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GOLD Coast Turf Club chairman Andrew Eggleston today welcomed the decision by the Federal Court to support Racing NSW's right to charge corporate bookmakers a product fee based on turnover.
Media reports suggest NSW country race meeting prize money will rise to $15,000 while provincial meetings go to $25,000.
"In light of the NSW decision, it is clear owners in this state need a better deal," says Eggleston.
"We are calling on Racing Queensland to review Gold Coast prize money of $10,000 and $12,000 for a normal provincial Saturday.
"The Gold Coast Turf Club is the largest training centre in Queensland and provides much of the product for Queensland.
"Prizemoney increases combined with the planned capital upgrades will ensure the Gold Coast and Queensland Racing remain competitive with our interstate counterparts."
Eggleston called on Racing Queensland Limited to clearly outline their plans for the future.
"Racing Queensland recently entered a two-year agreement with corporate bookmakers based on the gross profit model," he says.
"With prize money for Gold Coast bread and butter meetings not having increased in four years, and with the NSW decision, all eyes will be on Racing Queensland.
"Their next move will have significant impact on the local thoroughbred industry."
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