08 July 2015
Trainers in New South Wales have embraced the initiative by HRNSW to reintroduce claiming races. Thursday’s meeting at Penrith has attracted a claiming race with eight runners with the horses ranging in price from $2,900 to $7,000. HRNSW CEO John Dumesny reiterated the controlling body’s support for these types of events.
“At the recent roadshows presented across the state, HRNSW informed participants of its support for claiming races and signalled an intention to reintroduce them,” Dumesny said.
“It is very encouraging to see the Penrith race with eight runners on Thursday keeping in mind it was the first meeting across the state that had a claiming event programmed.”
Claiming races will be programmed at Penrith, Bathurst, Wagga, and Tabcorp Park Menangle.
“Just to clarify an earlier announcement HRNSW will run the claiming events with a minimum of eight runners in July and August while claiming races in September and October will be run with a minimum of six although HRNSW has the discretion to run the races with less should it be deemed necessary.”
While Thursday’s barriers were decided by prize money won in the runner’s last four starts, the draws for next week’s claiming races at Menangle, Penrith and Wagga will be determined by claiming price.
“The HRNSW Handicappers will implement different barrier draws to help cater different horses to ensure competitive racing.”
Prize money percentage splits will remain in accordance with all other races and HRNSW will continue to have eligibility clauses in other races.
Greg Hayes
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