Betfair, Australia’s only licensed betting exchange and sponsor of twelve Victorian country race clubs, has announced the launch of a series whose winner will be awarded AU$25,000 and crowned “King of the Bush”.
The 2009 Betfair King of the Bush series consists of eight legs to be run at Betfair-sponsored Victorian race tracks between September 27 and November 3 2009 (Melbourne Cup day).
Trainers are automatically entered into the competition when they are entered into any of the designated races of the King of the Bush series.
Points will be awarded to placegetters in each leg; the trainer who collects the most points across the series will win the cash prize and mantle of King - or Queen - of the Bush.
Betfair Commercial and Sponsorship Manager, Nick Cummins said that through its broad sponsorship portfolio, the company has long maintained a desire to support grassroots racing.
“We have a commitment to supporting racing at all levels. We are very proud of our partnerships with twelve regional Victorian clubs, as well as that with the Melbourne Racing Club and others in South Australia and our home state, Tasmania,” Cummins said.
“We are also fully devoted to providing initiatives to help broaden the awareness of racing. Our customers watch racing day-in, day-out, and we’re confident the additional revenue we’re committing through sponsorship will contribute to the long-term viability of our partner clubs, and racing in general.”
Country Racing Victoria Communications co-ordinator Bradley Thomas welcomed the support of country racing from Betfair and the implementation of the initiative.
“We look forward to following the progression of this series, which will highlight the competitiveness of Victorian country racing and possibly unearth a future Group 1 winner,” said Thomas.
The King of the Bush will be crowned at a presentation at Betfair Dunkeld races on November 14 2009.
For further information and conditions of entry, please visit www.kingofthebush.com.au.
