The SA thoroughbred racing industry will receive an additional boost via a further $2.6 million increase in prize money.
Effective from the 2021 Adelaide Autumn Racing Carnival, all black type races will be increased. An additional $595,000 will be on offer in 2021, with the four Group 1 races across the prestigious six-day carnival each being run for $502,250.
Ahead of the carnival, the Adelaide Cup will receive a $50,000 increase, rising to $302,250.
General prize money levels will also be increased effective from 1 July 2021.
The substantial prize money boosts follow a doubling of the Racing Rewards SA incentive scheme for February and come on the back of a complete re-brand and re-launch last Friday, when the Racing SA name and new logo and branding were officially adopted, replacing Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA).
Main changes for 2021:
- Adelaide Cup up from $252,250 to $302,250.
- Four Group 1 races (The Furphy Goodwood, TAB Classic (Sangster), Australasian Oaks, TAB SA Derby) increased from $402,250 to $502,250.
- Increases for all SA Black Type events, starting from 1 April 2021.
Changes for 2022
- General prize money increases across the board (from 1 July).
Racing SA CEO Nick Redin described the board’s decision to boost prize money as another example of the SA industry pursuing its strategy of growth and job creation.
“The industry is strong and vibrant at the moment, and this announcement only adds further to that momentum,” Mr Redin said.
“We’re backing the industry to get behind us, and the trainers and other industry figures we speak to are certainly doing that.
“These new prize money levels will ensure our SA participants will be in a position to continue to grow their businesses.”
The February double-down of Racing Rewards SA (formerly known as SABOIS) – which provide financial rewards to breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys involved in the initiative over and above standard prize money – comes into effect immediately and leads into the inaugural Magic Millions race-day at Murray Bridge on February 27.
Featuring the $202,250 2YO Classic, the standalone Magic Millions race day is part of a restructured Adelaide Cup Carnival and Magic Millions sales program.
Racing Rewards SA bonuses will be increased by a further 10% from 1 July 2021.
In further good news for industry participants, prize money levels for individual races will be also increased from July 1 across all metropolitan races and at maiden races at both provincial and country meetings.
“That means Saturday races will offer a minimum $40,000 in prize money, from 1 July,” Mr Redin said.
“Importantly, all provincial and country maiden prize money has been lifted to the same as restricted levels.”
Mr Redin described prize money as “the lifeblood of the industry” and said the Racing SA board made the funding decisions following the completion of the organisation’s 2021-2023 strategic plan.
He said coupled with Racing SA’s share of the Marshall State Government’s industry investment of almost $30 million in the racing industry in SA - including 2019-2023 $24 million 2019-2023 stimulus package announced in 2019 - the prize money boost was aimed at increasing horse numbers in the state and creating more jobs.
“It’s all aimed at achieving our target of having 300 more horses in work by the start of the 2024/25 racing season,” he said.
“One job is created for every four horses, so the tangible benefits of this increase and the government investment are there for all to see.”
Black Type & ORC Feature |
Black Type Current |
Black Type from 10/4/21 |
Goodwood, Sangster, Australasian Oaks, Derby |
402,250 |
502,250 |
Adelaide Cup |
252,250 |
302,250 |
Euclase |
177,250 |
202,250 |
Queen of South |
177,250 |
202,250 |
RA Lee, SA Fillies Classic |
122,250 |
152,250 |
Great Eastern |
102,250 |
127,250 |
Sires Produce, National Stakes, Proud Miss, DC McKay, RN Irwin, Spring Stakes, Lord Reims, Chairman’s Stakes |
122,250 |
127,250 |
Listed |
102,250 |
107,250 |
Metropolitan |
Current |
From 1/7/2021 |
Opens & BM72 and up rating races |
52,250 |
54,750 |
BM68 ratings race |
42,250 |
44,750 |
BM64 & down plus maiden races |
37,250 |
40,250 |
Provincial |
|
|
Non listed cups |
51,800 |
54,750 |
Non maiden |
21,800 |
21,800 |
Maiden |
19,300 |
21,800 |
Country |
|
|
Non listed cups |
26,800 |
31,800 |
Non maiden |
16,800 |
16,800 |
Maiden |
14,800 |
16,800 |
IMAGE: Atkins Photography