World Youth Day papal Mass back on track at Sydney racecourse

Published: 2007-07-13

SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) -- Disgruntled horse trainers withdrew a legal threat against the 2008 World Youth Day vigil and papal Mass at Royal Randwick Racecourse and agreed to work with the New South Wales government on a compensation package. In principle, the trainers now have no objection to the events being at the racecourse, local media reported. Jim Hanna, communications director for World Youth Day, said news that the trainers had averted legal action "reflected the advanced nature of the discussions between all of the stakeholders." He said compensation would probably be much lower than the $50 million (US$43.4 million) figure circulated in the media. In the period leading up to the vigil, Hanna said up to 200 horses could continue training at Randwick "on all but three days" and although it would be necessary to relocate horses to other race venues "no race meetings will be canceled." The Randwick Trainers Association had said it would explore legal avenues to stop use of the racecourse for 10 weeks next year because of the July 15-20 World Youth Day activities.

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