Horse welfare fund to be established
In addition to increases in prize money in NSW, racing authorities will establish a horse welfare fund to ensure horses are cared for throughout their lifetimes.
In a joint announcement on Tuesday, Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club announced across-the-board increases in prize money.
ATC chief executive Darren Pearce said Saturday races in Sydney would be worth $100,000 each from October 1 with Group Two races worth a minimum $200,000 and Group Three races $150,000.
Racing NSW chairman John Messara said provincial and country races would rise to $30,000 and $20,000 respectively.
One per cent of prize money will be retained to develop the horse welfare fund.
“We are paying $200 million prize money so $2 million of that will go to the fund,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.
“Every horse in NSW will be re-homed whether it has raced or not.
“One of the great issues we face is the care of the animal and we want to make sure it is world’s best practice.”