Leading trainer Tony McEvoy has applauded the announcement of prize money increases for South Australian racing and is committing to the long term future of the sport in the state.
Thoroughbred Racing South Australia on Friday announced an increase of $5.8 million.
McEvoy said it was a clear indication from TRSA and the government they want racing to again be strong in SA.
He believes it is incumbent on people like himself to get behind TRSA and the government to show support.
“People will say I’m pulling up stumps and going to Ballarat, but I’m not pulling up stumps out of South Australia,” McEvoy said.
“I want to get my stable in South Australia back as strong as it’s ever been.
“I will make a commitment and with these increases I can go to my clients saying that we’re trying to get this up and going and we need your support.
“We’ve got to look after it.”
McEvoy is committed to having 100 horses in training at Ballarat in Victoria with his son Calvin in charge.
While numbers at Angaston will initially fall, McEvoy is keen to increase those again.
“I want to live in the Barossa and I want something to do, so I’ll look forward to building that number back up,” he said.
McEvoy said TRSA had committed more than double its allocated share of government funds to provide the increases.
A total of 69 per cent of the extra funds has been allocated to provincial and country races with 88 per cent of the annual races in SA to increase by between 11 and 35 per cent.
The new prize money increases come into effect on September 1.
* More than 60 per cent of metropolitan races will attract $50,000 prize money
* $45k races increase to $50k
* $35k non-maiden races go to $40k
* $30k maiden races increase to $35k
* Provincial non-maiden races increase from $15k to $20K
* Provincial maidens increase from $13k to $17.5k
* All country cups rise from $20 to $25k
* Country races rise from $12k to $15k
* Country maiden races increase from $10k to $13k
