WA greyhound racing to receive $1.5 million prize increase plus greyhound adoption centre
A tide of prosperity sweeps over Western Australia's (WA) racing scene as an influx of financial backing and investments propels the industry to new heights with an $11 million increase in prizemoney across horse racing, greyhound racing and harness racing codes.
WA greyhound racing meetings will enjoy a $1.5 million rise in prizemoney, plus the establishment of a best practice greyhound adoption centre.
This financial injection comes as part of a broader funding uplift announced by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Chief Executive Officer, Ian Edwards.
The funding boost encompasses all the principal racing codes in Western Australia – thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound – with a total uplift nearing $11 million.
The state's racing industry is set to receive more than $215 million in total funding for the 2023/24 financial year.
In addition, nearly $9 million will be allocated to infrastructure projects at racetracks statewide.
These projects symbolise the ongoing investment in improving the facilities and conditions for the sport.
Further demonstrating its commitment to animal welfare, RWWA is supporting a significant project to establish a top-tier greyhound adoption centre.
The endeavour aims to prepare retired racing dogs for life as pets and match them with suitable homes.
The project is financed by one per cent of all WA race prize money, a testament to the industry's dedication to the wellbeing of its racing animals.
The 2024 season will see key funding boosts across the entire industry.
Thoroughbred prize money will receive an additional $5.7 million, with another $1 million added to the trainers' subsidy.
Greyhound race meetings will enjoy a $1.5 million rise in prize money, and the harness code will benefit from a $1.4 million injection in prize money and breeding bonuses.
RWWA, the controlling authority for thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing in Western Australia, was formed to centralise principal club functions previously managed by the Western Australian Turf Club, the Western Australian Trotting Association, and the Western Australian Greyhound Racing Authority.
It also controls the off-course betting activities of the Totalisator Agency Board (TAB).
As the Western Australian racing sector continues to grow and evolve, it remains an essential contributor to the state's economy, generating over $1.3 billion annually and supporting more than 10,000 full-time jobs.
With careful financial management and a continued commitment to the sport and its community, the industry is well-positioned to face future challenges and continue making a significant contribution to the state.