South Australian racing will come under more pressure as an announcement to slash prize money to consolidate the impact of the coronavirus has been announced.
Racing in South Australia has been on a downward spiral since the government implemented a 15% POC levy on bookmakers in the state which has hit sponsorships and prize money in recent years but things are only going to get worse with the coronavirus impacting crowds and turnover.
Prizemoney will be cut by 15 per cent from April 1 to June 30. This will be done by slashing all black type race prizemoney levels across the states main carnival down to benchmark level, as well as a 10 per cent cut to general races.
“Our aim is to keep racing going, just as it has been able to in Hong Kong and Japan during the pandemic. It is vitally important that we keep going to ensure there is not a significant equine welfare that will arise should all thoroughbred horse activities be stopped,” Redin said.
“The prizemoney reductions are necessary to try to ensure the industry’s ongoing viability. We’ve discussed this measure with some of our leading trainers, and they understand that we have to do whatever is necessary to get through this.” RSA boss Nick Redin said.
