My partner is an RA member, which should give the member benefits, but it seems this is not the case.
On Queens Plate day, the RA members do not have access to the R A Paddock Room, except for a price of R2500 per person. Ok so we could go to the Pocket Power room for a mere R600 per person, we have a problem with that too, what happens if you just want to sit quietly with a drink or two and a sandwich, enjoying the racing.
It seems that we have no options, so unless you are with a big trainer/owner who has a private box, we are left sitting on the grandstand with our fancy outfits with our R A badge. We have a horse running on Saturday, which we were only aware of after acceptances, we are totally disgusted with the treatment of small owners and small trainers who also have nowhere to go unless you pay an arm and a leg.
We have attended the Met & July for many years with no trouble getting a seat in one of the rooms, with the option of having food if you so desire, the only stipulations were that you applied for an arm band to gain entry. So from disallusioned owners, what are the benefits of membership – not a lot.
Via email – Ms Me Cunnington & Mr H C Smit
Further Note received on 8 January:
I have just heard from our partners that we have been allocated a place with table and chairs, wow! The Protea Room, which has a great view, instead of horse racing we can count cars. So because we don’t want to eat fancy food at a price R A members/owners have no benefits on the big race days, I will have to stand on the grandstand to watch my horse, so I may as well stay there.
Regards
Via email M e Cunnington
H c Smit
