A perceived threatening attitude by the National Horseracing Authority in regard to the early payment for the renewal of racing colours has seen a longstanding owner call on the racing regulator to change their aggressive approach to people who effectively pay their salaries.
Leonard Bloch writes in the Sporting Post Mailbag that he is a racehorse owner and registered colour holder.
On Tuesday 2 June 2020, I received an email from the NHRA regarding the renewal of my racing colours.
The racing season runs from 1 August to 31 July annually.
One would think that if one has paid for the season, the renewal payment of R1580 would be due and payable by 31 July – that day being the season end.
The NHRA deem it necessary to threaten colour holders that if renewal and payment for the new season is not made by 15 June of the current racing season, a surcharge of R150 will be levied.
I can understand their reasoning of a surcharge of R300 being levied if renewal takes place after 31 July of the current racing season.
But why the threat of R150 surcharge if not paid ,as stated, by 15 June of the current season?
I have taken this issue up with the NHRA in previous years but have never had a satisfactory answer as to their reasoning around the surcharge threat.
It is time in my opinion for all colour holders to stand up to the NHRA and put an end to their threats. The NHRA must surely realise that without owners and colour holders,there is no racing.
As a matter of interest, my account received today (2 June) has been paid today – that is the way I do business.
Ed – Mr Bloch’s letter was mailed to the NHRA on Tuesday. No response has been received at time of publishing.
