Australian Trainers' Association

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Today we acknowledge and honour Colin Webster, a true giant of Australian racing administration and a man whose contribution to our industry is quite simply immeasurable.Colin was a founding Executive Member of the&nbsp;Australian Trainers’ Association&nbsp;in 1968, he dedicated an extraordinary&nbsp;55 years of service&nbsp;on the Executive.Few can claim to have not only witnessed the evolution of the ATA, but to have actively shaped it guiding its growth from a fledgling organisation into the respected national body it is today.Colin served as&nbsp;WA Branch President for more than 30 years, providing unwavering leadership and advocacy for Western Australian trainers, before going on to represent trainers nationally as&nbsp;ATA Federal President for three years.In every role he held, his focus remained the same: improving outcomes for trainers and strengthening the industry for future generations.A tireless and determined advocate, his work was instrumental in driving&nbsp;increased prizemoney, improved trainer benefits, and better training and racing facilities outcomes that continue to benefit trainers across the country to this day.Beyond the titles and achievements, he will be remembered as a&nbsp;true gentleman. He was highly respected by race clubs, administrators, and stakeholders alike, valued for his integrity, fairness, and deep understanding of the industry he loved.On behalf of trainers past and present, we thank Colin for a lifetime of service, leadership, and quiet determination. His legacy is firmly embedded in the fabric of Australian racing, and his contribution will not be forgotten.Colin’s memorial service will take place on Tuesday 3 February Ascot Racecourse commencing at 11.00am

Vale Colin Webster

Stephen Bell

Australian Trainers’ Association – Newcomer Award SponsorshipThe Australian Trainers’ Association is incredibly proud to now be sponsoring the Newcomer Award&nbsp;as part of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.The Newcomer Award in particular is about recognising those who are just starting their journey in racing and already making a real impact. Encouragement and acknowledgement at that stage can be career-defining.Our stable staff, forepersons, riders, administrators and support teams are the backbone of what we do. Without them, there is no industry. These awards are a genuine and meaningful recognition of their commitment, professionalism and passion."I’ve had the privilege of being a judge on the Awards panel since its inception, and I’ve seen firsthand just how important these awards are to our industry. They shine a light on the people who are often working long hours, behind the scenes, and without fanfare — yet are the absolute lifeline of Australian racing". Federal President Troy Corstens saidThe ATA would like to extend a massive thank you to Godolphin&nbsp;for their long-standing leadership in running and supporting these awards, and to Thoroughbred Breeders Australia&nbsp;for taking on custodianship and ensuring the awards continue to grow and evolve for the benefit of the entire industry.The ATA strongly implores all trainers to take the time to nominate someone they feel is worthy. It matters more than you think. Recognition like this is such an important part of the game, and it helps ensure our industry continues to attract, retain and celebrate great people.Backing our people is backing the future of racing — and that’s something the Australian Trainers’ Association&nbsp;is proud to stand behind.

Newcomer Award Sponsorship

RACING SUPPLIES &nbsp;- JANUARY VAN ITINERARYWednesday 7th – Ballarat &amp; DistrictThursday 8th – Sandown RacesFriday 9th – Werribee Races&nbsp;Tuesday 13th – Yarra Glen RacesWednesday 14th – Geelong RacesThursday 15th – Seymour RacesFriday 16th - Ballarat &amp; District&nbsp;Tuesday 20th – Geelong RacesWednesday 21st – SandownFriday 23rd - Ballarat &amp; District&nbsp;Monday 26th – Geelong RacesWednesday 28th – Sandown RacesFriday 30th - Ballarat &amp; District&nbsp;Venue subject to change

