KEY POINTS:
New Zealand thoroughbred racing (NZTR) will this season receive an extra $5.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB), it was announced yesterday.
The $5.7 million is an increase of 9.2 per cent on last season, taking thoroughbred racing's total funding from NZRB, which operates New Zealand's TABs, to $67.2 million.
The increase will help fund the extra 25 race meetings this season, up from 299 to 324 meetings, and a general increase of stakes.
In addition, the minimum stake for a premier meeting increases from $15,000 to $20,000 and the minimum stake for a group one race rises from $150,000 to $200,000. There are 45 premier meetings this season, up from 39 last season.
"Every owner, basically, is going to have more opportunity to race and race for better money," said Campbell Moncur of NZTR.
The extra funding will also help pay for a full year of free nomination and acceptances fees for all races, other than group or listed stakes' races. It only ran for six months last season.
Jockeys will also this season be paid $50 if a horse they have been declared to ride does not start. Their riding fee this season is up from $100 to $106.
* Gerard Brown has been named an interim chairman of the Judicial Control Authority (JCA) following the resignation of John Grant, the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) announced yesterday.
Grant was a founding member of the JCA and became its chairman in 2002.
Brown's appointment would be until a more permanent successor was named following a review currently being undertaken.
Brown has more than 20 years legal experience, all in private practice.
- NZPA
