RWWA Announces Additional Funding for Westbred to Support Extended Season
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) today announces that an additional $330,000 will be committed to the Westbred incentive scheme, following Harness Racing Australia’s (HRA) decision to extend the 2019/20 season.
In May 2020, HRA announced that the 2019/20 racing season would be extended until 31 December 2020, due to the impacts of COVID-19.
The HRA Executive advised that the decision to extend the season would allow the State Controlling Bodies the opportunity to reprogram feature and futurity races which have been, or will be, impacted by the direct or related effects of the pandemic.
RWWA General Manager Charlotte Mills said the additional funding was required to accommodate the expected increase in three year old (3YO) Westbred payments, as a result of the extended season.
“Westbred has been identified as the underpinning platform for ensuring confidence in ownership and horse population for the harness racing industry.”
“Approximately 80% of 3YO races are won by Westbred horses, with 30% of 3YO races won by Double Westbred eligible horses,” said Ms Mills.
“From 1 September to 31 December, there will be 70 races for 3YO’s programmed. Therefore, the $330,000 will support the additional 3YO Westbred payments anticipated for the remainder of the calendar year.”
The extension to the 2019/20 season does not alter the breeding season. From a racing perspective, all standardbreds will keep their current age through to 31 December 2020.