ATC Mounted Security recognised
04 May 2012 | Australian Turf Club The Australian Turf Club (ATC) was awarded Highly Commended in the category of ‘Special Security Event or Project’ for its Mounted Security at the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) 2012 National Awards for Excellence held in Melbourne on Thursday.
This follows the success of the Club’s BMW Sydney Carnival which included six days of Group 1 Thoroughbred racing, over $21 million in prize money, spectacular entertainment and superb corporate hospitality which concluded last week.
Mounted Security was introduced at the Club in 2010, having received the endorsement of the Club’s senior management and board of directors as an opportunity to showcase and uphold the service and safety ethic of the Club and enhance its interactions with patrons.
The Club’s Mounted Security patrols are deployed during race days and major events at the four ATC racecourses including Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick as a form of risk management. After intense planning and training the ATC was the first organisation in the Southern Hemisphere to take these preventative measures.
Each horse and Mounted Security Operative has undertaken extensive preparation for work in the proximity of large crowds, weather and noise conditions as well as vehicle traffic. In addition to an internal training program the ATC engaged instructors from the Florida, USA based Mounted Police Training Academy Inc. (MPTA) to deliver training to the ATC mounted team.
Team members receive practical training and formal qualifications in mounted law enforcement and as Mounted Police Instructors.
“The ATC is the first organisation in Australia to implement mounted security. By engaging the MPTA, the ATC invested in the future by building its internal capability to deliver this specialised training,” said Shane Brady, ATC’s General Manager - Security & Risk.
“Deploying up to eight horses and riders per event, the ATC Mounted Security Section is an excellent deterrent against anti-social or criminal activity and generates extremely positive interaction with patrons.
Mounted Security also presents the ATC an additional opportunity to aid in the rehabilitation and reeducation of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing career. The Thoroughbred security horses are selected for their temperament, physical ability and aptitude.
ATC Executive General Manager – Hospitality, Events and Operations, Lynell Peck has championed the initiative from its inception.
“Customer service and a strong safety orientation has always been our highest priority. We are proud to take the lead in continuing to enhance services and security for our members and guests whilst providing a post racing career for the race horses we love.”
The ATC Security Team was previously the winner of the prestigious In-House Security Team national award in 2010.