Racing and Wagering Western Australia will revert to the previous process of barrier draws for thoroughbred races being conducted prior to release of nominations and weights for all race meetings from 1 October 2016 onwards.
The trial of barrier draws being undertaken following close of final acceptances was implemented in an attempt to improve metropolitan Saturday field sizes and reduce the number of pay 1 and 2 dividend only races. RWWA has undertaken extensive consultation with stakeholders groups throughout the trial.
RWWA Manager Thoroughbred Racing David Hunter said “a review of data for the trial period does not provide conclusive evidence that this outcome has been achieved.
Field sizes for races at our prime metropolitan race meetings remains a critical issue. RWWA and stakeholders must work together to address this issue as it is imperative to the sustainability of our industry going forward”.
The Racing Department will continue to extend acceptances for races with insufficient acceptors to allow non-acceptors to be reinstated into fields.
Consistent with the return to the previous process, the non-acceptance fee of $45 (excluding GST) will no longer be waived from 1 October.
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