Stakes money review

DamienWyer · December 2025

The State Government has today announced a Financial Sustainability and Governance Review of the WA racing industry to
underpin its long-term sustainability.

RWWA welcomes the review and will engage collaboratively with the State
Government to ensure it has a clear understanding of RWWA’s operating
environment and the needs of the WA racing industry.

Importantly, there will be no impact on day-to-day racing activity while
the review is underway.

Over the past two years, RWWA has been in regular discussions with the
State Government about the financial pressures threatening the long-term
sustainability of the WA racing industry.

As part of this, the Government has been clear that, before considering
any future policy or funding decisions, it needs to examine the finance and
governance structures established under the Racing and Wagering Western
Australia 2003 which support and develop the racing industry in WA.
The review provides a clear and transparent way to achieve that.

It also presents an opportunity to build a shared understanding of the
challenges facing racing in Western Australia, while also reducing uncertainty
and supporting informed decisions that contribute to a more stable and
sustainable future for our industry.

We encourage industry to be involved in the review, once the State
Government calls for input in early 2026.

Thank you,

Ian Edwards

RWWA Chief Executive Officer

DamienWyer · December 2025

So this has been whispered for some time now but now it is out in the open. The upcoming yearling sales will be a nervous time for buyers and not to mention sellers as this can only dent confidence in the product.

One thing is for sure, stakes will not be rising.

What may come of this will be a divorce of sorts for both Greyhound and Harness Racing funding, as they are both a boil on the **** of Thoroughbreds that need to be lanced.

Sources close to the action have also suggested the imminent sale of Gloucester Park within 18 months for a housing development.

The State Govt should be aware of the impact any reductions on Country Racing could see it diminish into the shadows and many local communities would be concerned about any outcome of this inquiry.

The bombshell to come out of this could be the abandonment of Belmont Park reducing Perth Racing to just Ascot. There is no money for the long overdue works to the grandstand.

So coupled with the dumbing down of black type, this is unwelcome news going into the New Year.

meatpie · December 2025

I'll put a positive spin.

this is following many months of talks between government, RWWA and Industry reps. The most important line " ...the Government has been clear, before considering any future policy or funding decisions, it needs to examine the finance and governance structures established under the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Act of 2023.. The review provides a clear and transparent way to achieve this"

it is part process in getting the POCT to a more equitable level, similar to other states.

Rather than doom and gloom, maybe its the first step for generational change.

meatpie · December 2025

meatpie said:
I'll put a positive spin.

this is following many months of talks between government, RWWA and Industry reps. The most important line " ...the Government has been clear, before considering any future policy or funding decisions, it needs to examine the finance and governance structures established under the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Act of 2023.. The review provides a clear and transparent way to achieve this"

it is part process in getting the POCT to a more equitable level, similar to other states.

Rather than doom and gloom, maybe its the first step for generational change.

should be 2003.

Muldoon · January 8

Interesting Article here https://thestraight.com.au/you-cant-continually-lose-25-to-40-million-a-year-mounting-funding-pressures-under-the-microscope-in-wa-racing-review/

I noticed a picture there of a official who has been there sometime, and jogged my memory, yet to hear a good word about them from anyone from the on the ground people in the industry. Are these people answerable ?

DamienWyer · January 8

I can't remember the last year that Perth Racing didn't go cap in hand to RWWA for some level of funding. Perhaps ill informed spokes people should understand that before handing out advice to others.

You could argue strongly that the majority of minor clubs run on a tight budget and continue to do so with nowhere near the level of support required provided to the principal club. I liken it to a spinnaker run that has dropped over the side and nobody has the skillset to notice.

I have never heard of the two other people mentioned with any Racing connection, that alone might be able to provide something close to an independent report.

