Following the announcement by the Minister for Racing of a 6% increase in stakes from 1 February 2021, Tasracing has consulted with the Harness Industry Forum as to how to best allocate the additional funding to the benefit of participants.
Tasracing provided recommendations for the expenditure of the additional funding of varied increases to base stakes races.
Varied recommendations were received with a majority support of an increase to base stakes. Further items recommended were:
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- Tasbred bonuses
- Increased first win bonuses
- Additional second win bonuses
- Small Tasbred win bonuses for 4YO & Older
- Increase ‘Tasbred selected first’ races
- Including 2 & 3YO races in the base increases
- 3YO Fillies Series
- Tasbred bonuses
Tasracing has considered the above recommendations and determined that the funding will be allocated to base stakes only as follows:
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- $5,500 increase by $250 per race – $5,750
- $6,800 increase by $200 per race – $7,000
- $8,100 increase by $650 per race – $8,750
- $10,000 increase by $500 per race – $10,500
While Tasracing is not opposed to changes to the Tasbred Scheme or an increase in ‘Tasbred selected first’ races it has been determined that further analysis is required prior to making any changes. The extension of the 19/20 racing season has seen an unforeseen overspend in the current Code Bonus budget. Data analysis including but not limited to foals born, mares services, 2 & 3YO racing statistics and number of Tasbred ballots (recent stats only) will be presented for discussion at upcoming Industry meetings.