Racehorse trainers at the Randjesfontein and Vaal Racecourse training centres have reacted angrily to allegations that horses were not fed and watered for three days as a result of strike action by grooms that led to the abandonment of Thursday’s Vaal race meeting.
Horses carded to run at the Vaal meeting were prevented from leaving Randjesfontein in Midrand on Thursday morning by striking grooms, who enlisted the assistance of the EFF.
Mike Azzie – ‘çlowns’
Mike Azzie, one of 17 trainers based at the complex, said the allegations were ridiculous.
“Anybody who would even entertain the thought, let alone seriously believe, that trainers would stand by and watch their horses not get fed or watered for three days is a clown,” said Azzie angrily yesterday.
“For starters it was not three days. Grooms downed tools from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning and trainers ensured that horses got their Wednesday evening and Thursday morning feeds, as well as ensuring their charges had water at all times. And those trainers who feed three of four times a day made appropriate arrangements to feed as normal.
“My horses didn’t work on the track on Thursday morning, but those that needed work went on the treadmill, while the others were walked for 30 to 40 minutes on mechanical hot walkers.”
Azzie added that as things stand Randjesfontein trainers had reached an amicable agreement with grooms. “I hope that sanity prevails for all parties concerned – firstly for the sake of the horses, then the owners and grooms and then trainers and horseracing,” he added.
Mike De Kock – no heart attack
Azzie also pointed out that leading trainer Mike de Kock did not have a heart attack as reported. “He felt dizzy, was sweating and had chest pains. He was taken to hospital and found to have high blood pressure. He was kept overnight, but I spoke to him this morning and he’s fine.”
Phumelela Horseracing Executive Clyde Basel said Phumelela disassociated itself from some comments made in a story in Thursday’s Citizen about the grooms’ strike at Randjesfontein.
“The article alleged that ‘the centre’s approximately 700 horses have not been fed, watered or trained for three days’. That is totally incorrect and, in fact, all trainers based there made sure every horse was fed and watered. Not a single horse went without food and water,” said Basel.
“Further I must stress that wage negotiations are between grooms and the trainers who employ them. Phumelela, as the horseracing operator, is facilitating the negotiations.”
Vaal trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren yesterday echoed Azzie and Basel’s statements.
“The trainers stuck together. Every single horse was fed, and watered,” said Janse van Vuuren. “We would never let any harm come to the horses, even in these circumstances. There’s a reason we do this job, and that’s because we are passionate about horses.”
- Tabnews
