From January 2013 Australian Turf Club will be offering the winning owners of horses a wide array of options in lieu of the traditional winner’s trophy in a new program devised to better cater for large syndicates and regular race winners.
From 1 January, winning owners can accept the traditional trophy or elect to receive the equivalent value in “ATC Turf Dollars” which can be redeemed for ATC Membership, hospitality at the Club’s four racecourses, ATC merchandise or with key ATC partners such as Moet & Chandon and The Star.
ATC CEO Darren Peace said the innovative new initiative was in response to changes over time in racehorse ownership.
“We are finding that a lot of our winners involve syndicates of several owners who find it impossible to divide a single trophy,” Mr Pearce said. “In addition some larger commercial owners may not cherish the trophy received for winning a Group or Listed race. Naturally, an owner will still have the option to accept the trophy if he/she wishes, but from January they will have the choice to cash it in for other items they may value more.”
“With average trophy values up towards $2,000 that will buy a fair bit of enjoyment for owners with us or our partners through the Turf Dollars program”
Trophies for the ATC’s iconic Group One races such as the Tooheys New Golden Slipper, The BMW, David Jones Australian Derby and BMW Doncaster will be excluded from the program and continue to be presented as they have been over their rich histories.
The Club has consulted with the NSW Racehorse Owners Association who is supportive of the new program. President Ray McDowell commented, “We applaud the idea. Owners will really appreciate the choice and it adds extra value to ownership and having a winner at an Australian Turf Club meeting.”
Source : Australian Turf Club
