The COVID-19 lockdown has seen many trainers having to accommodate and assist staff at training facilities to help manage the risks relating to spreading the virus.
In a letter to members this week, the Racing Association outlined that it had participated actively in the formulation of the risk management response, including providing funding for some of the measures introduced.
Charles Savage
This included providing some funding for the feeding of grooms at various centres.
Following questions to the Sporting Post from trainers at centres that had not received any assistance, or felt that it may appear by implication that they were being subsidised, we approached Racing Association board member Charles Savage, who had signed the letter, for clarity.
Mr Savage said that the RA have been engaging with grooms directly and the donation was provided to assist them with the provision, transport and or supply of food,
“For example we have put on 5 taxis from NRTC twice a week to assist with transport to and from the shops; we are also engaging with spaza owners to extend a line of credit to the grooms so long as they agree to price their goods fairly; our final donation will vary depending on how long this shut down is in place and the extent of our support in each region.”
He added that the donation is for the benefit of the grooms only and was a proactive gesture that was not applied for.
“The board identified the need and voted in favour of providing this charitable support,” he confirmed.
We asked whether it would be extended to all centres.
“Similar assistance has been offered to all centres and is being co-ordinated in each of the regions by Hilton Makhubedu, Eric Sands, Grant Paddock and Cliffie Miller,” he said in conclusion.
There was no clarity on the specific amount of the funding assistance rendered.
