This issue is available online in the area Information/Newsletters and the printed version delivered to NTF members and associates on Saturday 6th March.

At the 37th AGM John Hills retired as President and Henry Daly takes over the role for 2010. The many trainers who came made it an occasion to remember and contributed to a very significant discussion about prize money and the role of the Horsemen’s Group. Of course we owe Paul Dixon, Chairman of the Horsemen’s Group, much gratitude for his role on the day. The dinner has become a terrific and unique social gathering of trainers. To witness the long tables packed with NTF members and industry figures in animated conversation was very satisfying. We look forward to an even greater event next year. 5.3.2010

The new pay table for the Memorandum of Agreement from the 1st October 2009 can be found in the Information / Downloads / Employment area and by clicking here for a limited period. The full updated Memorandum of Agreement is available in Chapter 13 of the NTF Employment Guide - see Information/Employment/Employment Guide. 20.12.09

After a long campaign by the NTF Flat Committee, the BHA Board has confirmed acceptance of the NTF’s preferred dates for the Flat trainers’ championship. It will now run for a 12-month period from the Monday after the November Handicap to the day of the November Handicap in the following year. In 2009/10, those dates are Monday 6th November 2009 to Saturday 6th November 2010. (There is no Flat racing on the Sunday after the November Handicap.) The reason the NTF Flat Committee put forward this change is so that all winners over a twelve month period are fully recognised and trainers who turn out winners through the winter do not have those successes discounted at the start of the turf season. By ending the trainers’ Flat championship on the same day as the other competitors’ championships, the sport will continue to be able to promote its champions collectively. 17.12.09

There were no changes to the terms and conditions or racing expenses in the MOA between the National Association of Stable Staff and the National Joint Council (apart from the Government National Minimum Wage increase which effected Grade B/C). Please continue to refer to the issue covering the period from 1/11/2008 to 30/9/2009.