Greyhound Racing NSW’s (GRNSW) record-breaking returns to participants will receive another injection from Tuesday, February 1, with the latest phase being an increase of City class prizemoney.
Last year GRNSW announced a new record total of $47 million to be distributed to participants in 2021-22, an increase of 23% on the previous year, continuing the hugely positive upwards trend which has seen returns increase by 100% from $23.5million in 2016.
From next Tuesday races for fifth grade and above, over both the 520m and 720m distances, will have prizemoney increased by $1,300 per race, equating to an increase of more than $700,000 annually, with winners of those events to now receive an additional $1,000.
“The greyhound industry in NSW has never been in a stronger position than it is now, and as a result, at every opportunity, we are looking to increase the returns to our participants,” GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov said.
“It has been, and continues to be a difficult time for all, but the resilience and agility of everyone in this industry deserves to be rewarded, and I’m delighted to be able to announce these latest prizemoney increases.
“In recent months we have made a number of big announcements around feature racing with the introduction of both the $125,000 Country Classic middle-distance event to be held in March in Dubbo, and the world’s richest staying event, The 715, a $500,000 to the winner event in June at LADBROKES GARDENS (Newcastle).
“But while those events - and of course our Million Dollar Chase - attract the headlines and cater to the sport’s top tier, at GRNSW we know the importance of making sure all participants are looked after when it comes to prizemoney and that’s why we have made increases across numerous areas in recent months.”
Fifth grade City 520m winners will now receive $6,000, second receives $1,700 and third $1,200. Fifth grade 720m City prizemoney will see winners receive $6,200, second $1,800 and third $1,300.
From February 1, fourth grade City 520m winners receive $6,500, second receives $1,850 and third $1,300. Prizemoney for a fourth grade City 720m has climbed above $10,000, with the winner to receive $6,700, second $1,950 and third $1,400.
Non-Grade City winners over 520m will collect $7,000, runners-up receive $2,000 and third place receives $1,500. Over the 720m, Non-Grade City winners take home $7,200, second receives $2,100 and third place will receive $1,600.
These latest City prizemoney increases follow on from announcements late last year which saw GRNSW increase prizemoney for provincial maiden events, and provincial events of 440m+, fifth grade and above, across the State.
