives that demonstrates our commitment to the sustainable wellbeing of Victorian trainers.
“The Trust complements our appointment of a Trainer Wellbeing Liaison Officer and the subsequent development of an interactive Trainers’ Wellbeing portal, TrainersPlus, that offers information on key areas of concern or interest, as raised by the Victorian thoroughbred training community,” said Mr Saundry.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021