Owners, trainers and jockeys affected by the NSW South Coast bushfires will be able to access a relief package funded by Racing NSW.
The governing body announced the funding on Thursday in response to losses incurred by abandoned race meetings and other damage caused by the fires.
Financial support will be given to participants affected by the loss of the race meetings as well as support payments to participants directly impacted by the bushfires.
“There has been a substantial interruption to horses’ programs as well as personal and business disruption and losses suffered by participants as a consequence of the bushfires” Racing NSW’ chief executive Peter V’landys said.
Three race meetings have been abandoned due to the bush fires.
December 31, 2019: Nowra (abandoned 7.15am day of meeting)
January 2, 2020: Sapphire Coast (abandoned December 31 2019)
January 6: (abandoned January 1)
Funding relief for those meetings are:
Nowra and Sapphire Coast (Acceptances Taken)
i) abandoned race meeting payment of $200 per horse scheduled to race or $500 for horses trained on the South Coast, to be credited to the owners’ account
ii) 4 rides payment per jockey per meeting for all riders engaged, regardless of the number of rides
iiii) 1 x $500 one-off payment for South Coast trainers that had runners at one of those meetings
Moruya (Abandoned before acceptances)
i) abandoned race meeting payment of $100 per nominated horse or $500 for nominated horses trained on the South Coast to be credited to the owners’ account
ii) a further one-off payment equal to 4 rides for affected jockeys based on the South Coast at Nowra or further south
ii) 1 x $500 one-off payment for South Coast trainers that had runners nominated for the Moruya meeting (if not otherwise payable for Nowra or Sapphire Coast)
The abandoned race meeting at Goulburn on December 20 is also the subject of travel payments for horses scheduled to race and compensatory payments to jockeys engaged to ride at that meeting.
In addition to the compensation for the lost meetings, Racing NSW also has general funding available on application for those affected by the fires and has been contacting participants directly to assist with immediate needs.
“In addition to the lack of racing opportunities, there has been significant loss suffered by participants through associated costs,” V’landys said.
“Racing NSW is conscious of the extra financial burden this causes and will assist with funding to replace or replenish supplies and equipment.”
