Strategic move gaining desired result

IT WAS a controversial, yet strategic, decision in a bid to secure a sustainable future for the state, but as hoped, the move is already gaining the desired result.

Last month Harness Racing SA announced its plans for the South Australia Cup with the view of returning the feature to its former glory, while also attempting to keep the bulk of the prizemoney in the pockets of locals.

Once part of the Grand Circuit, the Cup is a shadow of its once prestigious self, with prizemoney dropping to a 30-year low in 2016.

The feature’s purse was reduced to $60,000 having peaked to $125,000 in 2013.

HRSA’s announcement resulted in the event’s stake being slashed again – this time to the 1981 level of $30,000!

On top of the lowered prizemoney, HRSA declared the Cup – along with the state’s country Cups – have become restricted to locally-trained pacers, with some failing to see the long term benefit.

A look at the bigger picture suggests there is method in the madness, primarily keeping SA money in SA with the hope it will encourage investment in the industry and improve local racing stock.

Within a matter of weeks prominent trainer Ryan Hryhorec purchased an open class pacer he “wouldn’t normally buy” but was enthused by the “new structure here which encourages such a purchase”.

“If other stables did the same, all of a sudden our open class horses are stronger, which also encourages wagering and then better returns for the industry,” Hryhorec said.

Along similar lines to Hryhorec, Victorian owner Merv Butterworth has increased his South Australian involvement, which will see money invested into the local industry.

Sure Butterworth’s victories will mean the stake heads over the border, but as Hryhorec explained “the feed store gets more business, the farrier, the vet and so on…it’s all relevant.”

A long time supporter of SA trainers, Butterworth has been enjoying a stellar stint with quality pacer Jimmy Mack, which captured last night’s Minor Derby Free-For-All at Globe Derby.

Having his 10^th start for veteran horseman Les Harding, Jimmy Mack registered his eighth win, including seven in succession.

While discussing Jimmy Mack’s trek to the South Australia Cup, Butterworth revealed he has another two open class pacers aimed at the Cup and associate country events.

Butterworth has transferred Motu Premier and Im Full Of Excuses from Western Australia to Harding.

Motu Premier has a record of 19 wins and 27 placings from 74 starts for earnings of $415,115.

The son of Bettors Delight was a last start second behind Chicago Bull a fortnight ago.

Im Full Of Excuses’ tally sits on 22 wins and 20 placings from 105 starts for earnings of $380,006.

“Jimmy Mack has been thriving in South Australia and I consider these two better,” Butterworth said. “Meg (wife) and I will have a three-pronged attack on the SA Cup and lead up races.”