RACING SUPPLIES  - JANUARY VAN ITINERARY

The Australian Trainers’ Association were deeply saddened to hear the news that Tasmanian Hall of Fame trainer and long-time member Bill Ryan had passed away after a lengthy illness.<p style="text-align: left; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-gradient-from-position: ; --tw-gradient-via-position: ; --tw-gradient-to-position: ; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: ; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246/0.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-blur: ; --tw-brightness: ; --tw-contrast: ; --tw-grayscale: ; --tw-hue-rotate: ; --tw-invert: ; --tw-saturate: ; --tw-sepia: ; --tw-drop-shadow: ; --tw-backdrop-blur: ; --tw-backdrop-brightness: ; --tw-backdrop-contrast: ; --tw-backdrop-grayscale: ; --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: ; --tw-backdrop-invert: ; --tw-backdrop-opacity: ; --tw-backdrop-saturate: ; --tw-backdrop-sepia: ; --tw-contain-size: ; --tw-contain-layout: ; --tw-contain-paint: ; --tw-contain-style: ; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; line-height: 20px; color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: GeistSans, &quot;GeistSans Fallback&quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 10pt" class="MsoNormal">Bill was a respected member of the ATA and his contribution over many years is sincerely acknowledged. Bill achieved great success in Tasmania but in Victoria in 2021 we remember him winning the Group 2 Rose of Kingston Stakes at Flemington with his star mare “Still a Star” beating Pride of Jenni.<p style="text-align: left; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-gradient-from-position: ; --tw-gradient-via-position: ; --tw-gradient-to-position: ; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: ; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246/0.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-blur: ; --tw-brightness: ; --tw-contrast: ; --tw-grayscale: ; --tw-hue-rotate: ; --tw-invert: ; --tw-saturate: ; --tw-sepia: ; --tw-drop-shadow: ; --tw-backdrop-blur: ; --tw-backdrop-brightness: ; --tw-backdrop-contrast: ; --tw-backdrop-grayscale: ; --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: ; --tw-backdrop-invert: ; --tw-backdrop-opacity: ; --tw-backdrop-saturate: ; --tw-backdrop-sepia: ; --tw-contain-size: ; --tw-contain-layout: ; --tw-contain-paint: ; --tw-contain-style: ; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; line-height: 20px; color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: GeistSans, &quot;GeistSans Fallback&quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 10pt" class="MsoNormal">The ATA extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the racing community during this difficult time.<p style="text-align: left; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-gradient-from-position: ; --tw-gradient-via-position: ; --tw-gradient-to-position: ; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: ; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246/0.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-blur: ; --tw-brightness: ; --tw-contrast: ; --tw-grayscale: ; --tw-hue-rotate: ; --tw-invert: ; --tw-saturate: ; --tw-sepia: ; --tw-drop-shadow: ; --tw-backdrop-blur: ; --tw-backdrop-brightness: ; --tw-backdrop-contrast: ; --tw-backdrop-grayscale: ; --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: ; --tw-backdrop-invert: ; --tw-backdrop-opacity: ; --tw-backdrop-saturate: ; --tw-backdrop-sepia: ; --tw-contain-size: ; --tw-contain-layout: ; --tw-contain-paint: ; --tw-contain-style: ; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0px; margin: 0px; line-height: 20px; color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: GeistSans, &quot;GeistSans Fallback&quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 10pt" class="MsoNormal">Vale, Bill.

Vale Bill Ryan

E2025/50 - Stage 3 - Federal Branch<p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial"> <p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial">Nominations are called for:<p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial">Federal Branch<ul style="hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 11.5px 25px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><li>President</li><li>Vice-President (2)</li></ul><p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial">The Australian Trainers' Association - Federal AGM will commence at 2pm on Thursday 30 October 2025 at Racing Victoria – 400 Epsom Road Flemington VIC 3031<p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial">Nominations must reach the Returning Officer via the lodgement method(s) stipulated below not later than the time specified by the Returning Officer at the Australian Trainers' Association Federal AGM on 30/10/2025 at Racing Victoria – 400 Epsom Road Flemington VIC.<p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial">How to lodge nominations, nominations must be lodged via the following method(s): <p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial">In-Person: At the Australian Trainers' Association Federal AGM on 30/10/2025 <p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial">By Email: A fully completed nomination form including all necessary signatures, may be scanned and submitted by email to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:IEBnominations@aec.gov.au">IEBnominations@aec.gov.au</a> <p style="text-align: start; hyphens: none !important; word-break: keep-all !important; margin: 0px 0px 23px; color: rgb(117, 116, 116); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial">Email Subject Line: “ANCVL – E2025/50 – Stage 3 - ATA – Nomination [Name of candidate]

AEC ELECTION 

John Symons and Sheila Laxon &ndash; Knight&rsquo;s Choice &ndash; 2024 Melbourne Cup 
The Wayne Wilson Medal recognises trainers&rsquo; personal bests, not just their number of winners or prizemoney earned. A panel of judges assess the monthly winners and vote on who they believe have achieved a career high. 4th Place &ndash; Jeff Dunn, July winner thanks to Sha of Gomer taking out the Rockhampton Newmarket and Grafton Ramornie. 3rd Place &ndash; Tony Gollan, October &amp; May winner thanks to Antino&rsquo;s heroics 2nd Place &ndash; Chris &amp; Corey Munce, June winner after Cool Archie&rsquo;s incredible winter carnival 1st Place &ndash; John Symons &amp; Sheila Laxon, winners of the 2024 Melbourne Cup with 100-1 outsider Knight&rsquo;s Choice
&nbsp;

