Racing Queensland will remove one of the barriers to entry for the harness code after agreeing to fund participants’ insurance in 2019.
As part of industry reform, RQ will alleviate some of the financial and administrative burden that is placed on harness participants, ensuring a direct return to industry in the process.
During the 2019 season, RQ will provide:
- Public liability and personal accident insurance for harness trainers, drivers and stable hands (with the exception of starters fees which will continue to be charged until June 30, 2019.)
Previously, the respective insurances have been paid by RQ before being recharged to industry participants.
Queensland’s Breeders Owners Trainers and Reinspersons Association president Daren Garrard applauded RQ’s decision to cover the cost of public liability and personal accident insurance for the 2019 and 2020 racing seasons.
These insurances are arranged on behalf of participants by RQ each year.
“The BOTRA and Racing Queensland are continuing to work collaboratively towards making the industry more sustainable, with this initiative building on the prize money increases announced in late 2018,” Mr Garrard said.
RQ Chief Commercial Officer Geoff Quinlan noted that not only will this decision improve the cash flow of participants, but it will also reduce their administrative burden by having one less invoice to take care of.
“Insurance premiums can serve as a friction point within the industry,” Quinlan said.
“We’re constantly looking for ways that we can remove barriers for people to participate – be that administratively or financially – and I’m sure this will be well received.”
