The Kosciuszko to showcase regional racing

Media release | 18 July 2018

NSW’s regional thoroughbred industry will get a major boost with a new $1.3 million race for country-trained horses and increased prize money, Minister for Racing Paul Toole said today.

The Kosciuszko, which will run on Everest Day at Royal Randwick on 13 October, is set to become the world’s richest country race with $1.3 million prize money.

“The race is a great way to showcase NSW country-trained horses, giving them the chance to compete at Australia’s biggest day of racing,” Mr Toole said.

“I congratulate Racing NSW on this exciting new initiative to support regional NSW racing, which plays such a vital role in cities and towns across the state.”

From September, prize money across all thoroughbred races will increase by almost $24 million annually.

“The additional prize money will further support regional and country racing and help boost participation across the entire NSW industry,” Mr Toole said.

“These increases will take the NSW industry’s total annual prize money to almost $250 million, the highest of any state in Australia.

“With the recent success of The Everest and The Championships, the NSW racing industry continues to go from strength to strength.”

Mr Toole said the NSW Government strongly supports the racing industry’s role in creating jobs and driving economic growth and tourism, particularly in regional areas.

Under the Government’s new Back to the Track Regional Racing Grants program, regional racing clubs across the three codes can apply for a share in $400,000 for projects that build stronger links with their communities.

“This is a great opportunity for clubs to come up with creative ideas to build new markets or help people gain a start in the industry through education and training,” Mr Toole said.