Base prizemoney for category A and B meeting races which was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic forced closure of TAB outlets will be restored to $6,500 and $6,000 respectively from July 1.
HRNSW had reluctantly taken the late decision on May 11 to reduce prizemoney but will be the first harness racing jurisdiction to return base prizemoney.
“Since April the participants in our industry have had to endure the restrictions of regionalisation and then from mid-May reduced prizemoney due to the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic” Chief Executive John Dumesny stated.
“Initial advices from our major wagering revenue provider Tabcorp in late March when their outlets were closed were alarming and drastic as we were told our revenue could be up to 50% down on budget.”
“Cuts to prizemoney were immediately adopted by other States in early April however at HRNSW a decision was taken to delay taking action in an effort to assess the dire situation and to support our participants as long as possible.”
“When the announcement to reduce prizemoney was eventually made effective from May 11 a firm commitment was given by the Board Members to restore base prizemoney as soon as possible and it is pleasing to now be able to act accordingly.”
“However a raft of other austerity measures including significant cuts to HRNSW operations have been adopted and these will remain in place until such time as wagering revenue trends are proven to be improved.”
“Stakeholders will need to baer with HRNSW personnel whilst these operational cuts are in place.”
The Review undertaken by HRNSW with industry stakeholders in respect of prizemoney differentials between A and B Category meetings races will continue with further consultation.
An outcome is to be delivered for implementation from the start of the next racing season on September 1.
“The situation which was encountered through COVID-19 has provided the industry the opportunity to reset the prizemoney differentiation between race meetings if at all and had been a discussion point well before the onset of the pandemic.”
“Therefore the splitting of the $12,500 prizemoney available each week across two meetings in each Region will be thoroughly addressed with Clubs and participants.”
Effective from July 1 in accordance with the revised COVID-19 race meeting calendar:
Bathurst on Wednesday July 1 the base prizemoney will be $6,500
Penrith on Thursday July 2 - $6,500
Wagga on Friday July 3 - $6,500
Newcastle on Friday July 3 - $6,500
Parkes on Sunday July 5 - $6,000
Tamworth on Thursday July 2 - $6,000
Newcastle on Monday July 6 - $6,000
Leeton on Tuesday July 7 - $6,000
Trainers are advised that programmes for these race meetings and others during July may be altered.
