Racing NSW has reacted to the state government’s ban on greyhound racing by establishing a $2 million horse welfare fund to ensure horses are cared for throughout their lifetimes.
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The racing body and the Australian Turf Club have announced significant prizemoney increases for races throughout the state. One per cent of prizemoney will be retained to develop the horse welfare fund.
"We are paying $200 million prizemoney, so $2 million of that will go to the fund," Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said on Tuesday.
"Every horse in NSW will be re-homed. One of the great issues we face is the care of the animal."
NSW Parliament banned greyhound racing over concerns about the treatment of dogs. V'landys said the fund would ensure all NSW thoroughbred horses would be cared for outside of their racing careers. Racing NSW would provide resources for the retraining and eventual re-homing of thoroughbreds. The program would establish partnerships with riding schools, pony clubs and agricultural societies.
