Subsequent to the 2012/13 Racing Industry distribution announcement last month, further minor amendments have been made following consultation with industry stakeholders.
As announced in June, the current stake money threshold, limiting trainer and jockey shares of stakes was to be reviewed to enable trainers and jockeys to receive their normal percentages over the next two seasons.
Following discussions with all relevant stakeholders on this new two-tiered initiative and to minimise the impact of the new thresholds on owners’ stake money won, the current threshold level of $2,001 will be lowered to $1,001 for all metro race meetings from 12/13 (as previously announced) and to $250 at provincial and country meetings. All stake money won which is below $1,001 and $250 respectively will be retained 100% by owners in this upcoming season. In season 13/14 the thresholds will be reduced to $250 and $100 respectively, which is consistent with a number of jurisdictions elsewhere in Australia.
For the upcoming season commencing 3 August, any stake money won above $1,001 from 4th onwards in the metro area (incl. mid-week 1st – 5th stakes) will be distributed 85% to owners, 10% to the trainer and 5% to the rider. Similarly, at provincial and country venues, any stakes $250 and above paid from 4th onwards will be split 85%; 10% and 5% respectively.
Although stake money levels will be increased in 12/13, to further assist owners RWWA has introduced a new ‘Starter Subsidy’ initiative.
Commencing 3 August 2012, RWWA will introduce 5th stake money for all Provincial A Handicap races (Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Northam, Pinjarra). At the same time, RWWA will also introduce a starters’ subsidy of $100 for horses placed 6th in all metro prime and midweek races and at Provincial A handicap races. A starters’ subsidy for horses placed 5th and 6th in all Provincial A maiden races and for all Provincial B races will also be paid from 3 August, 2012.
RWWA currently pays down to 6th place for all harness races conducted at Provincial and Country level in WA, with Gloucester Park prime meetings paid down to 5th.
Finally, the Bookmakers Levy paid directly to Clubs will be excluded from the ‘Distribution’ and accounted for as an ‘Industry Subsidy’. This makes possible the additional funding to thoroughbred owners for the Starters Subsidy.
