THE Trainers' Association has been officially recognised by the Jockey Club and can expect to be consulted on future racing moves, writes Robin Parke. The association, which has shown initiative, restraint and tenacity in its short life, is made up of all but one of the 26 licensed trainers. At a meeting yesterday, members were informed of the official Jockey Club recognition. They later confirmed existing officials in their various positions and formed new sub-committees. Colourful Legislative Council hopeful Brian Kan Ping-chee remains chairman of the body with Lawrie Fownes and Patrick Biancone as vice-chairmen. Trainers Bruce Hutchison and Alex Wong Siu-tan were appointed press and public relations officers.
The majority of trainers remain opposed to the Jockey Club's new working agreement with the mafoos which is still unsettled.
And there were further grumbles over the reduction of training hours on the Sha Tin grass track, announced by the chief executive General Guy Watkins yesterday. A tracks sub-committee, which includes trainer David Hill, has been set up to liaise with the club over all tracks - sandmesh and equitrack - racing and training.
