Matamata has been in the spotlight in recent weeks with the death of trackwork rider Karl Brittain and the broken leg suffered by jockey David Johnson, but OSH officials have been quick to disassociate those incidents from latest developments.

“OSH has a racing co-ordinator dealing with matters of national interest and our regional officers have on-going contact with organisations such as the Matamata Racing Club,” commented Kevin Webby, OSH service manager for the Waikato-Thames Valley region. “The issues being dealt with at present are quite separate to the recent fatality.

“The officer involved in discussions with Matamata is satisfied with the plan of action being undertaken and will maintain contact as necessary.”

MRC president Danny Moss accepts that a responsibility exists to ensure rider and horse safety during training sessions. “Our club is very mindful of safety issues and the role OSH has to play in that,” he said. “OSH has expressed absolute satisfaction with the responsible approach taken by the club towards such matters.”

Trainers’ and jockeys’ representatives met with MRC officials earlier this week to resolve issues of concern. Lance Noble, NZ Trainers’ Association northern branch vice-president, agrees that safety is of paramount concern, but points out that the club was already undertaking a safety review when the complaint was made to OSH.

“By putting in place concise guidelines which all track users must adhere to, areas of concern will be eliminated as much as is practically possible,” said Noble.

Media Release - TNZ