The ATA Federal Executive is totally opposed to covert operations involving the placement of individuals by Racing Authorities in racing stables to perform “espionage” duties on their behalf. The ATA finds this practice abhorrent and offensive to the profession of racehorse trainers and to the overwhelming majority of our profession who abide by the rules of racing and uphold the integrity of the Australian racing industry.
Such covert operations and practices severely tarnish the integrity of both the profession and individuals, and ultimately damage the reputation and brand of the Australian racing industry itself.
The ATA is seriously concerned that racing can only be undermined when such operations are considered when no hard evidence is being presented to warrant such actions.
COLIN ALDERSON Federal President Australian Trainers’ Association