Racing Queensland has revealed how prize money increases for harness racing will be distributed to industry, following the announcement of a $2 million stakes increase on Tuesday.
Highlights of the prize money increase are listed below:
QBRED Enhancements
A new look QBRED scheme where horses will be ‘QBRED For Life’ has been introduced. The offer includes enduring returns for all eligible QBRED horses of any age during their racing career.
- $10,000 First win bonus in Queensland at any age upon winning a race with a stake value higher than $4,500
- $7,500 Second win bonus in Queensland in any subsequent racing season following the First Win bonus being won, providing a race stake value higher than $4,500
- Further enhancement to the QBRED Cash component of the scheme
The new scheme will commence from 1 September 2019. However, for the 2018/19 season the 2YO bonus will increase to $10,000 effective immediately. Further details on the mechanics of the new scheme including sustaining fees will be discussed with industry prior to implementation.
Trainers’ Percentages – Effective 1 December 2018
The trainers stakes percentage will increase by 2.5% (from 5% to 7.5%) to help support the important role trainers play in the industry. Importantly this increase will be on top of existing stakes levels to ensure owners are not negatively impacted. This will also bring Queensland in line with other states.
Trotters’ Bonus – Effective 1 December 2018
A $2,000 first-win bonus will be paid to the owners of any trotter upon its first win in Queensland, subject to the horse being trained by a Queensland trainer. This initiative complements RQ’s strategy to grow the active racing population of trotters in the state which in 17/18 resulted in a growth in trotting races of 14%.
General Prizemoney Increases – Effective 1 December 2018
- $1,000 increase for all ‘Band Penalty’ races
- ‘Restricted Penalty’ races at Redcliffe increased to a minimum $3,500
- ‘Career Penalty’ Races at Redcliffe and Albion Park lifted to a minimum $5,000
In addition to these initiatives RQ will continue to convert non-TAB product to TAB where possible and work with stakeholders to expand racing opportunities for hobbyist participants.
Roll out of these initiatives (with the exception of the QBRED enhancements) will commence from Saturday night’s Albion Park Race meeting (1 December 2018) which features the Group 3 Be Good Johnny Sprint.
