Bathurst trainer Roy McCabe says Racing NSW’s increase in prize money in non-TAB and Sky 2 races is fantastic news for trainers in the Central West area.
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Racing NSW announced a 25 percent increase in prize money for those races starting January 1.
The minimum prize money for Country non-TAB races will be increased from $6,000 to $8,000 per race, and Country Sky 2 races will increase from $10,000 to $12,000 per race.
“It is just what we need,” Bathurst trainer McCabe said.
“The increase in prizemoney will actually make race meetings more difficult as it brings all the Sydney horses out here.”
“Last year there were only about six horses at the meetings, this year there were about 30 more and with this increase, it will definitely bring more horses out here to race.”
The increase is part of a move by Racing NSW to ensure that all segments of thoroughbred racing in the state benefit from increases in revenue.
This latest announcement is seen as massive news for trainers in the regional and remote areas of New South Wales.
“Racing is very important in these regional and remote areas and we want to ensure they are viable and continue to provide entertainment and a social outlet for these communities,” said Racing NSW Chairman Mr Russell Balding AO.
Michelle Tarpenning, manager for Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing, says that the increase in prizemoney is important for the region.
“This is a really important initiative for the horse racing industry. Horse racing is a really tough industry to be in, so the increase in prize money will be huge for all the trainers and people who work with the horses, and this will allow more horses to race,” Tarpenning said.
“The move is all about making horse racing more viable for the country areas and making it more accessible for all trainers to be a part of.”
Prizemoney in non-TAB and Sky 2 races has increased by 160 percent since 2012, making it the largest percentage increase in any NSW thoroughbred racing sector.