AJC Rejects Patinack Criticism
Monday, 6 September 2010: A statement issued by the AJC says an offer was made last week to Patinack Farm to jointly consider future options and has declared that the offer remains open.
The AJC also refuted Patinack chief executive Peter Beer's comments about the failure of the AJC to include Patinack in future plans for the new stables at Randwick.
The statement says the AJC has no current vacancies at Randwick and while it is committed to offering current Randwick trainers the opportunity to take a position in any new stables, it says that if they choose not to take up that offer the AJC would welcome an application from Patinack Farm.
“It is disappointing to us that Patinack used the announcement today to criticise the pace of the upgrade of the track and facilities at Warwick Farm,” said the AJC statement issued by chief executive Darren Pearce.
“The Australian Jockey Club is advanced in its implementation of the Masterplan for Warwick Farm but Patinack's desire to have everything done immediately is unachievable.
“The plan for Warwick Farm has always been a long term project and the AJC has kept everyone informed along the way and the club has been consistent with this approach.
“The AJC has invested $20 million over the past three years and plans to spend a further $25 million plus over the next three years to bring facilities for trainers and race goers up the highest standards.
“Some of the further improvements at Warwick Farm are funded by commercial deals with long lead times making it hard to work within the timeframe sought by Patinack.
“Our work is well advanced and will see Warwick Farm continue to improve.
The AJC says the new B grass track at Warwick Farm is due to be opened this spring and almost $1 million will be invested this financial year on a new trainer's pavilion, improvements to track drainage and track renovations in advance of the complete reconstruction of the course proper.
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