Lockdown is a good time for reminiscing and reflecting.
On this very day 25 years ago, the 76th WPOTA AGM was held and it was decided to build a Grooms School.
While WPOTA is no more, the Sporting Post’s Sands Of Time library tells that Mr WE Hodson retired as Chairman and was replaced by Mr Billy Steele with Rodney Dunn as vice-chair.
Two familiar Cape racing faces from the past – Rodney Dunn and Rouvaun Smit
The South African Stable Workers Union was formed with strike action threatened over pay disputes.
Jockeys’ remuneration was proving a headache at the time.
Previously agreed fees were R163 per ride (R80 for apprentices) funded by 4,5 % deduction from winning stakes (over and above the mandatory 7%) with the clubs making up the balance.
The projected 45 000 rides rose to an unexpected 49 250, creating a shortfall in the budgeted amount, which was need to be covered by owners and clubs.
From March 1995, riding fees were increased by 7.5 % to R175 per ride.
Natfed announced the approval of a national badge, which allowed members entrance to any racecourse in South Africa. A national Breeders’ Cup scheme was also approved.
Mr Cecil Baitz was appointed the new Chairman of NOTA and vice chairman was Mr Wayne Aldridge.
Wayne Aldridge
The KZN clubs launched a service whereby owners could view and discuss races on video tape in the trainers’ lounge. They also issued a public reminder that stipendiary stewards initiating a race review, do not automatically lodge an objection.
The Transvaal OTA held an OTA Benevolent Fund raceday at Newmarket on 29 March, featuring the R200 000 Gr2 OTA Handicap.
The race was won by Tony Millard-trained Rose Of Arcole, owned by Terrance Millard and Robin Scott.
Tony Millard accepts the trophy for the OTA Handicap
All races on the card were sold to sponsors with all proceeds benefitting the Benevolent Fund which took care of 22 indigent trainers and their spouses.
