Trackwork starting time debate: Chris Waller wants later start by Ray Thomas Chris Waller says the racing industry needs to be very careful Image: NewsCorp
Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller has joined the growing chorus for fundamental change in the racing industry by advocating for later starts to daily trackwork and improved conditions for stable staff.
Trainers around the nation have begun speaking out about the long hours endured by stable staff, an issue exacerbated by early morning trackwork and later finishes due to twilight and night race meetings.
Waller made a passionate and articulate argument for the sport to adopt more modern workplace practices or risk alienating a younger generation of potential workers.
Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller has joined the growing chorus for fundamental change in the racing industry by advocating for later starts to daily trackwork and improved conditions for stable staff.
Trainers around the nation have begun speaking out about the long hours endured by stable staff, an issue exacerbated by early morning trackwork and later finishes due to twilight and night race meetings.
Waller made a passionate and articulate argument for the sport to adopt more modern workplace practices or risk alienating a younger generation of potential workers.
“Who really wants their children to be starting work at 3am, or having to drive to work or catch public transport at that time,’’ Waller said.
John Sargent’s two-year-old filly Four Moves Ahead stamped herself as an exciting autumn prospect with a hollow victory at her debut.
Four Moves Ahead settled wide in the run but had little trouble running away from her rivals to win the 1150m two-year-old event at Randwick Kensington.
The style of the win didn’t surprise Sargent who has a big opinion of her.
A half-sister to Group Three winner Emeralds, Four Moves Ahead ($2.70F) let down impressively for Tommy Berry to beat Ruby Kisses ($17) by 2 3/4 lengths with Morioka ($18) a further 1/2 length back third.
The Group Three Widden Stakes at Randwick now awaits in four week’s time for the Snitzel filly.