Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association (TROA) chairman, Jonathan Munz, has voiced his concerns over Racing Victoria’s (RV) proposed prizemoney cuts, calling for a focus on reducing overheads and inefficiencies within the organization. Munz stated, “Before RVL considers reducing prizemoney, it needs to reduce overheads and inefficiencies at RVL – I understand they are also looking at that, and that is a good thing.” He further emphasized the need to address misallocations of prizemoney, particularly pointing out the $5 million allocated to the All Star Mile and a significant marketing budget, stating, “The obvious thing to do is to reduce the prize money for that race to $2 million and abolish the marketing budget.”
Regarding the lack of consultation, Munz criticized RV for failing to adequately engage with industry participants and experts. He stated, “Unfortunately, up until now, they have failed to adequately consult and listen to industry participants and experts, and this needs to change.” Munz called for transparency and expressed the association’s expectation to review the proposed prizemoney changes. “Let’s see the background details, let’s see the proposal and let’s consult,” Munz urged.
Munz also expressed his dissatisfaction with RV’s changes to the Spring Carnival program, particularly the decision to shift the Group One Thousand Guineas for 3-year-old fillies. He stated, “The Thousand Guineas must stay where it is… You’ll get a better field and keep the continuity into the VRC Oaks and the Empire Rose and most importantly, be able to get those horses ready for the autumn.” Munz further criticized the proposed changes, emphasizing the negative impact they would have on the horses’ preparation for the Autumn races, saying, “What RVL is proposing cannot work as you will be a month behind for races in the Autumn. This is a very serious problem.”
Munz’s quotes highlight the importance of RV addressing internal inefficiencies and engaging in meaningful consultation before implementing prizemoney cuts. He emphasizes the need for transparency and urges RV to reconsider the misallocations of prizemoney, particularly in relation to the All Star Mile race. Furthermore, Munz strongly opposes the proposed changes to the Spring Carnival program, stating that they would have a detrimental effect on the industry and the preparation of horses for subsequent races.
