There was some good news for Bathurst thoroughbred trainers this week as Racing NSW announced that prize money for the highly successful Highway races will be increased by 50 per cent.
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As of August 6, the Highway races will carry a purse of $60,000 per race, up from $40,000.
Highway races are restricted to Class 2 or 3 country-trained gallopers and added to Sydney race programs each Saturday outside peak carnival periods.
The first such race was held on October 17 last year at Royal Randwick.
The prize money increase maintains the position of Highway races for country participants in line with recent increases in prize money for Country TAB racing to $20,000 per race.
Given the recent run of washed-out meetings both at Tyers Park and other Central West venues, Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing Club general manager Michelle Tarpenning said the increase in prize money was welcomed news.
“We get 12 bites of the cherry here and to have three of those taken away is hard for everyone, it’s hard for the club, hard for the trainers and hard for the owners,” Tarpenning said.
“But for the local trainers be able to go down to Sydney and contest those Highway races for some good prize money, it is a positive.
“I think it is a fantastic initiative and we have had a couple of trainers here who benefit from them. Don and Andy Ryan are pretty keen on them.
“Any increase in financial incentives for country racing is a good one and it is nice to see Racing NSW acknowledge it.”
Peter Stanley is another Bathurst trainer who has enjoyed success in the Highway series.
Last October City Boots came within a half length of victory at Randwick, finishing third at $20 odds in the Bill Rutledge Tribute Highway Handicap (1,000 metres).
Racing NSW said the Highway races have gathered strong support over a short period, drawing together progressive country gallopers on a weekly basis.
They have provided tremendously interesting and competitive racing. To date, 398 starters have competed in 34 Highway races at distances from 1,000m to 1800m.
“The Highway races have performed strongly since they commenced in October last year and warrant this further investment. The Highway races will now deliver $2.5 million in prize money annually,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.
“The most satisfying element of the Highway races to me is seeing the thrill and excitement among owners that have runners in these races.
“The frequency and positioning of Highway races gives punters a feel for these horses and their form.”
