Racing Rewards Prize Money Increase

Racing SA’s Racing Rewards will offer more than $3m annually in bonuses from July.

Racing Rewards has doubled since its inception in 2020 after an increase in Racing Rewards SA eligible horses but the latest increase will see a 10 per cent rise in payments across the board.

From July 1, Saturday metropolitan wins in a Racing Rewards SA eligible race will see connections taking home an additional $21,120, with an $8,360 bonus going to provincial winners under the same conditions.

“The 10% increase showcases our commitment to increasing the horse population in SA,” General Manager of Operations, Nick Bawden said.

“With over $3m in bonuses now available to horses trained in SA, we feel South Australia is a great place to own and race your horses,” he said.

This follows the recent announcement of ownership changes to the scheme for the 2024-25 season.

Racing SA have removed the 50 per cent SA ownership rule opening the doors for interstate and overseas owners to enhance their investment in the South Australian industry.

The stipulation is that when interstate or overseas owners purchase a horse and put it in the Racing Rewards scheme, at the time of submission they would have to nominate a South Australian trainer as the trainer of their horse.

The rule would also state that if that horse were to leave the care of a South Australian trainer, they would be ineligible for any future Racing Rewards bonuses.

Leading South Australian trainer Richard Jolly in partnership with daughter Chantelle is the current leading trainer and nominator and said the increases along with the change of conditions to the Racing Rewards ownership rules were vital in growing interstate and international ownership.

“I think the changes to Racing Rewards have come at a great time for SA racing,’’ Jolly said.

“It’s important for the continued growth and confidence owners have in the SA industry, especially in sale season and approaching the Magic Millions Yearling Sale here in Adelaide.

“We put all our yearlings into Racing Rewards!

“It makes a big difference at the end of the day, not just for horses good enough to win in metropolitan grade but it can also make a difference for horses who might only win at a provincial maiden level,’’ he said.