News & Media

10 May 2011 Harness Trial Drive Fee A First For WA

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) today announced key changes to Harness funding for the upcoming 2011/12 racing season.

Following consultation with harness stakeholders, particularly the Breeders, Owners, Trainers and Reinspersons Association (BOTRA), RWWA will introduce a $15 per drive payment for trial drives commencing 1 August 2011.  Western Australia will become the first state to pay drive fees specific to trials. 

Consistent with the announcement in March, RWWA will be introducing a new metropolitan midweek tier of racing at Gloucester Park with stake levels rising from $5 700 to $7 000. The metropolitan strategy also included the reduction of 17 metropolitan midweek meetings and the increase of Provincial race meeting allocations to Pinjarra (+6) and Bunbury (+2). Stake money at Prime Provincial Clubs (Bunbury, Northam and Pinjarra) will increase to $5 700 per race in 2011/12.

Country racing will benefit from an increase in both races and stakes provision towards meetings.  Races at country venues will increase from 6 to 7 and total stake money per meeting will increase from $24 000 to $26 000.

RWWA Chief Executive Officer Richard Burt said, “The new metropolitan strategy is designed to support all sectors of the industry and provide some offset to increasing cost burdens.  RWWA has maintained its commitment to upholding a positive funding model and providing ongoing incentive for investment in the harness industry.”

“In true consultative fashion, RWWA proposed a driver fee increase for the season 2011/12 and consensus stakeholder feedback was that instead a trial drive fee would assist the broader participant base.  We have taken that information on board and determined an Australia-first fee for trial drives.” Burt said.

The Inter Dominion will be hosted at Gloucester Park in 2012 and provision has been made for increased stakes relevant to this major Feature Event.  RWWA will contribute over $660k towards Inter Dominion stakes with other States and New Zealand contributing over $550k.

The overall distribution to harness will increase by 4% to $29.9M, the large majority of the increase being a direct result of Inter Dominion stakes contributions.

 

Contact:  Charlotte Mills
Manager Racing Strategy and Communication
9445 5200 / 0411 485 040 / charlotte.mills@rwwa.com.au