Queensland Harness Racing Board set to increase metropolitan prizemoney

THE Queensland Harness Racing Board will make a decision on Friday that could be a potential game changer for the code.

Queensland harness racing is set for a much need cash boost.

THE Queensland Harness Racing Board will make a decision on Friday that could be a potential game changer for the code.

Racing Queensland, at the recommendation of the QHRB have proposed an increase to the metropolitan prizemoney threshold by $4000, raising the threshold to $15,000, in line with other Australian states.

Base Saturday night prizemoney will remain at $11,000, meaning winners will only receive a career penalty on those races.

The QHRB believes the increase will enhance a horse's earning capacity, increase opportunities locally and interstate and enhance Queensland horses' resale value significantly.

An alternative class structure is being considered to ensure the consistency and quality of "M Class'' racing is maintained.

Respected trainer Darrel Graham is leading support for the new system.

"Nothing changes but now we have an avenue to sell our better class of horse,'' Graham said. "I see it like double-dipping. We can race through our grades here locally and then we have the option of heading south to start all over again."

The QHRB welcomed industry feedback and it will be tabled at the board meeting tomorrow.

However, it is expected that the QHRB will face a challenge tos the proposal.

The state's leading metropolitan trainer, Vicki Rasmussen is against the idea.

"I do not see the point of changing the threshold as most of the metro horses racing in Queensland have already come from southern states on a one-way ticket,'' Rasmussen said.

"I can only see it making it hard for this majority of horses to win their metro races and have fewer horses coming into the state as a result.

"There are very few owners in Queensland who can afford to spend a lot of money on horses, therefore this system would benefit a very small minority."

Even the Breeders, Owners, Trainers and Reinspersons Association are doubtful the new system will work.

"At our most recent meeting, the consensus was the cons outweigh the pros and particularly as an open invitation to pillage from our Sydney raiders,'' newly-elected BOTRA president David Fowler said.

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LEADING driver Kylie Rasmussen is not expected to return to the sulky until March.

Rasmussen fractured a vertebrae in nasty race fall at Albion Park on November 16.

"Kylie was told by her specialist last week that more rest time is required, at least another 12 weeks before any physical work can be endured," her partner Darren Weeks said.

Rasmussen is still a runaway leader in the metropolitan drivers premiership, eight wins clear of nearest rival Mathew Neilson.

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STAR mare Forever Gold has returned to Queensland after her recent Sydney campaign and will be given an easy time before being set for more interstate features in the new year.