May 24, 2018 Historic Goldfields harness club sidelined by RWWA Shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming John McGrath has expressed disappointment at Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia’s refusal to intervene in a recent decision by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) that will end 100 years of harness racing in Kalgoorlie. At a meeting in Kalgoorlie on Monday afternoon, RWWA officials told local participants it would not reconsider the decision stop allocating race meetings to the Golden Mile Trotting Club (GMTC) after the 2018 season. RWWA says it will stand by its March 29 announcement despite receiving a business plan from GMTC with options to develop and expand the club to ensure its survival and sustainability. Responding to questions from Mr McGrath in the Legislative Assembly Estimates Committee hearing this week Minister Papalia said he would not intervene on the matter. “This is a disturbing decision by RWWA which, when formed some years ago, was charged with fostering the racing industry in WA,” Mr McGrath said. “What we have seen in Kalgoorlie is a club being stripped to the bone.” Mr McGrath said people in the regions saw this as the thin edge of the wedge for a sport that had always been community based, especially in country towns. “RWWA shut down Geraldton, now Kalgoorlie. Which club will be next? Albany, Collie, Bridgetown, Williams, Busselton?” Mr McGrath said. “We all know that Kalgoorlie has had problems with horse numbers in recent years but the club feels RWWA could have done more to assist and says that even with reduced field sizes, its betting turn-over both on and off track compares favourably with comparable tracks. “This club is a significant part of harness racing in WA. Mount Eden, the best harness horse ever produced in this State, won his first race in Kalgoorlie, Dainty’s Daughter raced there, as did Yankee Rhythm and Bronze Whaler. “There will also be a significant economic impact on the local business sector and wider community.” Ends |
