Trots, dogs money lift
Harness and greyhound racing’s turn for prize money increases
RACING: Last month the Queensland thoroughbred industry benefited from vital prize-money increases and this week it’s the turn of harness and greyhound racing to receive some welcome news.
Racing Queensland on Tuesday confirmed the state government will make available funds for an immediate 17% prize-money increase for the greyhound and harness codes.
Prize money will increase collectively by $5.5 million per annum co-funded by the government and Racing Queensland, to be distributed according to each code’s revenue market share.
Greyhounds will receive an increase of $3.5 million, with $2 million for harness.
The injections are aimed at progressing industry viability concerns, boosting grass-roots participation and improve cash flow for stakeholders.
For harness, it is in addition to the increase of $200,000 in drivers’ fees which began in August this year.
Darling Downs Harness Racing Club president Anthony Collins said the stakes injection is timely as lobbying also continues for the re-introduction
‘‘ EVERY INCREASE IN PRIZE MONEY IS WELCOME AND THIS IS GREAT NEWS. ANTHONY COLLINS
of harness racing to Toowoomba.
“Every increase in prize money is welcome and this is great news,” Collins said.
“I’ve seen the way the money it is to be spent and I think Racing Queensland is definitely on the right track.
“It is being distributed wisely through the QBred Scheme and into grass-roots racing.
“With the proposed introduction of further meetings at Marburg and weekly TAB greyhound meetings starting up at Capalaba this can mean only positive outcomes for both codes.
“I have also had discussions with Racing Queensland about the reintroduction of the harness code to Toowoomba.
“There are two possible venues under consideration and I am pleased to say all doors remain open and they are listening to the case we are presenting.
“Toowoomba is a perfect location for harness racing for a number of reasons and I’m hoping to have some positive news soon to go with the prizemoney announcement.
“It could help see a muchneeded rejuvenation of the industry west of Brisbane.
“It’s the type of good news harness racing needs to help restore some confidence amongst stakeholders.
“The possibility of returning greyhound racing to Toowoomba is something I also think is worthy of discussion.”