Racing SA announces significant prize money increases

Racing SA has announced a significant increase in prize money for its premier Saturday metropolitan and three-year-old races as part of a strategy to encourage owners and trainers to keep more of their quality horses racing in South Australia.

Under the changes unveiled on Friday, the state’s highest-rated Saturday metropolitan races will now carry $80,000 in prize money, while three-year-old contests will increase to $70,000. Those searching for the best betting sign up bonus will be watching closely as the stronger prizemoney is expected to attract deeper fields.

The announcement represents a notable rise from current levels, with this Saturday’s Benchmark 78 and Benchmark 72 races at Morphettville each worth $65,000 and three-year-old races previously conducted for $55,000.

Several feature events will also receive prize money boosts, including the Balaklava Cup, Murray Bridge Cup and the Sportsbet Finals Day program.

Racing SA has also adjusted the timing of the Moorundi Classic, moving the two-year-old feature from October to December after the race struggled to attract sufficient numbers when run on Murray Bridge Cup day.

The Moorundi Classic will receive a substantial prize money increase to $110,000 under the revised programming.

Racing SA hopes the enhanced stakes and programming changes will strengthen participation and improve the overall quality of racing across the state.