Racing Queensland has announced details of a $2.95 million annualised increase to general prize money for the Queensland greyhound code from January 1, 2022.
General prize money at Queensland greyhound race meetings is now distributed to a standardised formula as follows:
- First – 65%;
- Second – 20%;
- Third – 10%; and
- Fourth – 5%.
The latest increases will see the minimum prize money level for any Queensland race rise to $2180 ($1365 to the winner), while the minimum prize money level at a metropolitan class 1 meeting will be $8,080 ($5200 to the winner).
While the base prize money for all events and distances has been increased, sprint and long distance racing have been further incentivised, in line with industry feedback, including the Greyhound Advisory Panel.
RQ has continued building the prize money levels for the class four and six meetings, with the financial viability of regional racing in Queensland stronger than ever.
In addition, prize money at Capalaba (class 5) has been singled out for a substantial increase that will ensure that Capalaba 366m races will distribute the same prize money as that devoted to 288m and 331m circle racing.
Finally, an additional level of prize money tiering has been introduced between grade five and open events.
This new prize money tier will cover all grade four/five, four, and three/four events.
The $2.95 million increase to general prize money is part of a $4.6 million annualised increase to prize money announced in November and follows a $1.7 million increase ($1.2 million FY22 applicable) announced in July.
Other prize money dedications, taking effect on January 1, in addition to the general prize money increase are:
- Unplaced prize money doubled from $10 to $20;
- Appearance fees ($60 a starter) increased to $80 for events 498m to 699m and $100 for events over 700m;
- $685,000 increase to Group races, applied across the majority of existing Group and Listed events, including:
- Showcase events at the Golden Greys Summer Carnival and the Queensland Winter Carnival;
- Regional Cups and local lead ins;
- $313,000 increase to non-Group feature events; and
- $150,000 for Queensland-bred race events, complementing the current $2 million locally bred sustainability package.
Click here to see the general prize money allocations from January 1, 2022.