THE 167th Wallabadah Cup will boast a bigger prize purse than ever before thanks to a boost from Racing NSW.
The annual New Year’s Day cup meeting will now offer $8000 in prize money, up from $6000 in previous years.
Wallabadah Jockey Club president Bill Kelly said the increase in prize money was “great” for the iconic event.
“It might help us get better horses, bigger fields and a bigger crowd,” Kelly said.
We also have a few new sponsors, Shaun Hamilton Funerals have come on board while the Scone Race Club will also sponsor a race too.”
The increase comes after Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding announced a 25 per cent increase to minimum prize money for non-TAB and Country Sky 2 races, which are conducted in regional and remote areas of NSW.
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From January 1, minimum prize money for Country Non-TAB races will be increased from $6,000 to $8,000 per race and Country Sky 2 races will be increased from $10,000 to $12,000 per race.
The total prize money for this sector has increased by 160 per cent since 2012, the highest percentage increase of any sector, in NSW thoroughbred racing.
“I am delighted that Racing NSW is able to fund these increases, which will underpin community racing and ensure that all segments of thoroughbred racing in NSW benefit from increases in our revenues,” Balding said.
“Racing is very important in these regional and remote areas and we want to ensure they are viable and continue to provide entertainment and a social outlet for these communities.”
NSW Racing Minister Paul Toole, said racing was close to the heart of many rural areas in NSW, bringing communities together.
“This is another fantastic boost for country racing and the NSW Government is pleased to continue its support of racing right across the state,” Toole said.
“Not only is country racing important to local communities, but an important draw card for tourists and visitors.”
