Racing prize money gets $33m Labor vow

An extra $33 million will be poured into horse racing’s prize money pool in Victoria as Labor tries to woo voters ahead of next month’s state election.

Racing Minister Martin Pakula announced on Wednesday night $33 million would go to increasing thoroughbred racing prize money over two years in Victoria to grow the sport and keep jobs, trainers and horses in the state.

“Victorian racing is more than just the Spring Racing Carnival. This increase in prize money will help support Victorians working in thoroughbred racing in suburbs, regional cities and country towns right across the state,” he said of the industry which contributes $3.2 billion to Victoria’s economy.