CANBERRA RACING CLUB UPDATE

Following the Racing NSW announcements on prize money increases, and the introduction of the $1.3 million Kosciuszko for country trained horses at Randwick in October, the Canberra Racing Club Committee will consider a number of race programming and prize money options.

The Club distributes over $5 million prize money annually and has budgeted for an additional $400,000 prize money in the 2018/2019 financial year. Canberra prize money has increased by over 70% in the past 12 years. In 2017/2018 Canberra trainers won $2.9 million or 60% of the Canberra Racing Club prize money for their race horse owners.   

The Club has called a meeting of trainers for Wednesday morning to discuss various options and the Racing NSW classification of ACT Trainers as Provincial Trainers.

The Club confirms its on-going and positive relationship with Racing NSW and respects its right to place conditions on some of its programmed races and to promote the interests of the participants within its jurisdiction. The introduction of the Kosciuszko is a positive outcome for Racing NSW participants and should be recognised as such.

The NSW and ACT Racing jurisdictions are intrinsically intertwined through the Deed of Agreement between the parties which formalises the racing services the Canberra Racing Club contract from Racing NSW including jockey insurance. The Club will continue to seek the best possible outcome for Canberra based trainers with respect to their participation in Country and Provincial classified races conducted by Racing NSW.

The Club will ensure the Minister responsible for Racing in the ACT is fully briefed on the latest racing industry developments and the possible impact on thoroughbred racehorse training operations in the ACT. The matter will also be the major agenda item at the Joint Industry and ACT Government Committee meeting, to be held in mid-August.  

Peter Stubbs
Chief Executive 
24 July 2018