Tasmania’s thoroughbred owners and the broader racing industry will benefit from a new breeding bonus scheme which starts next month.
The new TasBred Incentive Scheme will replace the current tasBonus Scheme and will officially start on 1 August 2018.
The Hodgman Liberal Government recognises that breeding horses is an important primary industry and funding a breeding incentive program will allow it to grow further.
The TasBred Incentive Scheme will assist Tasmanian thoroughbred breeders by delivering enhanced benefits to local industry participants and encouraging new owners into the industry.
Flow-on economic benefits are expected, with increased regional employment opportunities across the entire thoroughbred sector, including on farms, horse breakers, pre-trainers, farriers, veterinarians and trainers.
Under the new scheme, bonuses will be available on up to 72 races (2YO, 3YO and 3YO & Up Maidens and Maiden/Class 1) where stakes money is less than $50,000.
The bonus in the first year will be $20,000 per race.
This means eligible horses will be running for a $20,000 bonus (in a bonus race) on top of the prize money already on offer.
In addition, in the first year there will be one $50,000 2YO race restricted to TasBred nominated horses.
From year two onwards, there will be two restricted $50,000 races for 2YO and 3YO horses.
The Hodgman Liberal Government believes a healthy breeding industry is a must for the Tasmanian racing industry, and the TasBred Incentive Scheme will help to ensure the local breeding industry can continue to be the major supplier of racing stock.