GRV Announce Major Stakes Increase

GREYHOUND Racing Victoria (GRV) has moved to stem the flow of rapidly increasing short-course events by announcing a 15 per cent prizemoney increase for provincial races 480 metres and beyond. 

In making the announcement on RSN Central, GRV CEO Alan Clayton said an additional $300,000 will be injected into stakes from mid-March through to June 30 before the initiative delivers an additional $900,000 annually.

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"We have made these changes permanent to underpin our commitment to longer races and provide our participants with a clear vision for distance racing into the future," Mr Clayton said.

"The structure aims to the support our existing ‘Go Distance Racing' schedule, which already provides $300,000 annually in prize money rewards for distance racing."

Under the new scheme Grade 5 races between 480m to 594m at Provincial Level will be worth $1,900 to the winner with a total pool of $2,725.

Provincial races from 595m+ will be worth $2,185 to the winner with a total pool of $3,145 while Level 3 racing (Half Stakes/Tier 3) Grade 5 races (480m to 594m) will carry $950 to the winner and a total pool of $1,365.

Lastly, Level 3 races from 595m+ will be worth $1,100 to the winner and a total pool of $1,580.

Clayton said the increase is designed encourage our breeders, trainers and owners to aspire to race beyond 480m+ and support our racing product at these distances.

"Supporting these monetary incentives will be a review of some race programming initiatives,” Clayton said.

“The aim is to provide opportunities for races over longer distances that will complement the new prize money structure.

"These could include changes to field sizes required for distance racing, and changes to the distances of regular heats and finals at Provincial meetings."

The announcement from GRV follows the recent news that GRNSW was injecting $1 million in stakes to traditional 500 metre racing until the end of June.