Cash spike helps racing go distance
CHARTERS Towers trainer John Barr believes the recent increase in prizemoney across Queensland will keep more people and horses in the racing industry following a spike in nominations at Cluden Park.
Today’s Classic 1 Handicap will be run across two races after 24 out of 25 nominations were accepted for what would typically be a 10- horse field.
The renewed interest comes after Queensland’s racing community went on strike last month in protest of a lack of prizemoney resulting in standard Townsville race pools increasing from $ 14,000 to $ 16,500 and unplaced runners now awarded a $ 400 payment.
Barr will saddle up Golden Light in today’s Coca Cola Amatil Class 1 Handicap ( 1200m) and he said the boosted prize pools made the trip to Cluden Park more appealing for regional trainers. “No doubt the prizemoney’s a draw and it’s only an hour and a half from here in respect to driving five hours to Moranbah or Richmond or some of the places we’ve been going,” he said.
“It keeps people in the game a lot longer when you’re getting $ 300 or $ 400 every time they’re unplaced going around.
“You start them four times in a month, there’s your training fees. Horses that would normally be sacked probably get another few chances. There’s not much future for them after racing.”
Golden Light has been in impressive form on the country tracks, having placed five times in six starts including a win over the 1200m at Richmond on October 27.
The four- year- old gelding has a wide gate today in Barrier 11, but Barr was confident he was up to the mark against the tougher competition in Townsville.
“I’ve got no worries about him going down there. I think the bigger track will suit him down to the ground,” Barr said.
“He probably should’ve won his last start at Moranbah ( when he ran second). He just got nailed over 1400m out there, but it wasn’t the best ride I’ve ever seen.
“He’s drawn terrible, but this is definitely his distance. He’s ready, for sure.”