'I didn't make the rule' says Newmarket racecourse boss
NEWMARKET Racecourses managing director Stephen Wallis said he had been unfairly vilified since the publication of a report in last week's Journal which said he was responsible for a rule barring retired stable and stud staff from using a special pass to get into Group 1 race meetings.
Mr Wallis said he did not introduce the rule which precludes racing veterans from race days such as The Guineas Festival and Champions' Day, but that it was already in place when he took over in 2007.
And he was very upset that last week's Journal report went to press before he had the chance to make the point clear. He was on holiday when contacted for a comment.
"If I had introduced this rule I would be the first to hold up my hands and take the criticism but I can honestly say that I have not changed the system," said Mr Wallis. "When the Racing Welfare/Jockey Club pass was introduced, the race days they gave access to were not affected, I honestly believe that."
He said the course offered pass holders complimentary access to 25 race days a year, more than it offered to its own permanent staff and their families.
The issue originally came to light when retired stable worker John Palmer contacted the Journal.
Mr Palmer, who is 77 and retired 12 years ago, had written to Jockey Club chief executive Simon Bazalgette in December 2008 about what he said were changes in the conditions covering the use of the Racing Welfare pass. He said use of the pass had been "severely restricted".
In February 2009 Mr Wallis replied to his letter saying: "Prior to the Racing Welfare /Jockey Club Racecourses pass being introduced a number of retired racing people used to telephone and ask for a racing pass in advance of the race day.
"Such requests were normally granted, however, they were never granted for The Guineas, The July Festival or Champions' Day.
Nor were they granted in recent years for the Newmarket Nights once the nature of the music and the quality of act was significantly upgraded.
"I am assured by the relevant members of the team who have been here longer than I have that absolutely no change of policy has arisen as a result of the pass being introduced.
"Nor do I think that a change of policy is warranted."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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