The Queensland thoroughbred industry is set to prosper from a $5.5 million prize money increase.
From January 1, 2022, Racing Queensland will deliver increases across provincial, regional and country racing, along with black-type races.
As a part of the announcement, South East Queensland Provincial showcase races (52 per year) will soon double to $50,000, with all provincial maiden races at Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast increasing by $2,000 to $26,000, and non-maidens to $24,000.
Provincial meetings at Beaudesert, Kilcoy, Warwick, Gatton and Dalby will also receive a $2,000 boost, racing for $19,000 in the New Year.
Toowoomba races will also receive a $1,500 uplift, with maidens soon to be worth $23,500 and all other races set at $21,500.
In Central and North Queensland, maidens will increase from $20,500 to $22,000, while non-maiden races will increase by the same amount to $20,000.
Support races conducted on feature meeting days in the region will also be run for $30,000, up from $25,000.
Across the state, more than 100 country TAB races will receive a $2,000 uplift, rising to $14,000.
“With almost 40,000 participants across the state, it’s imperative that we provide them with the ongoing support – and confidence – to continue to work and invest within the Queensland racing industry,” Racing Queensland Chairman Steve Wilson AM said.
“Having grown annual returns to a record-high of $271 million in FY21, a year-on-year increase of 22%, we continue to set aggressive targets for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
“As part of the funding announcement, provincial, regional and country racing will be supported.”
In addition to the grass roots prize money, $500,000 in black-type upgrades will be delivered with RQ set to unveil its Winter Carnival features next week.
Full programming details will be provided in this month’s edition of Race magazine.