Racing Victoria has announced it will introduce immediate financial assistance for trainers and jockeys in response to rising fuel prices, unveiling a range of short-term support measures.
From Wednesday, April 1, the organisation confirmed a number of temporary initiatives will come into effect across the state.
Licensed trainers will receive a $100 business support subsidy for each runner they have in a Victorian race. The payment is intended to help offset increased operational costs driven by higher fuel prices, with Racing Victoria expecting the support, alongside government relief measures, to at least limit additional transport expenses being passed on to owners and to assist employees, including stable staff.
Licensed jockeys will also receive additional support, with a $50 subsidy provided for every Victorian race meeting attended. This is designed to help cover increased travel costs and will be paid on top of the existing minimum riding fee of $100 per meeting for three rides or fewer, regardless of distance travelled.
Recognised retrainers, rehomers and retirement farms within Racing Victoria’s Off The Track program will receive a 10 per cent increase in business support for each horse they retrain, rehome or agist. This will lift the standard reporting subsidy to $165 per horse.
The announcement, made on Tuesday afternoon, follows the Federal Government’s confirmation on Monday that fuel excise in Australia will be reduced by 50 per cent — equivalent to 26.3 cents per litre — along with the removal of the heavy vehicle road user charge of 32.6 cents per litre of diesel for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM.
The measures have been introduced following ongoing consultation with the Australian Trainers Association (ATA), Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA), Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association (TROA), the State Government and other relevant bodies.
These temporary support measures will be implemented for a minimum of one month and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in consultation with the ATA, VJA and TROA, taking into account any further government announcements or advice regarding fuel supply and costs.
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