ATA Queensland -  Wayne Wilson Award

ATA PAT DUFF TROPHY
Barry Lockwood
&nbsp;
The Pat Duff Trophy is awarded to a trainer that achieves as much off the track as on it. The encompass the attributes that late Pat Duff did himself as long time Qld ATA President and Hall of Fame member. Barry Lockwood is widely respected and known as one of the gentlemen of racing, always having the best interests of racing at the forefront of his thinking. Barry has recently appointed Emma-Jane Vincent as his co-trainer which officially marks his continued work as a valued mentor in the Queensland training ranks.

ATA Queensland - Pat Duff Winner

<h3>Amendments to the Rules of Racing of Racing Victoria (Local Rules)</h3>
<a href="https://www.austrainers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Amendment-No-224-16-September-2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amendment No 224</a>
Summary
Horses may now be allowed to be declared for more than one race on the same day, mainly to help with Cup week scheduling. LR59F.
Minimum penalties have been increased to a six-month disqualification for certain breaches, though special circumstances can be considered. LR94C.&nbsp; LR105.
Additionally, new rules clarify what advertising is allowed at race meetings and ban political, religious, or social statements to keep the focus on racing. LR66 &amp; LR66A.
These amendments took effect from 16 September 2025.
<a href="https://www.austrainers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Amendment-No-224-16-September-2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to read full details Amendment No 224</a>

RULE AMENDMENTS | Racing Victoria Local Rule Amendments

The Racing Victoria Board has approved the following amendments to the Victoria Local Rules of Racing.
AMENDMENT TO LOCAL RULES OF RACING: AR 2 Dictionary - Definition of Serious Offence removing AR 129(2), AR 227(b), AR 233(b), AR 240 (1) and (2) and AR 251.
Amendment to Serious Offences definition
SUMMARY OF AMENDMENT As per current AR 2 (Dictionary) practice, offences such as Running and Handling (AR 129(2)), Breaches of the Rules (AR 227(b)), Other misconduct offences including harassment or bullying (AR 233(b)), Presentation offences (AR 240(1) and (2)), and Possession offences (AR 251) have historically been referred directly to the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT). This practice has recently been the subject of review.
The reason being that often it is beneficial to both the participant and the RV Integrity to deliver swift justice and timely procedural fairness internally. Due to the VRT&rsquo;s heavy case load, efficiency may not be achieved by the current practice of direct referral of these above offences to the VRT.
Therefore, consideration was given to the above charges to allow them to be heard in the first instance by RV Stewards, with discretion given to each case on its merits by all parties.
Accordingly, the Racing Victoria Board has approved the following Local Rule of Racing amendment effective from 1 July 2025.
AR 2 BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS: AR 2 Dictionary &hellip; Serious Offences Serious Offence means an offence under, or breach of, one of the following rules: (a) AR 255(1); (b) AR 115(1)(c) and (e); (c) AR 116; (d) AR 236; (e) AR 129(1),(2), (3) and (5); [(2) deleted 1/7/25] (f) AR 227(b); [deleted 1/7/25] (g) [deleted 1/2/24]; (h) AR 229(1)(a), (b), (c), (d); (i) AR 231(1)(a) and (b),(2)(a) and (b),(3); (j) [deleted 1/2/24]; (k) AR 233(b); [deleted 1/7/25] (l) AR 237(1),(2) and (4)-(7); (m) AR 240(1) and (2); [deleted 1/7/25] (n) [deleted 22/11/21] (o) AR 242; (p) AR 244; (q) AR 245(1); (r) AR 246; (s) AR 247; (t) AR 249; (u) AR 251; [deleted 1/7/25] and (v) [deleted 1/2/24]; (w) LR 94C.
<ul>
<li>[Serious Offence definition part (a) amended 23/4/19]</li>
<li>[Serious Offence definition (g), (h), (k), (l) amended 22/11/21]</li>
<li>[Serious Offence definition (g), (j), (v) amended 1/2/24]</li>
<li>[Serious Offence definition (w) added 1/2/24]</li>
<li>[Serious Offence definition (e), (f), (k), (m) and (u) amended 1/7/25]</li>
</ul>
Amendment effective from 1 July 2025
Source: Racing Victoria
<a href="http://rv.racing.com/racing-and-integrity/rules-of-racing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://rv.racing.com/racing-and-integrity/rules-of-racing</a>

Australian Trainers Association | Ata News