- $1.5 million Cook Government investment brings Golden Saddle slot race to life
- New slot race attracts $1 million in prize money and big crowds
- $700,000 makeover for Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club will ensure future of racing
The inaugural Golden Saddle slot race in Kalgoorlie-Boulder will run today after the Cook Government's commitment of $1.5 million to establish the new regional racing drawcard.
The nation's richest regional slot race offers $1 million in prize money as part of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club's (KBRC) annual Race Round, which is expected to boost tourism and the local economy.
A slot race allows individuals, syndicates or corporations to buy 'slots', giving them the right to enter a horse. The money from the slots helps make up the prize pool.
The inaugural Golden Saddle (1,200 metres) builds on the popularity of the $150,000 Kalgoorlie Cup (2,300 metres) and the $150,000 Hannans Handicap (1,400 metres), which also run during the KBRC's Race Round.
In a further win for regional racing, the Cook Government has committed $700,000 to critical infrastructure projects at the KBRC. The work will involve installing a new training track rail and lighting, as well as improving the swab box which is vital to upholding integrity in racing.
This work is part of the $25.2 million Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund (RRIF) set up by the government to support key infrastructure projects at 24 regional thoroughbred and harness racing club venues across Western Australia over the next four years.
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety is managing the RRIF initiative, and the projects will be delivered via Racing and Wagering Western Australia in consultation with race clubs.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Horseracing plays an important role in local communities, especially in regional WA, and my government is proud to support the industry with increased funding which will create jobs and ensure its future.
"In the Goldfields, horseracing has a proud history dating back to 1896, supports 430 full-time jobs and generates $54.5 million in economic activity.
"The inaugural Golden Saddle slot race will attract even more visitors to the popular annual Race Round, enhancing hospitality and tourism in the region.
"Our $1.5 million commitment helps to diversify WA's economy, continue to provide quality jobs for Western Australians and foster a bright and vibrant community."
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"Regional racing clubs are a longstanding part of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community and many other regional communities throughout WA.
"Regional racing generates substantial social and economic benefits for the State accounting for almost half of the estimated $1.3 billion that the racing industry contributes to the WA economy each year.
"The Golden Saddle slot race was created by the Cook Government to be an added drawcard for the Kalgoorlie Race Round which attracts thousands of racegoers to the region each year."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government's Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund is supporting a range of important upgrades to boost the sustainability and vibrancy of regional racing across WA.
"Ensuring we have quality infrastructure in place at our regional racecourses is a win for local regional economies as well as the visitors they attract."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"The Golden Saddle is an investment in the future of racing in the Goldfields. Introducing a premier slot race to the region further positions Kalgoorlie-Boulder's historic Race Round as a must-attend event.
"Racing is a key part of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's identity, and this new slot race - in addition to the government-funded infrastructure upgrades at regional racecourses - will help ensure the Race Round thrives for generations to come, delivering benefits for the local community well beyond the racetrack."
