no laughing matter
Not too long ago much advertising in print and television media informed us of new rules. Part of the rules were that no children under the age of 12 were allowed into the parade ring. The reasons included one of the concerns over safety. Most of us abide by these rules and unfortunately don’t attend races as we cannot take our underage children with us.
Now does the highly remunerated RA CEO not know the rules, or does he show no respect for them, not too dissimilar to his lack of respect for the prestige of Protea Colours?
On 11 April 2014 he , with a big grin , eagerly shakes the hand of a clearly under age girl whilst presenting her father with that gaudi oversized cheque.
Does a membership form accompanied with a cheque absolve one of abiding by rules that were endorsed with an NHA logo?
Since the RA CEO is also a director of the NHA, one can only assume that the RA and NHA clearly do not have the safety concerns as a high priority.
Thankfully the majority of owners in this country do not love a R20k bonus cheque above morals and ethics.
Rod Mattheyse
via email
Ed: For background purposes,we quote below from a Sporting Post article dated 15 January 2014:
The RA have also been party to new Parade Ring criteria which were introduced countrywide on 11 January. In a Press Release, owners were informed that the Racing Association, Gold Circle, Phumelela Gaming, The National Horseracing Authority and Kenilworth Racing were in agreement that the new rules will enhance the image of the sport and uphold vital safety considerations.
Access to the Parade Ring on any raceday will now require either an RA, Gold Circle or NHRA badge. Those not belonging to an Owners’ Association can receive valid badges distributed by the NHRA. A letter was sent by the governing body clarifying this new arrangement, with Colin Hall the contact person to help resolve any queries. Badge holders can also bring additional guests into the Parade Ring, using day badges acquired at Info kiosks on-course or by contacting us.
Only badge holders of the various organisations may sign for additional parade ring accreditation for guests on the day. Guests need to be correctly accredited by wearing an existing badge or parade ring accreditation which is available at the info kiosk. A revised dress code does not allow short pants and sandals (only collared shirts are acceptable), and children under 12 years of age may not enter the parade ring for safety reasons.
Once again it is easy to criticise. The access and dress codes can only add value, but the aspect of the banning of children under 12 has already been the subject of much debate. While prevention is better than cure when it comes to safety, we could find no archival records of any accident or injuries to children in the Kenilworth Parade Ring over the past fifty years.
