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By Mark Brassel

Race clubs right around New South Wales expressed their delight following Racing NSW’s announcement of prizemoney hikes for all sectors.

Racing NSW rubber-stamped a massive $25 million yearly increase in prizemoney, with total returns to owners and participants in NSW now over $336m annually.

"Prizemoney increases are a reflection of the strength of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry". Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Picnic minimum prizemoney goes to $5,000 per race and Country TAB increases to $25,000 per race.

These rises in minimum prizemoney come on top of increases that came into effect from 1 July 2021 with increases for all tiers of Country racing.

And ‘The Big Dance’ will be introduced – a new $2m 1600m race at Royal Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day with eligibility restricted to horses contesting one of 25 selected NSW Country cups throughout the year.

The Hon. Kevin Anderson, Minister for Racing said: “Thoroughbred racing is one of the most professional industries in the state, which they proved time and time again during the pandemic when they were able to keep operating and keep contributing valuable dollars into the state’s economy.

“I welcome Racing NSW’s commitment to expand the prizemoney and look forward to watching the sport continue to grow and prosper here in NSW. This is a very proactive step from Racing NSW and will go a long way to strengthening the industry.”

Racing NSW Chairman, Russell Balding AO added: “These prizemoney increases are a reflection of the strength of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry and importantly will provide increased returns to owners and participants across all sectors of racing in NSW.”

Coffs Harbour Racing Club’s CEO, Tim Saladine said: “The introduction of the Big Dance can only enhance country racing and hopefully the Coffs Harbour Cup can be part of the criteria being run over the same distance.

“The Big Dance will strengthen the quality of horses in the Country cups and stimulate the local economies bringing additional owners to the regions.

“To have a chance of racing for $2 million at Royal Randwick by running in a Country cup is such a great incentive for all participants.”

Shoalhaven City Turf Club’s (Nowra) CEO, Paul Weekes said: “It can only mean good things for the Club. We’ll continue to get quality horses and big names such as Gai Waterhouse coming down from the city.

“For local trainers and jockeys, it’s great too, the industry is truly in a good space. It’s very exciting … and for a general participant’s perspective the prizemoney increase helps everyone.”

Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s (Wagga) CEO, Jason Ferrario said: “Our Club is excited to hear the news about The Big Dance. We would be so excited to work with Racing NSW should we be one of the Clubs chosen as a qualifying venue.

“The injection into the economy through tourism, accommodation and hospitality is just what country areas need to get people back into the country following the hardships of COVID.”

Albury Racing Club’s CEO, Steve Hetherton, said: “The initiative would provide a huge boost to Albury if the Club was included.

“It's certainly an exciting concept and will raise the profile and interest in our cup – imagine being an owner and having your horse race for $2 million!”

Dubbo Turf Club Operations Manager, Sam Fitzgerald applauded the announcement: “Racing NSW’s continued investment in prizemoney levels and in particular regional racing prizemoney highlighted their commitment to industry participants and owners.

“Country racing plays an enormous part in delivering grassroots interest and participation in the industry and Racing NSW continue to affirm its ongoing commitment to strengthening country racing.

“Owners and participants continue to see unprecedented prizemoney returns. These returns play a huge role in driving new interest and new opportunities in our industry.”

Tamworth Jockey Club’s GM, Michael Buckley said: “The initiative shows forward-thinking as it would appeal to the younger demographic while working hand-in-hand with one of the traditional great days in racing.

“We are really well looked after at Country level with weekly Highways, the Country Championships, The Kosciuszko and now The Big Dance.

“It’s a race that gives everyone a chance whether it’s a home-bred horse given to a Country trainer, or an owner of a Metropolitan/Provincial-grade horse not measuring up at a higher level.

“I’m sure those attending the non-TAB meeting at Tamworth on Tuesday, November 1 will have their eyes glued to televisions around the course as they watch The Big Dance following the Melbourne Cup.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Scone
Thursday: Goulburn
Friday: Grafton, Quirindi
Saturday: Wagga (SERA Country Championships), Orange, Condobolin picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Taree (MNCA Country Championships), Queanbeyan