RA CEO Larry Wainstein. Feels the RA has achieved plenty in the Cape
Racing Association Chairman Larry Wainstein has come out strongly in reaction to a letter published in the Sporting Post mailbag this week from owners with a runner on L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate day.
Wainstein said he appeared to be having to continue selling the benefits which, he felt, ‘speak for themselves.’
He responded on Thursday after returning from holiday.
In the letter, owners Cunnington and Smit, who have a runner on the big day, lament the apparent lack of benefits for RA Members, other than expensive dining areas. They say they are ‘disgusted with the treatment of small owners and small trainers.’ They point out that RA Members are expected to pay R2500 for the RA Paddock Room.
In our original approach to the Racing Association for comment on the matter, the writer’s names were withheld. They were subsequently published with the letter.
In an email reaction Wainstein said that the authors of the letter appeared to be misinformed and welcomed them to contact him.
Wainstein added that a communication was sent to RA members informing them that his organisation had been given access to the particular facility for upgrading on the understanding that on Queens Plate day it was to be utilized by the sponsors, ‘which is in their contract with the operator.’
“Unfortunately it is a reality that no RA members will have access unless they are prepared to pay the price that has been set by the sponsors. That is why the Pocket Power Room was made available, just as the Elevation Room is used at Turffontein. The rest of the facilities are run by Kenilworth Racing and the RA is not responsible for them . We try and facilitate all Members but unfortunately we only have one room and the caterers on a major day like the Queen’s Plate will not be able to make sandwiches and provide this service. I apologise if they feel that there are no benefits but providing sandwiches is definitely not something we can do on a big day,” he said.
Wainstein said he was aware that many owners had seen an improvement in most aspects in the Cape, including stakes and other changes .
“However, if they feel that there are no benefits I will refund their membership fees as we do not want unhappy members,” he said.
