Prizemoney gets a timely boost

By Glen Atwell
CRANBOURNE trainers have given thumbs up to a Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) plan which will boost prizemoney for winners and placegetters of country and metropolitan races.
RVL announced last week plans to increase prizemoney by $23.6 million in the next two years.
The cash injection equates to a 15 per cent increase on current levels.
Phase one of the plan will be implemented on 1 August and will see an increase in prize money in country races and midweek and night metropolitan races.
The country minimum will increase from $9000 to $10,500 and from $12,000 to $13,500 for Thursday and top tier Sunday meetings.
Phase two of the plan, scheduled to come into affect on 1 February next year, will see country minimums increased again, from $12,000 to $15,000 for Thursday top tier Sunday meetings.
Cranbourne trainer and president of the Australian Trainers’ Association Colin Alderson said the prize money increases would help local trainers get back on track.
“It’s a relief that something is finally happening,” he said.
“We’ve been going backwards the last few years with increases in prices of just about everything. This is a step in the right direction, but there is much more to be done.”
RVL acting chief executive Bernard Saundry said the increases were in recognition of the significant investment being made in Victoria by industry participants.
“RVL is providing these investors with a longer range plan of its commitment to increasing returns to participants,” he said.
“We have directed the recent efficiency savings announced by RVL in May to prize money and have paid special attention to bolstering funding for country racing, where nearly 60 per cent of the additional money is being allocated to lift race minimums.”