Licence changes to ‘ cut admin burden’
TOWNSVILLE horse trainer Alby Molino says changes to trainer licensing terms will ease administration pressures on regional racing outfits.
Mr Molino has trained thoroughbreds in Townsville for about 13 years.
He said the announcement this week that thoroughbred, harness and greyhound training licences would be extended from one year to three years would ease admin burdens on trainers’ businesses.
With an annual outlay of about $ 100,000 to keep his 10 horses fed, training fees covered and staff employed, any saving was welcome.
The new licensing system has reduced the thoroughbred trainers’ licence from $ 200 a year to $ 300 for three years.
Harness trainer licences have increased slightly while greyhound trainers who were paying $ 75 a year will now pay $ 100 for three years. Licences can now be rolled over online.
“At least you’ve got three years without worrying about it,” Mr Molino said. “It’s a lot of pressure off.” Mr Molino works for Ergon and splits his time working and training his stable.
He said his operation started quite small in 2005- 06, but had steadily grown.
Mr Molino was at Cluden Park on Tuesday with eight runners for the day.
He said there were 10 to 12 trainers based in Townsville and he said more trainers in town would be a boost to the racing industry.
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Commissioner Ross Barnett said trainer scrutiny would remain high, with a national police check to be supplied at every licence renewal.
Mr Barnett said the longer licensing period would be “more convenient for racing industry participants”.