Increased prize money in place for greyhound racing

Increased prize money is now in place for greyhound trainers and owners, part of Racing Queensland’s Investment Growth Plan that will see an additional $31 million injected into the entire state racing industry.

With the Palaszczuk Government now returning 80% of Betting Taxes back to the industry, a further $6 million will be allocated to increase club related payments with $4 million being allocated to asset management and $2 million to club operational funding.

The greyhound code alone will receive $9 million, headlined by the Group 1 Brisbane Cup which will almost double in prize money from $525,000 to $1 million in 2023.

The increased prize money will come into effect for tonight’s $375,000 Gold Bullion, with the winner receiving $250,000, up from $200,000 in 2022.

Australia’s richest maiden greyhound race, the Group 3 Vince Curry Memorial at Ipswich, will also see a growth in prize money to $112,525, with the winner awarded $75,000.

Racing Queensland has also increased unplaced prizemoney to $50 for short course races, $70 for sprint distance races, $90 for middle distance races and $110 for long distance races.

Furthermore, RQ has enhanced appearance fees for longer distances with sprint races now attracting $80, middle distance races $100 and long distance races $120. 

Short course events will remain at $60.

At the same time, RQ has placed a 1% prize money levy on all greyhound races, as per the equine codes, and a 5% premium levy on $250,000 races to support and enhance its animal care initiatives.

RQ’s Strategic Plan focuses on upholding world-class integrity and animal care standards in Queensland, which has seen the adoption of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme, supporting the industry’s commitment to placing welfare at the core of its day-to-day activities.

Additionally, RQ introduced the Greyhound Retirement Readiness Scheme in 2022, which has been designed to optimise overall greyhound health and wellbeing in retirement.

Click here to see details of prize money allocations.