Prizemoney might have to drop and small bookies could go to the wall after the NSW racing industry was rocked by landmark Federal Court rulings on the way it taxes bookmakers.
While Racing NSW said it was delighted the court had confirmed its right to charge bookmakers a fee based on a percentage of their turnover, the court also found Racing NSW’s arrangements with bookmakers were unlawful and it might have to pay back millions of dollars.
The owner of three horses apparently abandoned in the Curricabark area north west of Gloucester is urgently being sought.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Barrington Tops Area Manager, Mr Terry Evans said it appears these animals which been regularly seen in Watchimbark Nature Reserve, have been unattended by their owners for quite some time.
“These are obviously domestic animals and they need the care of a responsible owner, who may well be searching for them,” Mr Evans said.
“Although unbranded they are certainly not wild horses, as they are quite tame and approachable.
“While the welfare of the horses is currently the primary reason for NPWS seeking the owners of these horses, we are also obligated by law, to humanely remove feral (non-native) animals from the State’s parks and reserves.
“If no-one comes forward to claim the horses, we will seek new owners for these animals, via expressions of interest from individuals and or community organisations.
“If these horses belong to you, or you know who may own them, please contact the NPWS Barrington Tops Area Office as soon as possible”, said Mr. Evans.Telephone02 6538 5300.
I thought I’d let you know about a horse riding holiday place that I have been to over the years.
Yarrabin is a horse and sheep country estate located 24 kilometres from Bathurst. It is one of Australia’s most acclaimed trail riding places and it over 1,000 hectares of gum forests, open paddocks and beautiful scenery.
Most visitors to Yarrabin opt to join in the riding aspects of the trip. While there are other activities to do such as bush walking and gold panning, I probably wouldn’t go to Yarrabin if I wasn’t planning to ride.
There are usually two rides a day, together with some half day and full day rides. Guided rides are provided around bushland areas and open paddocks, with plenty of opportunities for a good canter/gallop (if you wish) and to enjoy amazing views of the surrounding areas and wildlife. There are also opportunities to try sheep herding for all those city folk!
There are over 30 horses to suit all levels of riders and experienced wranglers fully supervise all rides. I have been to Yarrabin with beginners, nervous riders and experienced riders – all who have had safe and enjoyable riding experiences.
If you prefer to ride in your jods, you certainly do not feel out of place at Yarrabin. On the other hand, if you don’t have riding gear, boots and helmets are provided.
Three big country meals are provided each day, and you will definitely feel the need to eat up for the rides. And, if you don’t feel like you have coped so well with the hours in the saddle, you might find the spa a great place to go straight after.
Accommodation is in units, which while are nothing fancy, they definitely serve their purpose.
If you are unable to drive to Yarrabin, the staff kindly offer to collect you from Bathurst airport or railway station, as long as you make arrangements with them.
Yarrabin has special packages throughout the year, including for kids riding camps, horsemanship workshops and adults only weekends (the latter, I highly recommend).
Belgium has reported one case of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) in an investigation sparked by two infected horses uncovered in Britain.
Belgium launched its investigation after routine post-import checks in Britain found two horses in Wiltshire with the disease, also known as swamp fever.
The two horses, since euthanized, had been imported from Romania through Belgium.
The International Collating Centre, part of Britain’s Animal Health Trust, reported this week that Belgium confirmed the case on 2 February 2010.
In an interim report, the centre reported that on October 21, 2009, 18 horses arrived from Romania at a dealer’s establishment at Drongen.
On December 22, nine of those animals were sent to Britain, where the infection was diagnosed by Coggins test.
“The Belgian investigation revealed that the other nine horses were sold in mid-November to the same person at Assebroek. This person then sold one horse to his brother at Meetkerke.
“Currently, no movements of horses to or from these facilities are permitted. All horses that have been in contact with the horses from Romania are being traced, movement controls applied on the farms and the animals tested for the infection. The positive animal is due to be euthanized and destroyed.”
The report said it should be noted that since, April 23, 2007, the European Union has been operating under rules involving protective measures regarding EIA in Romania.
“It is not clear at the present time why these apparent safeguards appear not to have been effective with the batch of 18 horses that arrived in Belgium on 21st October 2009 from Romania.”
A toddler has died after a tragic accident at Moruya.
The 15-month-old boy was with his family at Yarragee Reserve on Tuesday afternoon when he was killed by a horse.
Police say the freak accident happened at about 4pm.
They said the family was on Yarragee Reserve with three horses, which they intended to ride.
They had tied the animals to a fence, but one became “spooked” and broke free of its lead. The horse then slipped, rolled down an embankment and over the toddler.
The child was rushed to hospital, but tragically died from extensive injuries.
The toddler’s name had not been released at the time of going to press.
Police have prepared a report for the coroner, who will investigate the tragedy.
Our clubhouse and grounds are located within the St Ives Showground, off Mona Vale Road, St Ives NSW. The club has a dedicated equestrian area (the Princess Anne Equestrian Area) that can accommodate two show jumping rings or up to four dressage arenas.
What horse sports is your club involved in
We run regular show jumping, dressage, gymkhanas, mounted games and cross country competitions, plus training clinics,practise days and social events. The club holds over 40 events every year and attracts many hundreds of competitors. Most competitions are held on weekends, but there are some mid-week competitions, clinics and practise days.
Any equestrian personalities past/present at your club
Our patron is Olympic show jumper, Vicki Roycroft.
Who can join
Northside Riding Club caters for riders who own or lease their horses - from beginners right through to advanced levels.
The club is predominantly an adult riding club, however membership is open to riders in the year they turn 14. Membership forms are available on the NRC website – www.northsideridingclub.org.au.
The NSW Department of Industry and Investment (Primary Industries) believes that it is important for people who come in contact with horses to be aware of the potential risks posed to them by Hendra virus. This will enable them to assess the risk that contact with horses poses to them, in their own situation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE HORSE INDUSTRY: HENDRA VIRUS
It is important that all sectors of the horse industry understand the risks posed by Hendra virus. Hendra virus is carried by fruit bats, and may cause fever, respiratory and/or nervous illness when it infects horses. While horses rarely become infected, infected horses may infect humans, and the disease has severe consequences. It is usually fatal in horses, and four of the seven people known to have become infected have died, despite intensive therapy in hospital.
Minimise the risk to yourself and your horse by:
preventing horses from eating or drinking feed or water that may be contaminated by body fluids from fruit bats roosting, feeding or flying overhead and
knowing the signs of Hendra and what to do if you suspect infection.
The following links provide information on Hendra virus that will assist you to understand the disease and how to minimise the risk of infection. I&I NSW strongly recommends that you pass this information on to your members and industry contacts and/or staff who may handle horses.
A Primefact on Hendra virus is available on the NSW DPI website at
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