... the Racing SA Convention...
(held March 2006, with much fanfare)
Original Message
From: Gold Circle [mailto:goldcircle01@mobileemail.vodafonesa.co.za]
Sent: 17 March 2006 05:50
To: Gill Simpkins
Subject: Racing SA Convention 2006
The first horseracing convention in two decades has resolved to develop a blueprint to map out the future of racing in South Africa.
This crucial decision was taken shortly before the curtain came down on the Racing South Africa National Convention held over two days at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The convention was the first of its kind in over twenty years and held tremendous significance in terms of providing the various industry role players with an opportunity to exchange views , encourage debate and with a view to formulating a path forward to plot its' future.
The general consensus of those present was that the convention had been an unqualified success and calls went out for it to henceforth become a regular feature on the racing calendar. In his closing address, Master of Ceremonies, Mike Meehan drew attention to the wonderful spirit of cooperation that was prevalent amongst all the industry participants.
The convention resolved:
Resolution 1:
Racing SA is commended for convening this convention and is urged to build on the benefits derived by reconvening the participants on a
regular but economical basis.
Resolution 2:
Racing SA should convene within the next six months for a strategic
planning conference of the industry players to develop a blueprint which maps out the future for racing in South Africa with particular emphasis on:
- the optimum number of owners, horses, races, tracks, trainingfacilities etc that the industry requires
- - the appropriate remuneration or reward that each party should receive
- - the setting of objectives to achieve the above
- -the establishment of an agreed plan of implementation
Peter Gibson, CEO of Racing SA said that the contribution made by the
Speakers reflected the energy and enthusiasm for the Convention. He said it had to be regarded as a great success and that the process that followed would confirm the desire for meaningful investigation and possible future change.
Michel Nairac, CEO of Gold Circle said that he was thoroughly pleased with the excellent turnout of 142 delegates and particularly the diversity and calibre of those who had attended. He said it could
largely be summarized as two very productive days and time well spent
and he looked forward to horseracing benefiting materially in the short term and felt that the future held some exciting prospects for the sport , both nationally and internationally.
Graeme Hawkins , Racing Executive of Phumelela Gaming and Leisure said that the positive outcome and excellent spirit which had prevailed had shown that the convention had been long overdue and that they were looking forward to tackling some of the many very relevant issues raised in a constructive and meaningful fashion.
A detailed summary of the various topics discussed will be forwarded in due course to every Delegate and will also be available on the Racing SA website,
www.racingsouthafrica.com
Promises, promises...
