HRV MAINTAINS STAKE LEVELS
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the racing industry’s wagering revenue, the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Board has determined that 2009/10 stakemoney levels will be maintained for the 2010/11 season.
However, the Board has determined that the profile of stakemoney will change.
Within the stakemoney total of $33.6m, a reallocation of the mix will take place as follows:
• Stakemoney for Saturday night career-front racing will increase from $5000 to a
minimum of $7000 with effect from November 1, 2010
• The SEW-Eurodrive Victoria Cup will increase by $25,000 to $425,000
• The BIG6 Hunter Cup will increase by $25,000 to $425,000
• The Australian Trotting Grand Prix will increase by $25,000 to $125,000
Several other semi-features have also had an increase this year. They include:
• Bill Collins Trotters Sprint – increase from $50,000 to $60,000
• Vicbred Championship – increase from $20,000 to $25,000
• EK Bray Country Cup increase from $8000 to $10,000
• VHRSC Provincial Cup – increase from $8000 to $10,000
• VSTA Trotters Cup- increase from $8000 to $10,000
To fund the increases there will be an expansion in the number of restricted-class race meetings – specifically a $3000 Thursday afternoon circuit at Tabcorp Park, Melton.
“The increase to a minimum of $7000 on Saturday nights will provide a point of difference for horses in each class,” HRV chief executive John Anderson said.
“Connections will have a choice of the restricted circuit, the $5000 career-front circuit or the $7000 Saturday night circuit.
“The restricted class meetings are proving increasingly popular and there is a clear demand for them to keep a large number of horses in the racing population. Field sizes
have increased this year primarily as a result of the strategic placement of restricted meetings.”
“This season’s calendar is designed to provide racing opportunities for all classes of horses and to maximise wagering turnover in these difficult times.”
Courtesy of Brad Bishop, HRV Media Manager