FairCraic69 · January 9

Who cares if they cut stakes, Punters couldn't care less if the Railway stakes was for just that steaks, a pallet of amelia park Scotch Fillet, T-Bone, Porterhouse or the Perth cup was for a fine bone china cup. As long as they keep up the jockey welfare and plenty of nice sandwiches and cakes and power aide sauna spa massage beds and beds to have a sleep a pool table and netflix in both jockeys rooms and horse welfare payments so they can keep all the off the track horses being looked after thats the main thing! Please note trainers can still buy a hamburger and drink at the road house food stall at the races, and provincial and bush race clubs you do you best, as like the country town IGA's Race Clubs are a dying breed. As far as punters are concerned Stakes Cuts are on a par with post race interviews WHO CARES

silky · January 9

The Bluff Knoll slot race has been canned for this yr

savethegame · January 9

Albany Race club Today announced the 2026 BLUFF KNOLL will not be held in 2026.

savethegame · January 9

silky said:
The Bluff Knoll slot race has been canned for this yr

Silky MY SAUSAGE FINGER was in progress as you were reaching the line.

FairCraic69 · January 9

They're Bluffing

SLIPPERGOLDEN · January 9

I'm having trouble reading that 69er :))

DamienWyer · January 9

Was the Bluff Knoll a successful feature that attracted bumper crowds ?

DamienWyer · January 9

FairCraic69 said:
edit

FairCraic69 said:

DamienWyer · January 9

Something funny happened last night at the Busselton Trots.

A prominent Racing identity, on salary, rang ahead to the Club asking for two free tickets be left at the gate. When said person arrived, he then found his way into the Members Lounge and got a free meal.

Incredulous locals when they stopped laughing at his expense, then furiously started notifying media outlets.

So my question is this, is this what they mean by having your head in the trough?

Flanders · January 10

DamienWyer said:
Something funny happened last night at the Busselton Trots.

A prominent Racing identity, on salary, rang ahead to the Club asking for two free tickets be left at the gate. When said person arrived, he then found his way into the Members Lounge and got a free meal.

Incredulous locals when they stopped laughing at his expense, then furiously started notifying media outlets.

So my question is this, is this what they mean by having your head in the trough?

Ah the mentality and egos of the fat cats hey.

JayJay · January 10

DamienWyer said:
Something funny happened last night at the Busselton Trots.

A prominent Racing identity, on salary, rang ahead to the Club asking for two free tickets be left at the gate. When said person arrived, he then found his way into the Members Lounge and got a free meal.

Incredulous locals when they stopped laughing at his expense, then furiously started notifying media outlets.

So my question is this, is this what they mean by having your head in the trough?

I saw him there...as a member, I went into the members lounge for a cup of coffee. Initial thought was good to see him visiting outer country track....didn't know the background. Astonishingly entitled if true. On 6 or7 hundred thousand and won't pay 20 bucks? Seriously.

Flanders · January 10

Assuming nobody will mention their name here, so I can find out, where was it in the media?

SLIPPERGOLDEN · January 10

A local prominent racing identity on that money I doubt it but public servant I don't doubt

warrenrobinson · January 10

Ian Edwards, CEO RWWA.

JayJay · January 10

Only one officer listed in the Annual Report listed in the $650k -$700k band....and it ain't the cleaner.

DamienWyer · January 27

DamienWyer · January 27

PR release from RWWA Ian Edwards CEO

As you're aware, the State Government has commenced its independent
Financial Sustainability and Governance Review of the WA racing industry. This,
ultimately, is a process which will strengthen the industry's long-term
financial foundations.

The Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Board's intention is to
hold base prizemoney at current levels for the 2026-27 racing season, while the
Review takes place.

This reflects the importance of maintaining base stakes to underpin industry
stability and provide certainty for participants.

The Review is an opportunity to address the industry's financial challenges
and establish settings that support the long-term sustainability of racing in
our State.

In the meantime, RWWA is currently implementing cost reductions across all
areas of the business to enable prizemoney to be maintained at current levels
for the year ahead.

There is a lot to be proud of and celebrate across the three codes and, as
we continue to navigate ongoing commercial pressures, please note that RWWA
remains focused on positioning WA racing for a long-term sustainable future.

Thank you,

warrenrobinson · January 27

Harness stakes have already been reduced at community clubs.

JayJay · January 27

And for lower class city races ($27k mares to $21k, $25k to $21k and $23k to $21k) plus $9360k race reintroduced on a Friday Night Metro programme) and yet out comes Edwards with a load of gas lighting tosh about "maintaining base stakes and providing stability for participants".

