Big bonuses for industry

TWO substantial thoroughbred bonuses offered by Tasbreeders will be honoured when racing in Tasmania resumes next month.

As part of the state’s Thoroughbred Breeding Incentive Scheme, two races that were scheduled to be run earlier this month will be rescheduled to a suitable time after racing resumes. These races will be amended to a 3YO & 4YO race for this year only with prizemoney unchanged at $50,000 each.

The inaugural running of the $50,000 TasBred 2YO and 3YO races (originally scheduled for May 3) are now likely to be rescheduled to September or October.

“Tasbreeders wants to ensure that during these current tough times that the TasBred scheme can continue to be a shining light for our industry with funding secured for the scheme when racing resumes,” Tasbreeders vicepresident David Whishaw said. “Initial discussions have suggested a move to the spring, which will provide the opportunity for trainers to target these races.

“There is no doubt the bonus incentive scheme has given the industry some new positivity over the past 18 months.

“We see the feature races as an important part of the new TasBred scheme and feel it is really important to give owners and trainers the best chance to target these races.”

Tasracing CEO Paul Eriksson said the rescheduling of the feature bonus races will provide an added incentive for owners and trainers.

“We understand the shutdown period has already placed considerable economic pressure on many owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys and the bonuses will ensure that connections are maximising returns when winning a bonus race,” Eriksson said.

Because of the coronavirus-enforced shutdown, the TBIS nomination deadline for 2018-born foals has been extended from April 30 to

June 30.

The TBIS injects $1.54 million in bonuses to the connections of eligible 2YO, 3YO and 4YO horses, distributed across up to 72 races, including the $50,000 features.