SYDNEY may have its own “Everest”, but now NSW country racing has its “Kosciuszko” with Racing NSW announcing its newly created $1.3 million The Kosciuszko, a race restricted only for country trained gallopers.
The race – to be run under set weights and penalties conditions over 1200 metres, will enable country trained horses a chance to compete alongside the heralded The Everest on October 13, which has fast become the biggest day of Australian racing with over $16m of prizemoney on offer.
This new initiative is not just for industry members however it also involves public participation.
Through a joint venture promotion with the Australian Hotels Association (AHA), Tabcorp (TAB) and Racing NSW, members of the public will be able to buy $5 tickets to win a chance to own a part share in a horse for The Kosciuszko race.
Kosciuszko tickets will be exclusively sold at all NSW AHA Hotels that feature a TAB outlet. Tickets can be purchased at the TAB electronic betting terminals in the same way as a normal TAB ticket.
There will be 12 winning tickets drawn for each slot in the race. Each winning ticket holder will then have an entry in The Kosciuszko and can select a NSW country trained horse to race in their entry. This is subject to agreeing with the horse’s owner/s as to how they will share the prizemoney for the race.
If a slot winner is unsure of picking a country prepared galloper, Racing NSW can assist in identifying horses for selection.
“The race is a great way to showcase NSW country trained horses and giving them the chance to compete at one of Australia’s biggest days of racing,” said Paul Toole MP Minister for Lands and Forestry and Minister for Racing.
Russell Balding AO Racing NSW chairman is also excited with the new initiative.
“This is an exciting new concept involving the public which will further stimulate racing in country NSW.
Racing NSW will also be contributing $125,000 from the sale of tickets in The Kosciuszko promotion to the Aussie Helpers charity to support NSW farmers.
Tickets in The Kosciuszko promotion are on sale now, and the draw for the 12 winning slots holders will be held on September 14.
MEANWHILE, Racing NSW delivered more good news announcing prizemoney boosts totalling $24 million annually to be divided up across the country, provincial and metropolitan regions which will begin from September 1.
The majority of the increase will be on horses finishing fourth to 10 place in races, bolstering returns to connections for horse not finishing in the first three, and which will be paid straight into the trainers’ accounts, being aimed to assist them with their business cashflow.
