Racing Queensland has announced programming amendments to its 2023/24 thoroughbred calendar.
As part of an initial trial, Saturday metropolitan meetings will be run as 10-race cards from October 7 and will continue until early April before being reviewed.
The initiative will deliver $300,000 in additional prize money, with the new Saturday race to transfer from existing Wednesday metropolitan meetings and to increase in stakes from 38,000 to $50,000 per race.
In total, RQ intends to conduct 25 meetings as 10-race cards during the trial period.
Having consulted with a range of stakeholders including the Australian Trainers’ Association, Queensland Jockeys’ Association and its metropolitan clubs, RQ CEO Jason Scott said the decision had been made to increase returns to participants whilst simultaneously maximising wagering revenue.
“The Queensland racing industry has enjoyed strong growth in recent years, but it is clear that the national wagering market is resetting, and it's incumbent upon RQ to ensure that we are making commercial decisions,” Mr Scott said.
“By delivering more product on our most popular meeting, we can optimise wagering whilst delivering $300,000 in additional prize money.
“At the same time, we’re mindful of not overburdening our trainers and jockeys, so it’s imperative that we do all that we can to truncate our start and finishing times during this period.
“In the New Year, we will be able to properly assess the impact of the 10th race and whether it should continue, stop or be revised for the benefit of the entire industry.”
In addition, RQ will conduct a two-month trial throughout January and February at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club for its Sunday meetings to be run as twilight meetings.
The initiative is expected to stimulate wagering at Corbould Park and to create further returns to the industry.
Finally, RQ will reduce the number of Saturday TAB meetings it conducts in the New Year, with a view to reallocating them to alternate days on the racing calendar.
At present, RQ conducts four TAB meetings each Saturday, with the fourth meeting expected to be run on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays when there is less competition for product and broadcast time on Sky Racing.
“Our preliminary wagering analysis suggests that Sunday twilight meetings will be well supported at the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Scott said.
“Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the existing fourth TAB meeting on a Saturday, which is currently sub-optimal.
“By reallocating the meetings to days when we have little to no product, we can secure better coverage on SKY1, whilst ensuring that we continue to deliver payments to participants.”