METROPOLITAN
RWWA will continue the strategy introduced last year to increase stakes levels for prime metropolitan races while also implementing a strategy to commence increasing midweek stakes levels.
Group & Listed Races
The minimum prize money level for group 3 races will increase to $150,000 providing a boost of $25,000 to ten races run at this level.
The following key races run during the Festival of Perth Racing will enjoy further prize money increases:
- Winterbottom Stakes [G1] $750,000
- A J Scahill Stakes [G3] $200,000
Three new feature races will be introduced to the metropolitan race programme, including a $100,000 sprint race over 1100m on Kingston Town Classic Day; a $100,000 fillies and mares sprint over 1200m leading into the Matchmaker Classic [LR] run in Autumn; and a $120,000 feature event at Ascot over 3200m following the Bunbury and Pinjarra Cups.
PROVINCIAL
RWWA’s focus on stakes increases at Provincial A venues will see stakes on maiden races increase to $12,500, representing an increase of $1,500 per race across the nearly 400 maiden races run at these venues each season.
Owners racing horses at provincial B venues will enjoy stakes increases across all categories of races with a $1,000 increase to both maiden and handicap races completing the strategy for stakes levels at these venues to be set at 80% of Provincial A.
Broome Turf Club will be elevated to a Provincial B club for the first time.
Feature Races
RWWA is providing additional funding to all Provincial Race Clubs for feature races and increases in prize money will be announced in coming months, following consultation with Clubs.
COUNTRY
RWWA will again provide a 5% increase in stakes funding to all Country and Community Race Clubs. Increased stakes levels will be advertised in Racing Ahead in due course.