SAHorseracing.com
SAHorseracing.com
ATC to compensate connections after ambulance debacle

The Australian Turf Club (ATC) has apologised for the ambulance debacle on Monday morning which resulted in a set of barrier trials at Warwick Farm being abandoned due to concerns over jockey safety.

The ATC will ensure a NSW Ambulance Service transport vehicle is on course at all barrier trials under a new arrangement with the NSW Ambulance Service.

The ATC also apologised for a lack of communication and agreement with participants and Racing NSW about the new system.

ATC Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said the club would compensate connections for any extra financial cost incurred by Monday's postponement.

"The ATC has been in discussions with the NSW Ambulance Service for some time, and new arrangements were agreed on the understanding that these would not compromise access to immediate treatment or patient safety in any way,” Pearce said in an ATC press statement on Monday afternoon.

"Unfortunately we didn’t communicate and get agreement on the new arrangements as we should have, which lead to today’s reaction, and we apologise for that breakdown.

"In consultation with Racing NSW, we have now put in place procedures for a NSW Ambulance Service transport vehicle to be on course at all times during trials.”

[www.racenet.com.au]

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