JayJay · January 27

The "base stakes", as outlined above, have been cut to prop up "big stakes nights" at GP under the premise of promised improved turnover, exposure etc.. The impresssarios never, ever release any data/figures to support their unproven philosophy. Never.

As a result, we have "Westbred Night" (September 5th, 2025) which shelled out a staggering $924,000 in stakes in one night....and the recently announced boost from $100k to $250k for both the Pearl and the Diamond.

Plus there has been increases from $50k to $100k for Pacing Cup (Gold Ticket) Qualifiers and the Pacing Cup is still at $450k (and attracts zero interstate horses) when other states principal races (Hunter Cup etc) are peeled back to $250k and have multi state representation from champion horses.

All well and good, especially if you are in the tiny percentage of participants that own the best horses and reap the benefits....but at what cost to the overall Industry. Well, the entitled few who have vast power and influence, would of course say it is at no cost, great for the industry, great for turnover, great for attendance....all the usual flannel that they have been throwing around for decades. None of which has come to pass,complete B/S.

New Zealand recently ran it's "Ashburton 5000" meeting..... a closed series of 12 races, eligible for horses whose sire fee was $5,000 or less.

In 2024, the stakes payable across the 12 races was $225,752. In 2025, this ballooned to $720,000, 12 x $60,000 races.

A greater than 3 fold increase in stakes.....and the grand result of this whopping outlay from an Industry that may just be broker than ours...was a miserable 6% in crease in turnover.

One can only wonder (because we will never see the figures) of what the turnover outcomes are for the above "eggs in one basket" approach.

And will these sort of things be items that the Templeman/Harding Inquiry will seek answers to via public submissions....if indeed they do hold open public hearings with opportunities for Industry bodies to address the Inquiry? Or will it be not as open and transparant as the industry both desires and needs?

JayJay · January 27

Further to that,the press release sent to participants as posted by Damien Wyer above.....well, there were (at least) two different press releases. The one above to Harness Participants, and another longer, far more detailed one to thoroughbredd participants which detailled all the "extra" benefits that the throroughbred code receives via Free To Air TV etc etc.

All from a legislated body whose charter demands that all 3 codes be managed with an even hand to maintain their viability...... which everyone knows is a monstrous furphy.

DamienWyer · January 27

If you consider that WA is about to lose most likely two Gr1 races being downgraded by The Asian Pattern Committee, the urge will be by RWWA to maintain those high stakes rather than drop them to 50% and spread the other 50% across maybe 20 Listed races.

Far more Industry participants would benefit from that other than just three distinct races that quite frankly are lucky to have been Gr 1 with what has accepted in several years.

I'm not holding my breath.

JayJay · January 27

No, don't do that.

Same artist, different canvass....the entitled will make sure it is the entitled who benefit. Can't go making decisions that enable more jam on more bits of toast.

Precision1 · January 27

DamienWyer said:
If you consider that WA is about to lose most likely two Gr1 races being downgraded by The Asian Pattern Committee, the urge will be by RWWA to maintain those high stakes rather than drop them to 50% and spread the other 50% across maybe 20 Listed races.

Far more Industry participants would benefit from that other than just three distinct races that quite frankly are lucky to have been Gr 1 with what has accepted in several years.

I'm not holding my breath.

It is such folly to say these races could lose half their prize money, get downgraded and nothing changes. I listen mostly to eastern states radio and WA does get highlighted during the time these races are on and if there’s eastern states representation even if mainly in trainers and jockeys then you can triple that interest. That clearly gets people in the east betting on WA races and that will continue well after those races have been won and run.

Hell pointsbet ran an ad where Shaqueill O’Neill said “nobody beats Pikey in the last”. WA does need a shop window and it definitely generates money into the industry. You can be a sad sack and get angry at the clouds if you want but those big races aren’t the issue with why they are losing money

JayJay · January 27

I get the "shop front" window argument with respect to the gallops and I can see how that would work.

It is a different scenario at the trots. The big money races for the 2 year olds are "closed" races as are the big stake races on Westbred Night and provide a closed shopfront. And the WA Cup drew no interstate horses.

The only interstate representation has been in the Nullarbor.

G'day Punter!

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