The Star Championships set down for the 4th and 11th of April - which includes the running of eight Group 1 races - will proceed, subject to changes in Government restrictions.
Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club have agreed that in response to the unprecedented challenges arising from the Coronavirus, prizemoney for The Star Championships will need to be reduced.
The main source of funding for prizemoney is wagering which will be significantly reduced by the current lockdowns of pubs, clubs and TAB retail agencies.
Other sources funding for prizemoney, being on-course attendances and sponsorship have also been severely impacted given the public is not currently permitted to attend race meetings. Racing NSW has focused on a number of strategic imperatives over the past years, including the establishment of a Future Fund, so as to enable the NSW Racing Industry to continue in the face of such challenges.
However, it is important that those cash reserves be maintained for as long as possible, so as to fund the industry as a whole given the uncertainty as to how long the challenges and restrictions arising from Coronavirus will continue.
Accordingly, as set out in the following table, prizemoney for the ten The Championship races this year will be reduced by 50% and the prizemoney for the Country and Provincial Championship finals will be reduced by 20%. The Group 2, Group 3 and Listed races will remain unchanged.
For more information please contact Mr Peter V’landys AM, Racing NSW Chief Executive, by phone on (02) 9551 7556. Revised prizemoney for The Star Championships.
