Wednesday's announcement by the New Zealand Racing Board of increased stake money might have been somewhat of a surprise, but it was a welcome one.
To sum up the announcement, the racing industry will receive stakes funding of $148.2 million for the next two seasons.
That is a $12 million increase from the $136.2 million, which was allocated this season.
Of the increase, $6.5 million will go to New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), $3.55 million to Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and $1.95 million to Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ).
I caught up with a range of Otago racing participants and industry administrators for their thoughts. Here is what they had to say:
Terry Kennedy, thoroughbred trainer: "Any little bit helps, as long as it doesn't go on the top end of the stakes. It has got to keep going down to the lower-ended stakes, I feel.''
Murray Acklin, former chair of NZTR: "Delighted with the announcement and hope that the increase in stakes is across the board, so every stakeholder benefits.''
Phil Williamson, harness trainer: "It is great to see we have people at the head of the industry that are looking to stabilise the bottom of the industry.''
Hannah Catchpole, chief executive of the Otago Racing Club: "As racing clubs have said many times, it is getting harder and harder for trainers and owners to operate under the current stake levels. These continued increases can only help to keep people in the industry and for the sport to grow.''
John Carlyle, Otago Greyhound Racing Club manager: "Where our code will focus on I don't know, but it has got to be good for the code and great for the industry.''
Shane Anderton, thoroughbred trainer: "It will be interesting to see how they are going to spend it. That is the next thing.''
Edward Rennell, HRNZ chief executive: "It's an outstanding result for the industry. We are just working through how it will be applied. However it will mean total stakes will increase by 10% next [season]. It is our intention to try and direct that in at the bottom end.''
Steve Tyler, thoroughbred trainer: "I hope they don't put it all on the top end of the Saturday meetings. But it would be good on the midweek races, because a lot of horses are not good enough to get out of there.''
Rodney Moore, Forbury Park Trotting Club chief executive: "From a Forbury Park perspective any increase in stakes will further help the Otago region remain a strong contributor to harness racing overall.''
Alan Jackson, chairman of NZTR: "We are very optimistic about the NZRB's commitment to continued stakes increases.''
Steven Prince, thoroughbred trainer: "It has got to be good for racing. It possibly could bring more people back to the game.''
Geoff Knight, harness trainer: "Any money to an owner is good money, so we must take it. Well done to the racing board and let them keep pouring it into our industry.''
Sounds like everyone is pleased, but most would like it to go towards boosting lower-class races.
Enjoy your weekend of racing.
Happy trails
- By Jonny Turner
