MTC CEO believes race field fee increase “benefits” NSW racing

Wagga Gold Cup

MURRUMBIDGEE Turf Club CEO Scott Sanbrook believes the increase in race field fees introduced recently by Racing NSW will help grow the sport of thoroughbred racing in the state.

Racing NSW announced a week ago that they are increasing their race fields fees – which are charged to all wagering operators – which has been met with equal parts adulation and admonishment.

Online wagering firm Betfair announced that it will increase the costs of their commission rates for NSW races, causing consternation for punters, but the MTC CEO said the benefits will help strengthen the sport.

“It will help increase revenue for clubs across the state,” Sanbrook told HorseBetting.com.au.

“This obviously assists in making minimum prize money and other expenses more sustainable.”

The decision to increase the fees in NSW is seen as massive boon for an industry that has been seen to favour the metropolitan races ahead of the country meets over the years.

Racing NSW released a statement last week that asserted their decision to increase the race day fees was in the best interests of the industry.

“The half of one cent increase from 1 July 2017 has absolutely no effect on the recreational punter who are responsible for over 90% of total betting turnover on all wagering operators’ turnover,” the statement said.

“Racing NSW has always had a proud record of looking after the punters and believes that this increase has no effect on the majority of punters.”

The MTC CEO agreed with the statement, saying the decision gives the entire thoroughbred industry a massive boost across the board.

“Many clubs such as the Murrumbidgee Turf Club pour a large percentage of its revenue back into prize money,” the CEO explained.

“Which in turn provides a huge boost for owners and trainers.”

The increase in racing fees come into operation from July 1.

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