The Victorian Racing Minister Denis Napthine’s announcement of a $79.5 million boost to the Victorian Racing Industry over the next four years is one of the most significant funding boosts to the industry in recent years, and is welcomed by the Australian Trainers' Association.
Most importantly the prime source for this funding will be through unclaimed wagering dividends, which the ATA Victorian Branch has strongly advocated both with RVL and the former and current State Government.
The ATA has firmly campaigned the case for returning unclaimed dividends to the racing industry on the basis that they rightly belonged to racing, with their existence solely the result of wagering on the racing industry.
The ATA also proposed that the apportioning of these funds from unclaimed dividends for necessary improvements to racing and training facilities and infrastructure would release RVL funds to enable much needed prize money increases to become a reality.
The Racing Minister Denis Napthine’s announcement is a positive indication of both his and the State Government’s strong commitment to the Victorian racing industry.
