28 June 2023 | HRSA Media
SOUTHERN CROSS SHINES BRIGHT IN SA
The Southern Cross Racing & Breeding Incentive Scheme is the backbone of the South Australian industry. An evolution of this program will provide an upgrade to three (3) areas identified for further support; two and three year-old racing, local breeders, and longevity of benefits.
Currently, the bonus scheme is as follows:
• 2YO first win Bonus $5,000 ($6,000 if sired by a SA stallion)
• 3YO first win Bonus $5,000 ($6,000 if sired by a SA stallion)
• 4YO first win Bonus if no bonus won at 2 or 3 $4,000 ($5,000 if sired by SA stallion)
• 5YO+ first win Bonus if no bonus won at 2, 3, or 4 $2,000 ($3,000 if sired by SA stallion)
*Horses are eligible to win BOTH the 2YO and 3YO bonuses, a total of $10,000 (or $12,000 if sired by a SA stallion)
Upon conducting an internal review, coupled with consultation from SA BOTRA and the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), it was determined several key changes would be introduced to the bonus scheme from the beginning of next season January 1, 2024.
Firstly, to incentivise and reward deeper participation within the two and three year-old ranks, a partial bonus will be introduced for these horses upon finishing second or third in any race prior to their first win. The payment levels and conditions are as follows:
• Southern Cross bonus of $1,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place
• The place bonuses will be capped at $3,000 for 2YOs and $3,000 for 3YOs
• A win subsequent to placing(s) will earn the remainder of the allotted bonus
• Similar to win bonuses, any place bonus can be achieved in any race in SA (including age restricted events, ratings races, maidens, or lifetime wins races)
Secondly, to further encourage and reward local breeders, a $500 bonus will be paid to the breeder of each winner’s bonus (on the condition the horse is born in SA or is bred by a SA resident). This is in addition to the Nominator’s bonus each winner already receives.
Thirdly, and in relation to the longevity of the scheme, HRSA will be adding a selection of open age Southern Cross only races to its program, at various rating and lifetime win levels. This will be reviewed monthly to ensure the best model is achieved for horse population.
Finally, the 2024 race series held across November/December (heats and finals for all divisions by age, sex, and gait) for the current crops of yearlings and two year-olds will also carry increases for each final. This announcement will be made in the new season.
The 2022 season saw the total distribution between the Southern Cross race series and bonus scheme at approx. $650,000. Today’s announcement is expected to increase the financial commitment by circa $200,000 to at least $850,000 in 2024.
There will be no increase to the current cost of entering a horse into the Southern Cross.
If you would like to discuss the Southern Cross scheme further, including how to make your horse eligible, please call the racing office on (08) 8285 0734.
Stay tuned for further announcements, daily at 4pm through to Friday.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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