Two of South Australia’s provincial cup meetings will be boosted by a significant prizemoney increase for their feature races.
Racing SA has today announced both the Gawler Cup and Strathalbyn Cup will benefit from substantial prizemoney lifts, effective immediately. The increase will bring them into line with both the Murray Bridge and Balaklava Cups.
The Strathalbyn Cup, held over 2050m each January, will see prizemoney rise from $54,750 to a total pool of $107,250.
While the 1500m Gawler Cup, run under handicap conditions in October, will also carry prizemoney of $107,250 moving forward – close to double the current total prize pool of $54,750.
Racing SA CEO Nick Redin said the Racing SA Board had endorsed the prizemoney increases as part of its focus on progression and job creation.
“Thoroughbred racing in South Australia is on a growth trajectory and this prizemoney boost will only add to that momentum,” Redin said.
“We’ve made it well-known our aim to is to have 300 more horses in work by the start of the 2024/25 racing season. This will in turn create more jobs in the industry, and increasing the prizemoney offered across the state will assist with this.
“It’s all part of our strategy to continue to generate growth and help our SA participants expand their businesses.”
The announcement follows a $2.6 million increase in prizemoney announced by Racing SA earlier this year, with general prizemoney levels boosted from July 1, 2021 across all SA metropolitan races and at maiden races at both provincial and country meetings.
Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club CEO Shane Collins said the club was thrilled with the prizemoney increase.
“This is a wonderful show of support to our major race of the year,” Collins said.
“The Gawler Cup is steeped in history, it is an iconic race for our club and our region.
“We have worked very hard in recent times to continue to build this race and the day in its entirety.
“For Racing SA to acknowledge this work done and support these important provincial cup races with this prizemoney increase is a fantastic result for all.
“We are very excited for a huge Gawler Cup day on Friday, October 22, and this has really kick-started what we hope to be the biggest and best Cup day we have had for some time.”
Strathalbyn Racing Club Chairman Wade Kluske also welcomed the news.
“This investment by Racing SA into regional racing will have positive flow on effects for the wider SA industry,” Kluske said.
“The Strathalbyn Cup is a great stepping stone for staying horses to go on to the Adelaide Autumn Carnival and by increasing the prizemoney we’re going to see an upsurge in the quality of the horses competing.
“This announcement is another enhancement to our racing calendar following the prizemoney increases confirmed by Racing SA earlier this year.”