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Catholic World News News Feature

Negotiating stands harden on use of World Youth Day site August 29, 2007

Horse trainers in Australia have hardened their stance in negotiation with Church leaders and government officials for the use of a racetrack as the site for World Youth Day (WYD) ceremonies.

The Randwick racetrack, a state-owned facility, has been designated as the site of WYD activities, culminating in a papal Mass that is expected to draw 500,000 people. But the trainers who ordinarily use the track have threatened to hold their ground, forcing legal eviction from the site, if WYD organizers do not satisfy their demands for compensation.

Church officials riled racing officials when they announced the racetrack would be used-- and the horse trainers would be compensated-- for only 3 days. The trainers argue that construction of a papal altar and installation of security systems will require the closing of the track for several weeks.

Horse-racing officials argue that the track cannot be safely used while the construction is in process. They are arguing, therefore, that they should receive compensation for the expenses of moving 700 horses to other locations to continue their training.

While horse trainers and racing officials have issued angry statements about the continuing negotiations over the use of Randwick, WYD organizers have maintained their silence, explaining that the government-- as owner of the track-- is responsible for satisfying the trainers' demands. Government officials, in turn, have said that they will not comment on the negotiations.