Forbes Jockey Club will receive a major boost in prize money with new legislation set to match NSW’s wagering tax rates with Victoria’s. Every TAB race at Forbes Jockey Club will have the minimum prize money offered
per race increased by $5,000 to $20,000 from July 2016.
“Any funding increase directed towards country racing is good,” said Forbes Jockey Club President Blake Nicholson. “Hopefully it will encourage more trainers and people into racehorse ownership which will boost the quality of racing in country New South Wales.” “Infrastructure at the tracks has been worn down over the last couple of decades and it is fantastic to see money going towards that.”
Member for Orange Andrew Gee said this will mean more jobs, bigger crowds and help grow the local racing industry. “Racing is an important part of the Forbes community – everyone loves to get down to the Jockey Club and enjoy a day out at the races,” Mr Gee said. “Local trainers, jockeys, owners and punters have been crying out for increased prize money to invigorate the industry and the benefits will flow to the whole community.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Troy Grant said the increased prize money at Forbes Jockey Club is part of a $21 million state-wide package to boost country and provincial racing. “In addition to the increased prize money
at regular TAB meetings, approximately 40 Country Showcase meetings will be held at regular intervals across regional NSW offering a minimum $30,000 in prize money,” Mr Grant said. “Racing NSW has recognised the huge
contribution that regional NSW makes to the racing industry so I would like to thank Chairman John Messara, the Board and CEO Peter V’landys for delivering this much needed boost to country racing.” Legislation to match NSW wagering tax rates with Victoria passed NSW Parliament last week, delivering $235 million extra to the industry over five years and an extra $90 million for each year after that.