Top trainer Tony McEvoy is worried about the future of SA racing ahead of the SA Derby

Tony McEvoy has long lived the words of legendary Lindsay Park horseman Colin Hayes to plan for the future. But despite all his own efforts, he is worried about the future of the industry in South Australia.

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South Australia’s leading horse trainer Tony McEvoy has long lived by a few chosen words of his late mentor, legendary horseman Colin Hayes.

“The future belongs to those who plan for it.’’

The former jockey from the state’s west coast trained for Lindsay Park before going out on his own, taking over one of the country’s finest thoroughbred facilities by establishing Kildalton Park.

McEvoy has been planning for the next generation with his son, Calvin, by his side as an assistant trainer.

But McEvoy is fast running out of patience and is worried about the future of the sport in SA that generates almost $400 million in annual economic benefits.

“I’m very nervous and disappointed we’re in the position we are in,’’ McEvoy said.

“Two years ago we were growing at nine per cent, the industry was strong and people’s jobs were secure.

Tony McEvoy and son Calvin at their Kildalton Park stable. They'll have three runners in Saturday's Group 1 SA Derby. Picture: Tait Schmaal

SA remains the only state receiving nothing back from the State Government from the Point Of Consumption Tax (15 per cent on all bets placed), which has left the industry facing an $8 million loss in revenue next year.

“With this new tax at the rate it is, it’s made it very difficult to run the business as a profitable and strong business,’’ McEvoy said.

Currently seventh on the Australian Trainer’s Premiership, McEvoy says falling prizemoney is a concern for owners wanting to debut their high-priced yearlings in Adelaide.

He said other states thrive on strong government support.

“I’ve got 60 staff here in South Australia, I’ve got two properties and train 85 horses here,’’ McEvoy said.

“It’s becoming difficult to get my owners from interstate to be a part of what we’re doing here in South Australia.

“If I can’t get them to participate in what we’re trying to do, it means I’m either going to lose those owners, or have to move with them interstate.

“It’s a really awkward position I’m in. I’ve been building this business for nine years and it takes a long time to consolidate a business.

“I’ve got tremendous staff all working really hard for their futures and I’m the driver … I have to supply that for them. I expect the government to supply that future for me and they’re not holding up their end of the deal’’ he said.

Barend Vorster and trainer Tony McEvoy celebrate after Sunlight won the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in March. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Trainers Lloyd Kennewell and Phillip Stokes have already moved interstate for financial security, along with several top jockeys. McEvoy said it was a crucial time for the industry.

McEvoy’s footprint in Australian racing starts at the yearling sales, where last year he coughed up $14m and has invested another $10m this year.

“This is me going to buy horses to ensure my staff are employed and keep me at a level I want to train at and that’s in the top-end level around Australia,’’ he said.

“That’s what we’ve been building towards and I want to continue that.

“What we’re asking for in the scheme of things is minimal and would help get our industry really strong again,’’ McEvoy said.

Thoroughbred Racing SA has asked the Government to reduce the POC Tax to 10 per cent and redirect a proportion of the tax revenues back to SA racing while also asking for a reimbursement for losses in the last financial year.

McEvoy, who also has two runners in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane, saddles up three runner in Saturday’s $500,000 Group 1 SA Derby at Morphettville and said all three deserved their opportunity in the three-year-old feature.

“Secret Blaze has done a tremendous job, I really liked him from the outset,’’ McEvoy said. “He’s got the benefit of having a run at 2400m under his belt.”