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The Australian Turf Club has got its finances back in order and has announced massive boosts to prizemoney, as well as a reduction in trainer’s fees at its racecourses.
A total of $2.085 million worth of prizemoney will be added to the ATC’s major races for the upcoming spring and summer season.
The Epsom Handicap will have much of its allure restored with the prizemoney doubled from $500,000 to $1 million, after reaching its lowest point of $350,000 in 2009.
Sydney’s showpiece staying event, The Metropolitan, will also be doubly lucrative with winnings now totalling $700,000,
ATC Chief executive Darren Pearce is hopeful the lure of increased prizemoney will restore the prestige of its spring and summer races,
“The Star Epsom Handicap is again Australia’s premier Spring mile race and we hope it can attract The Star Doncaster winners and runners, and those heading to races such as the Cox Plate as in previous years with champions such as Super Impose, Filante and Racing To Win,” Mr Pearce said.
But prizemoney is not the only area that’s benefiting from the ATC’s improved financial position,
“Prizemoney is just one area where we have been able to return more of our surplus to the industry, and we are delighted to further bolster our Spring program,” Pearce said.
“In partnership with Racing NSW, and with revenue from areas such as TV rights, we can now continue to invest further.”
One of these areas is reducing trainer’s fees by 10 percent, a move welcomed by NSW Trainers Association CEO Steve McMahon,
“We’re delighted the ATC has reduced track fees by 10 per cent. Reducing the costs of racing is paramount so it’s great to see costs come down. It’s a step in the right direction.”
On top of this, there have been changes to ballot exemptions for autumn events. The winners of the Epsom and Metropolitan will earn exemption for the lucrative Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while the Flight Stakes winner will get the same for the prestigious Doncaster Mile.
Finally, the Premiere Stakes and Roman Consul Stakes will gain ballot exemption for the TJ Smith Stakes.
The three races are key events in The Championships.
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