The SA Racing Industry Group (SARIG) has announced the appointment of Sam Hayes as Chairman, replacing Paul Kristoris who has recently been voted to the Board of the South Australian Jockey Club.

Established in 2013, SARIG represents the five industry bodies within South Australian Racing, namely the jockeys, owners, trainers, breeders and bookmakers. SARIG’s charter is to ensure that the stakeholder groups represented by SARIG work collaboratively to provide input to the Governing and other key Industry bodies, to influence and to ensure the ongoing viability of the racing and breeding industry within South Australia.

Hayes has a substantial interest in the industry as Managing Director of Cornerstone Stud in the Barossa Valley.

“Our industry has some serious challenges however there are also some great opportunities to stop the exodus of racing industry stakeholders, most of which are moving interstate,” Hayes said.

“The industry contributes over $400 million to the SA economy and we are blessed with an ideal environment for rearing top quality racehorses. The leading trainer, owner and stud farm for the 2014 VRC Spring Carnival were all South Australians,” Hayes explained.

Members from each of the aforementioned industry groups are represented on the SARIG Board. Past Chairman Mr Kristoris believes SARIG is therefore well placed to work in the best interest of the entire industry.

“Our Governing Body, TRSA, is owned 50/50 by the SAJC and the SA Country Clubs so it is important that the majority of the 3,500 people employed in our industry are also afforded a transparent voice,” Kristoris explained.

“We believe that the industry needs to continue to work hard to foster a close working relationship with the State Government, an approach that has reaped great benefit for the racing industry interstate,” Kristoris added.

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