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OOA
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8th APRIL 2004 AT 1830
HRS AT THE OXFORD GRA TRACK IN THE EXECUTIVE SUITE.

PRESENT: Chairman, Stuart Locke-Hart.
Treasurer, John Alcock.
Secretary, Jenny Hebborn
Committee Members, Carl Smith, John Moss, Roy Shorter
General Manager, Jim Snowden
. RGT Representative, Mel Hancox
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES. Approved by John Alcock & John Moss. Issue 13 Change from in to outside paddock
.
1. RACE COMMENTRY. Race commentary has now been re-instated, all owners have stated that it does make a difference to the evening. The OOA thank the management for there co-operation in resolving this issue.
2. PRIZE MONEY. Jim stated that there is no change to the prize funds due to external bid for GRA. However there will be a meeting on 7th April 04 but the outcome is still uncertain. Jim said the trainers will receive a one off payment from the BGRF, this will amount to approx £9k between 12 trainers. The payment will take place late April. Belle VUE are taking a different approach to the distribution of there funds but all other GRA tracks will take the same process as Oxford.
3. RUNNING RAIL. Some improvements have been made with more to come over the next few weeks. There are some other concerns, which are relevant to this issue but are covered in AOB.
5. HAREDRIVING SPEED/NEW HARES. The speed of the hare is still an on going issue. The hare that was used in the trial has now gone away for modifications. Reports at next meeting. Results still not available, but Bob Rowe is certain that trials are still ongoing and will give the results as soon as they have completed the trials.

6. UPGRADING/DOWNGRADING. The OOA is concerned that that on some occasions some dogs have not been upgraded after a win or some may have been miss-placed after injury? It was suggested that all members monitor this issue and report back at the next meeting. JS would pass on the information to the racing office.
Still ongoing, committee to monitor races.

7. GREYHOUND WELFARE ISSUES. The washing machines still have some problems, it now seems that they are not receiving enough water through the system to carry out its job correctly. They will be serviced and inspected again and it is expected to be resolved by the next meeting.

8. CURTAIN. There is some concern on who is responsible for the insurance for operating
The new curtain. JS will contact head office and inform the OOA at the next meeting.
Waiting for answers from Jim. = On going
It now seems that on rare occasions it is getting used, it has been suggested that all owners
Approach they're relevant kennels and asked for the curtain to be used. = Monitor.

9. 645&HURDLE.JS stated that there would be hurdle racing in the near future but unlikely
To have any 645 racing but he has not ruled it out completely.
To date the only trainer to show interest is Jason Foster, an update at the next meeting is required. If enough trainers show interest in the races the track will gladly put back on 645 & hurdle racing.

10. OOA FINANCIAL POSITION. JM informed the meeting that the OOA was in a healthy position with a £5300 balance. £500 TO Ann Shanon for the retired greyhounds and £500 spent on trophies. The sponsorship money has to date not been received.

11. AOB. The issue of dog leads and collars was raised and the meeting asked for 20 to be
Supplied from the RGT. It was also suggested that the owners also put in £15 towards the collars and leads, all agreed that this was a small price to pay for the years of fun the dogs have provided them

It was asked why the white line was removed from the finish line; the reason for the removal is that on windy days it lifts up from the sand and could be dangerous to the dogs.

CS stated that where the framework lies flat on the track (for the traps) it is actually causing
Water trap and could be very dangerous for the dogs on the last bend (4th bend) He also stated that he had Seen one or two dogs slip in this spot. Jim will look into this and report at next meeting

.
MH has asked for oxygen to put in to the paddock for the dogs in particular the summer. Jim will speak with the vet to resolve this issue ASAP.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING 4th May 2004 OXFORD GRA.

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