Daniel Andrews promises $33 million boost to Victorian racing
RACING in Victoria is set to be a big winner if the Premier Daniel Andrews is re-elected after the Labor Government announced it will increase prizemoney in the state by $33 million over the next two years.
Under the proposal by the Andrews government, the new package would ensure that the minimum prizemoney for every category of Victorian race would be the equal of anywhere across Australia.
If the Andrews Labor Government is re-elected, the package would come into effect on January 1, 2019.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said it was important to support an industry that contributes $3.2
billion to Victoria’s economy and supports more than 25,000 jobs across the state.
“A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will ensure Victoria remains the premier racing state with a boost in prize money to ensure jobs and investment remain right here in Victoria and continue to grow.
“Victorian racing is more than just the Spring Racing Carnival. This increase in prizemoney will help support Victorians working in thoroughbred racing in suburbs, regional cities and country towns right across the state.”
RV Chairman Brian Kruger said the deal would ensure that Victoria remains as the “premier racing state in Australia”.
“We welcome this strong commitment from the Andrews Labor Government to strengthen their support of Victorian thoroughbred racing and importantly the 92,000 people that actively participate within our industry.
“Victoria has long been regarded as the premier racing state in Australia and like the Andrews Labor Government we are committed to maintaining that position of primacy.
“A vibrant and successful thoroughbred racing industry is great for Victoria. Enhancing returns to our owners, trainers, jockeys and breeders, particularly at the grass roots, is crucial to that.”
Kruger said the big winners of the prospective deal will be those in regional centres.
“80% of our racing is conducted outside metropolitan Melbourne and this package would see minimum prizemoney increases at all country TAB meetings. This continues the support for grass roots racing with increases already implemented this season for country non-TAB meetings.
“Victoria is the home of the stayer, hosting 40% of the nation’s staying races including its most famous cups. Through this prizemoney package we want to ensure that Victoria remains the destination to race a stayer or a three-year-old.”
Prizemoney increase breakdown:
$35,000 minimum prizemoney per race at over 170 country race meetings;
$50,000 minimum prizemoney per race for midweek metropolitan race meetings;
$135,000 minimum prizemoney per race for Saturday metropolitan races for three-year-olds and races over 2000m or further; and
$125,000 minimum prizemoney per race for all other Saturday metropolitan races excluding pathway races.