Cash hit not enough

Extra meetings also needed, says trainer

INDUSTRY heavyweights are salivating at the injection of fresh prizemoney into horse racing but some believe there is still more to be done to put North Queensland on par with its southern counterparts.

On Wednesday, Racing Queensland announced $12 million in prizemoney would be injected annually into the industry, with standard stakes boosted by $2000 per race and $527,000 injected into feature carnivals from Rockhampton to Cairns.

Leading Cairns trainer Trevor Rowe, who has been vocal in recent years about the lack of prizemoney and TAB meetings in the north, thinks more can still be done.

“It is too long coming but it is really good that it is here now,” Rowe said.

“The extra prizemoney is good but Cairns still needs another 10 TAB meetings a year – that would give racing in the region the boost it needs.

“We still struggle to get a solid number of jockeys because of the travel that is required for them to earn the money.

“But Wednesday’s announcement is a huge bonus for all trainers, owners and jockeys, there is no doubt about that.”

New Townsville Turf Club chief executive officer Cassandra Cazzulino said the money would give racing confidence in 2018.

“I think the industry is going to be thrilled with this,” Cazzulino said.

“I think it will make the horses go around the track a little faster. It’s a great incentive for people to take part.”

The $12 million increase from Racing Queensland will deliver an additional $8.6 million to thoroughbred racing, on top of the $3.2 million announced six months ago.

Meanwhile, five races will be contested at Atherton Turf Club tomorrow, with the first from 1.10pm.

Cairns hoop Kirk Stone returns to the saddle for his first rides since December 2016 at the meet.