Open letter raises red flags over NSW trainer relicensing requirements

NSW trainer Debbie Prest has penned an open letter to the Racing NSW board and executive, expressing her concerns about the introduction of the Sleip App and the requirement for trainers to provide financial information to the regulator as part of the re-licensing process.

Prest, who has been a licensed trainer for more than 35 years and has previously served on boards, including Greyhound Racing NSW, said she held concerns that trainers were expected to renew their licences without being provided with the full details of those requirements.

“Trainers should be fully informed of the scope and consequences of any compulsory requirements before entering into the agreement,” she wrote.

She posed a series of questions about the introduction of Sleip App, which interprets the gait of horses and can assist in identifying any potential lameness issues that may be present.

Racing NSW was set to make use of the App compulsory, requiring all licensed trainers to video their horses trotting up weekly from July 1, but has instead opted for a trial.

NSW Trainers Association chief executive Richard Callander confirmed to The Straight last month that there are still unanswered questions and welcomed the trial. 

However, the use of the App is referenced in licensing documents for trainers for the new season.

Prest, who trains a handful of horses, wants Racing NSW to answer a list of questions around the possible compulsory use of the App.

“As a matter of procedural fairness and good governance, is it reasonable to expect trainers to commit to an agreement where the material details remain undisclosed?” she asked.

“Trainers should be fully informed of the scope and consequences of any compulsory requirements before entering into the agreement.”

“No trainer opposes genuine welfare initiatives. Trainers are the frontline providers of horse welfare and have a vested interest in maintaining high standards of horse care.”

In her letter, which is published below, Prest also sought clarification around the requirement to provide relevant financial documents/reports if requested by Racing NSW.

Prest has been vocal in her criticism of Racing NSW and, in 2020, was fined and suspended for social media comments about the regulator and its chief executive, Peter V’landys.

Prest made a submission to the Rosehill parliamentary inquiry and appeared at the Select Committee hearings in September 2024 where, among other things, she raised governance and transparency concerns about Racing NSW.

Racing NSW was approached last Thursday to respond publicly to Prest’s letter but is yet to reply. If it does reply, a response will be published.

The Straight has opted to publish her open letter as it raises pertinent questions about the licensing requirements in NSW. As with any third-party-submitted letters, The Straight does not endorse Prest’s statement but offers it for discussion.

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The full letter:

Dear Racing NSW Board and Executive,

I am writing to raise concerns about two issues in the 2026/27 licence renewal documentation.

Mandatory use of the Sleip App

The licence renewal states that “Racing NSW is introducing a compulsory requirement for trainers” use of the equine gait analysis technology Sleip. Further information in regard to the required processes will be provided when available”

This raises a fundamental concern. Trainers are expected to renew their licences and effectively agree to future mandatory requirements without being provided with the full terms, conditions, obligations, costs, liabilities, and practical application of those requirements.

As a matter of procedural fairness and good governance, is it reasonable to expect trainers to commit to an agreement where the material details remain undisclosed? Trainers should be fully informed of the scope and consequences of any compulsory requirements before entering into the agreement.

Several important questions need to be answered for trainers to consider their position:

• What will be the exact scope of the compulsory use of the App?
• How frequently will assessments or trot-ups be required?
• Will trainers be sanctioned if they are unable, for whatever reason, to record and upload assessments?
• How will the data be used, stored and protected?
• Will the App-generated assessments be used for acceptances, scratching decisions or regulatory action?
• Will the app-generated assessments be used for acceptances, scratching decisions or regulatory action?
• Can the app assessment be reviewed or challenged by an independent veterinarian?
• What type of issue with the App assessments will trigger a RNSW Veterinary examination?
• What liability rests with trainers in the event of technical failures, inaccurate assessments or user error?
• Will Racing NSW provide training, tech support, financial compensation (as per Fair Work Act) for implementation costs, especially for those who don’t use IPhones?
• Regarding horses sold on to other trainers or retired from racing, will their Sleip App data be available to potential purchasers, and what are the welfare/legal ramifications of that data?

No Trainer opposes genuine welfare initiatives. Trainers are the frontline providers of horse welfare and have a vested interest in maintaining high standards of horse care.

I note the Sleip App was referenced in Racing NSW’s 2023 CEO report. Given the lengthy period available for planning, consideration should have been given to a staged implementation accompanied by participant education and consultation before any mandatory requirements were imposed. Lack of consultation is concerning.

There is a sad and concerning welfare issue with trainers in the twilight of their careers; many may choose to leave the industry rather than attempt to comply with additional technological requirements, feeling forced out.

This risks loss of decades of horsemanship, knowledge and experience from participants who have helped build the industry. It is a form of technological bullying and ageism, having no regard for their experience and implying they are not adequately equipped to train horses, which places emotional stress on them, forcing a decision they may not have made otherwise.

Financial information requirement

My second concern relates to the requirement to “Agree to provide relevant financial documents /reports if requested by Racing NSW for the purpose of conducting a financial review to confirm that I have sufficient resources to meet my financial obligations as a trainer and to provide sufficient care/welfare at all times for the horses in my care”

Apart from the absolute insult that arises from this agreement, clarification is sought regarding:

The purpose and scope of the agreement?

• How does it differ from Racing NSW’s existing powers?
•  Whether it grants any additional authority beyond the current Rules of Racing or legislative provisions?
•  What information may be requested and under what circumstances?
•  How confidential/private information will be stored, used and protected?

It is also noted that trainers cannot proceed with their licence application unless they agree to these provisions. This raises a legitimate question as to whether the agreement is genuinely voluntary when refusal prevents licence renewal.

Finally, the licence renewal document states that a Notice of Assessment is not an upfront requirement. The wording appears to indicate that it could still be required subsequently. Clarification on this point is also required.

Concerned trainer,

Debbie Prest

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