Changes to state’s futurity scheme

THE Southern Cross Racing Series and Incentive Scheme is a fundamental feature of harness racing in South Australia, and with that in mind today’s announcement will further bolster ongoing commitment to the local industry.

The revised conditions will implement the following key changes:

– An increase in both the two year-old and three-year-old bonuses from $4000 to $5000, commencing January 1, 2022

– A restructure of the Southern Cross Finals prizemoney

– Cost to nominate will remain unchanged

– Extended eligibility criteria for this season’s foals (2024 two-year-olds) that rewards ongoing participation in SA, as demonstrated with the additional SA Trainers clause added as per below;

7.3 Any yearling can be made eligible for the Southern Cross Series provided the horse is domiciled in South Australia and under the care of a trainer licensed with HRSA by January 1 2024 and must remain SA domiciled and trained at all times.

(To be eligible requires fulfilling just one of three criteria relating to SA Bred, SA Owned, or SA Trained)

The additional clause/opportunity to qualify for Southern Cross relates to a need to grow the horse population in SA during a time of declining local (and indeed national) foal crop numbers.

With these changes in place, connections will now have the opportunity to collect up to $10,000 in bonuses with Southern Cross eligible horses as two and three-year-olds (up to $12,000 if sired by a resident SA stallion).

The four-year-old and above elements of the bonuses will remain unchanged for the time being, however, it’s an area that will be explored further in due course.

It is vital as a local industry we continue to seek ways to encourage participation and grow the horse population.

By doing so will create more opportunities, increased prizemoney, greater stability, and an overall better product.

Today’s announcement is another step in that direction.

• HRSA Media