Queensland trials new policy this racing season
A new policy on minimum race numbers and fields for thoroughbreds has been enforced by Racing Queensland.
Following consultation with trainers and stakeholders, the minimum number of acceptances required for a race has changed to five down from seven.
The trial will run up until July 31, 2017, with the previous restrictions on the minimum number of races at race meetings lifted.
Racing Queensland CEO, Dr. Eliot Forbes, said the change came up during discussions with Australia Trainers Association Queensland branch.
“We take the views of our key stakeholders very seriously and we have been convinced this trial is a positive move for the industry as a whole,” he said.
Dr Forbes added the trial would deliver real data on demographics, program impact and wagering metrics to inform future policy decisions.
“The policy will be reviewed at the end of the trial after we analyse the results for clubs, owners, trainers, and punters.”
Australian Trainers Association Queensland spokesman, Cameron Partington, applauded the decision.
“This is a fantastic outcome for all trainers throughout Queensland, and the industry as a whole,” he said,
“We appreciate that small fields are not ideal, and that fields of less than five are difficult to sustain viability.
“This great news comes at a very welcome time, and is credit to the hard work of the ATA (QLD) and the consultative relationship we have with Racing Queensland and in particular Thoroughbred Board Representative, Mark Sowerby.”
Queensland Trainers Association’s president, Ross Shannon also praised the change.
“QTA welcomes the decision,” he said.
“We had a situation where we had to delete a race for 2yo’s today because we only had five starters so for us it couldn’t come quick enough.
“We think it’s a great decision.”
Dr Forbes added this policy will enhance trainers and owners’ confidence in the racing program, as well as in the ability to place their horses to their best advantage.
Racing Queensland will also work with clubs on a meeting by meeting basis in the new trial. This will boost country and remote clubs where the preceding policy may have deemed some race meetings untenable.
“We are always looking for ways to make racing more sustainable and to ensure the thrill of racing can be enjoyed by communities across the state,” said Dr Forbes.