Dozens of NSW trainers – including high-profile Group 1-winning handlers – have been given just days to prove their businesses can meet strict new financial criteria from the state’s regulator after an administration bungle revealed the identity of persons under scrutiny.
As part of wholesale changes to how trainers are licensed in the Australian state, Racing NSW has warned some well-known figures within the industry of the need to prove their ongoing viability – but accidentally copied in all the names on an email which has since been widely distributed.
Scores of trainers were told their “financial metrics fall below Racing NSW’s minimum financial threshold” in an email sent earlier this week and seen by Idol Horse.
Many have been asked to provide personal information such as bank statements and recent tax records “as part of (Racing NSW’s) responsibility to ensure the welfare of racehorses and the ongoing viability of training operations”.
Idol Horse has chosen not to name any trainers copied in on the email.
It’s understood Racing NSW has since vowed to speak with trainers individually about their situation, and many have now been cleared for new licences since the email was sent.
“The email was a clerical error, however we don’t believe that anybody’s privacy was breached,” Racing NSW chief operating officer Graeme Hinton said.
“The email was clarifying that more information was needed and not advising of any final determination or judgement.
“We are requiring trainers to illustrate much greater financial resources as part of the licensing process as animal welfare is our top priority. This is to ensure horses are provided with the proper nutrition and feed, and importantly have access to a vet if in pain.
“Further, it is important that staff are being appropriately paid, in particular that they receive their superannuation contributions.
“Unfortunately, some trainers don’t have the financial resources to meet these very serious obligations.”
Unapologetically, Racing NSW has raised the bar for entry or continued involvement in the industry.
They fear cash-strapped trainers might not be able to meet minimum welfare standards by having staff exercise horses for at least an hour a day outside their box, or seek immediate vet treatment.
But multiple sources familiar with the situation said many trainers were left devastated and scrambling to convince Racing NSW they were worthy of obtaining another licence for the 2025-26 season, hence keeping their livelihood.
Two trainers named on the email agreed to speak to Idol Horse on the condition of anonymity, and said a cohort had already sought legal advice on their positions trying to be relicensed.
“This is bordering on intimidation and sending people around the twist,” one trainer said.
“We’ve never had to provide our own bank statements as part of this process before. There were a lot of people embarrassed to see their name on that email. Several want to take it to the next step and are looking at legal representation.”
Added another: “I think you’ll find a lot of trainers will throw their licence in. We can train our horses for months and we have to feed them, exercise them, shoe them, everything … and at the end of the month we send the bill out and it doesn’t get paid for months. We are carrying owners for a long time.
“It’s harder now than it has ever been. I think a lot just can’t put up with it anymore, and one out trying to run a business now is very hard.”
It brings to a head an exhaustive process which has lasted for months, with NSW trainers told earlier this year they must provide personal and business Australian Tax Office assessments to Racing NSW as part of the licence renewal.
They have also had to sign a statutory declaration confirming they can meet their financial obligations.
The regulator has also ramped up efforts to ensure training businesses don’t collapse after Group 1 winner Anthony Cummings was stripped of his licence when one of his companies, Rosscarbery Holdings, was placed into voluntary liquidation.
Cummings was forced to forfeit Royal Randwick’s historic Leilani Lodge stables, made famous by his late father Bart, who prepared 12 Melbourne Cup winners.
The Cummings family trained racehorses from the complex for 50 years and the yard has since been occupied by leviathan trainer Ciaron Maher.
Anthony Cummings’ downfall attracted significant mainstream media headlines given the family dynasty.
His son James will also leave the Australian industry after agreeing to join the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s training roster following a successful stint as the private conditioner for Godolphin’s Australian empire. ∎
