Butt takes charge after Lance steps aside as head of VTDA

Anthony Butt has taken charge as new president of the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association.

The champion harness racing reinsman replaces Lance Justice, who steps aside after more than a decade in the role.

Steve Cleave and Joe Pace have been appointed as joint vice-presidents, while Steve Warren stays on as secretary/treasurer.

“The association sincerely thanks Lance for his service and dedication to the position in what is often a thankless task,” said Butt, who is a former vice-president of the New Zealand Harness Racing Trainers and Drivers Association.

“Thankfully Lance has agreed to stay on the committee, and his knowledge and experience will be greatly appreciated.”

Butt said improving communication and ensuring transparency was a big focus for the VTDA in 2023 and beyond.

“The association has also created a new position of Executive Assistant, which has been filled by Colleen Aiken,” Butt said.

“This role will involve communication and transparency within the VTDA committee, member participants and Harness Racing Victoria, and involve regular updates for participants of VTDA agendas and activity.

“Colleen’s role will also involve having an active presence on social media for the association to get our messages out to our members, as well as creating a website for the VTDA.”

Butt said there were plans to appoint a representative in several of the major harness racing regions across the state.

“(They) will be the go-to person in each area to help with local problems and complaints, and ensure a smooth relay of information through to the executive committee to act on,” Butt said.

“It is also the new committee’s intention to appoint several of the executive members to head-up different areas of harness racing so our members have a go-to person specialising in each particular area that can inform and help with any problems.”

The following positions have been filled so far:

Drivers Safety Equipment/Gear Approval – Clinton Welsh-Anthony Butt

Junior Drivers/Young Participants – David Miles

Track Maintenance Committee/ Integrity – Lance Justice

“We aim to serve all participants of the harness racing community and we can only do this with a strong membership base, so please support us in our endeavours to become bigger and better,” Butt said.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV