SA trainer Mark Minervini to move to NSW

Adelaide trainer Mark Minervini is to relocate to Newcastle in NSW amid uncertainty over funding for racing in South Australia.

Minervini told his owners of the decision on Monday and tweeted he would be moving to Newcastle from the beginning of August.

He said SA racing continued to decline while NSW was booming and Newcastle appealed because of its proximity to the Hunter Valley breeding farms.

Unlike other state governments, SA did not direct any funding from the new point of consumption tax back to the racing industry.

Prize money for Adelaide’s major races in the autumn was cut while several infrastructure projects are on hold.

Adelaide stalwarts Tony McEvoy, Phillip Stokes and Lloyd Kennewell, have all moved their main training bases to Victoria.