President
After a rousing applause President Kelly opened the meeting followed by Acting Sergeant Angus who told us who was celebrating their Anniversaries this week. The list was soooooooo long, this poor scribe could not keep up (check Duties page if you really want to know, send a card/present or commiserate!!)
Guest Speaker: Brennan Fyans "Own The Dream"
Prior to that, he was an Assistant Thoroughbred Judge and Ownership Coordinator at the same organisation. Brennan also worked as a Stablehand and Strapper at Wagg Racing from 2014 to 2022.
In 2019, he was selected as the Australian representative for the annual General Study Program conducted by The Japan Association for International Racing and Stud Book. Brennan has also held positions at Perth Racing, The New York Racing Association, Churchill Downs Racetrack, and Darley. Brennan's experience in the industry spans from grooming horses to coordinating equine programs and marketing activities.
Brennan attended Curtin University from 2014 to 2018, where he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on Public Relations (as a student of Veronica Lawrance…).
Brennan thanked Veronica for her introduction and confessed she had been “one of my favourite teachers at Curtin University….”
His nickname through school had been “Horse Boy”, dreaming of being a jockey but not staying the same height ruled that out! 4 AM starts six days a week, working in and mucking out stables wasn’t really the career in life he wanted. So, he said it was “from shovels to lectures”.
Before going on to talk about “Own the Dream”, Brennan gave some background to horse racing and ownership in Australia:
- 1 in every 245 Australians part-own a racehorse (about 10,000 in WA alone)
- Australia is the world’s second largest thoroughbred industry
- Australia has more racecourses than any other country
- WA has 32 thoroughbred tracks
Without owners, there would be no racing. They support a sustainable and healthy industry. Ownership promotes participation at all levels across the industry (careers, membership, attendance). This brings us to “Own the Dream”, the ultimate racehorse ownership competition. It is run every year, leading into the February Yearling sales. It is completely free to attend and participate.
It designed for people who are interested in racehorse ownership, but have no idea how to go about it, how much does it cost, how long does it take to get horses to the track, how to contact trainers…..
It is for teams of 4-8 (need to recruit friends) to register. There are three events which gives a great insight into racing and ownership. It can include current owners, so Lew will be right….
There are prizes to win - $20K, $15K, $10K & $1,500 consolation prizes, simply attend. The prizes are a voucher that can be put towards owning a race horse.
“What’s the Catch?” – Noe, it's free, but it is run by Racing WA as their way to promote ownership.
What next? You want to get involved with a good trainer or syndicator. Own the Dream is the acquisition program, Owners Only is a social program for the 10,000 owners in Australia.
When you organise your team, make sure with the dates you can attend those three events.
All the information is on the website racingwa.com.au
In Q&A, Tricia asked about being part-owner of a horse, what are the ongoing costs, even if it doesn’t win? Brennan advised, as a “first timer” go small. He only owns 2.5% of one horse and it costs him about $60 per month. If you have 100%, in full training, it can be up to $4,000 per month. Buying a horse outright is a huge financial risk.
Lew spoke enthusiastically, as a part owner. The winnings are tax free and the costs non-deductable, unless you are in the business of buying/selling or professionally racing horses. It’s very easy, the money side is taken care of by the industry.
He equated the feeling as like being at the AFL Grand Final, whether you own 1% or 100%. A 1% owner gets just as excited at winning as a multi-millionaire 100% owner! You get to know the horses, they are lovely animals. They get in the starting gate and they just want to run, they know where the posts are. The ones with the heart really want to win.
Brennan has provided, for general interest, a link to a video on the Port Hedland races:
https://youtu.be/M-0NLx_tSgc
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Michelle:
- Phil and Angela Doyle sent in their thanks to everyone who is helping out when Angela goes to Sydney.
Brian J:
- AGM is being held on 13 December prior to guest speaker. Please note that Nominations are open for Director positions for President Elect/Club Service and Community/Fundraising. All interested parties please contact Kelly, Veronica or Brian.
- Christmas meeting 20 December with guest speaker Michelle Blakely. REMEMBER to invite your partners!
- New Year picnic on Friday 3 January at Matilda bay - put in your diary now!
Rick:
- 2nd Wednesday dinner at 17 Banksia Street on 11 December. Pizza night 6pm BYO grog!
Margaret W:
- Dial A Santa has 60 booking to date with 14 SAntas and several Elves. Funds so far are in excess of $15,000
There's many a Fine(s) line taken...
Ian K - perfomance as sergeant last week amused many, he'll keep...
Veronica L - Attended RC of Como Monday night - seeking election as their President?
Any shareholders in Lithium companies? Your gain is my gain!
All Cricket fanatics/tragics.
All RCMP Board members - it's Black Friday and nary a sign of 50% off!
Ian W - visiting member, pay up! Too long between drinks breakfasts!
Brian A - no such thing as a short cut to miss traffic, they normally lead you to bigger (and longer) traffic issues!
Michelle L - Lost your badge?
Winner of Heads and Tails
Two heads, two heads and Lew Thomas
was the winner who very thoughtfully presented his winning wine to our guest speaker!
Attendance
35 attendees in all, including guest speaker Brennan Fyans, and ex-Rotarian Peter Matthews visiting from Singapore.
