Monday, 18 June 2012: Queensland Racehorse Owners Association has welcomed Racing Queensland's announcement to boost prizemoney in the State.
Under the changes, midweek metropolitan races will see a 60 percent increase to $146,000 per meeting from September 1st, 2012.
On top of that, 42 midweek races for 2yos and 3yos will now carry a $10,000 QTIS bonus, taking them to $27,000 per race.
"The QROA has been lobbying for increased prizemoney for midweek metropolitan racing for some time and we are thrilled the new RQL board has acted so quickly," said QROA president Kerrina King.
"While this is definitely a step in the right direction, there is still a long way to go to bring us in line with the southern states but I am confident that with time we will achieve this."
Country racing has also been included in the funding package with non-strategic race meetings' prizemoney increasing from $4000 to $5000 per race. This increase was supported by QROA which was consulted by country racing in the lead up to the announcement.
The QROA will now focus on lobbying for increased prizemoney for all provincial areas.
The QROA has received many comments that the three key training centres of the Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast should be an immediate priority.
Therefore, the association, without ignoring the needs of North Queensland, has adopted a policy that there needs to be some prioritisation in the first instance for provincial upgrades.
"It is clearly evident from the changes we have already seen that racing in Queensland will progress under our new leaders," said Ms King.
"I am confident they will seriously consider the improvements needed in our major provincial areas and I hope we see a financial lifeline thrown in this direction soon."
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