Ladbrokes Australia has today announced it will partner with Tasracing to launch an innovative owners incentive which is expected to drive increased interest in thoroughbred racehorse ownership in Tasmania.
From 1 June, any registered owner or owners of a horse that wins a Maiden grade thoroughbred race in Tasmania will be eligible to receive a $2000 prizemoney boost as part of the Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Scheme.
With average prizemoney for a maiden win in Tasmania sitting at about $16,000, it is a meaningful boost which will encourage and reward owners who plan to own and run horses in Tasmania.
Ladbrokes is the statewide wagering and premier partner of all racing codes and clubs in Tasmania, and Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins labelled the new program as a “game-changer” for racing on the island state.
“Ladbrokes has been a long-term and great partner of racing in Tasmania and the Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Scheme is yet another example of a program which directly supports the core of the thoroughbred industry,” Mr Jenkins said.
“While the cost of owning and racing horses in Tasmania is less than many of the interstate jurisdictions, we need to constantly find ways to better support and encourage owners who are the lifeblood of the sport.
“Without horse numbers there are direct impacts on field size and wagering returns which impact the overall health of the industry and the hundreds of people it employs.
“When an owner or owners are lucky enough to get a horse to the track and to win a Maiden grade race, then this extra prizemoney will be very well received and may encourage them to take a share in another horse.”
Tasmanian trainer Gary White said without owners there was no industry.
“Ladbrokes has been sensational in its support for the racing industry,” he said.
“It is putting back into the industry in a major way. Through this initiative that supports our owners Ladbrokes is supporting our industry.
“The people I have spoken to about the additional money being made available for maiden wins are just rapt. And I am supportive of anything that supports or improves our industry.”
Ladbrokes Australia CEO Dean Shannon said Ladbrokes was proudly a racing led business and said it made sense to launch the Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Scheme in Tasmania.
“Tasracing have been great partners for us and like Ladbrokes, they are always looking for ways to innovate and to make racing more appealing to more people,” Mr Shannon said.
“Horse ownership is a great experience and through the Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Scheme we plan to reward owners who invest and then have the joy of their horse winning for the first time.
“Ultimately this is a scheme we would like to roll-out nation-wide, but I am thrilled that the Tasmanian thoroughbred industry, which consistently punches above its weight will be the first to benefit.
“I applaud Andrew and his team for having the foresight to engage and to roll this out for the immediate benefit of owners, who are crucial stakeholders in the racing ecosystem.”
Owners can register for the Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Scheme here. The first eligible meeting will be in Devonport on 7 June.