FROM THE SHERIFF'S DESK - RACING NSW STAKEHOLDERS ARE RIDING A TIDAL WAVE OF PRIZE-MONEY INCREASES

By John Schreck | Wednesday, September 14, 2016

John Schreck, a former Chief Steward in both Sydney and Hong Kong, has seen both the colourful and the dark sides of racing. His wealth of experience and his deep knowledge of racing matters across the board is unquestioned and the reputation he built as a racing ‘lawman’ remains firmly entrenched in racing’s history. Shreck’s personal blog, ‘From the Sheriff’s Desk', appears exclusively on HRO.

The latest announcement of prize money increases in New South Wales ... which lifts the annual prize money payout in the state through the $200 million barrier ... is a welcome bonus for all concerned as the increases are across the board, from metropolitan, to provincial to country.

It important for the industry that it is structured that way.

It was therefore a touch surprising to hear that some small concern has been expressed about the fact that provincial trainers could in fact be compromised by the new stakes structure on the basis that the big city stables will now bring more of their lesser horses to raid the now richer provincial pickings ... and that provincial trainers might thus be worse off unless some restrictions are brought into play to protect their situation.

I find no validity in that argument at all.

If there was validity in that argument there would be validity in restricting the number of overseas horses that might come for Caulfield Cups and Cox Plates and Melbourne Cups.

I just don’t believe you can have restrictions like that.
I know some people will argue that the rich will get richer and the poor will go broke. That is, of course, a bit of a fact of life but what is the answer to it?

The answer to it is a lemon. You can’t change it.

It’s a matter of competing where you can make a fist of it. If you can’t compete then, I’m sorry to say, you have to take the consequences.

One of the great things about horse racing is its competitiveness and the fact there are never any guarantees. You still get $100 chances winning and it is that sort of dream that keeps people in it.

The bottom line is that water will always find its own level.

That is the same with any sport.

Those who are at the higher level in any sport will be compensated accordingly for it and those at the low level will always struggle with significant challenges ... whatever the prize money levels.

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The conjecture is that increased prize-money in New South Wales will lead to an increase in field sizes which will lead to greater turnover?

I strongly dispute that conclusion.

It is a proven fact that a field size of twelve to fourteen is the optimum field size to generate turnover.

I know the turnover is large on races like the Doncaster and the Melbourne Cup but, except in those classic type races, you don’t want too large a field because, like a poor cricket team, the tail is too long ... and those that are in the tail get in the way of the ones with a chance.

And so, no, large fields will not necessarily mean greater turnover at all.

The makeup of race fields it is quite fine line in terms of what you are trying to achieve with numbers and quality.

I think that is one of the reasons why turnover is so good in Hong Kong where the largest field size is fourteen and the average is a little bit less than that.

Certainly, big is not better.

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Another important, positive aspect of the Racing NSW prize money announcement was the fact that one percent of the financial allocation will go to the establishment and maintaining of a Horse Welfare Fund as Racing NSW look to ensure the best possible welfare practise is achieved.

This initiative also absolutely has to be welcomed by everybody.

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*HRO comment: For the record, details of the Horse Welfare Fund, as announced by Racing NSW on September 6 are:

Racing NSW will establish a Horse Welfare Fund which will be predominately funded by a deduction of 1% of all prize money paid in NSW. It is estimated that $204 million of prizemoney will be paid in the coming year, accordingly $2 million will be taken from prize money.

This will be in addition to Racing NSW's existing horse welfare schemes.

This exciting new initiative will ensure that all NSW thoroughbred horses will be appropriately cared for outside of their racing careers. This includes ex-racehorses as well as those thoroughbred horses that have never made it to the race track.

Racing NSW will provide resources for the care, retraining and eventual re-homing of all NSW thoroughbred horses including for new careers as equestrian horses, companion or pleasure horses.
Specifically,

Racing NSW will establish a new operating division for:

- Appointment of a dedicated team of staff to manage the program, including a Horse Welfare Veterinarian;

- Establishing partnerships with riding schools, pony clubs, local agricultural societies and other equestrian organisations to promote the re-homing of thoroughbred horses;

- Expanding the current Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Program with additional re-trainers to vastly increase the capacity for new horses; and

- Raising awareness for thoroughbred welfare and undertaking training days for their new owners