News

PNTC's bonus scheme set to take off

28th Jun 2011

New Straits Times - Go-Ram - Tuesday, 28 June 2011

The Penang Turf Club's (PNTC) Astro Wah Lai Spring Trophy meeting starting this Saturday will see owners take home a bonus of at least RM10,000 every time their horse wins.

Starting this meeting, the PNTC will be giving an incentive bonus to the owner whose horse wins a race at the club. The Incentive is applicable for all Penang races (except the Sprint Trophy, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Gold Cup and Malaysian Magic Millions Classic) with a field of 12 or more starters.

And if the horse is Penang-based and qualifies under this scheme, the owners will pocket an additional RM2,500, which means the owner will take home RM12,500 apart from the advertised stakes.

This scheme will give racing a much needed boost apart from adding excitment. The incentive will also provide healthy competition among owners, jockeys and trainers.

Owners are delighted with the club's move especially with the prices of everything from fodder and vitamins to veterinarian bills on the rise.

The scheme can be described as a "financial stimulus" for the industry. It can also be seen as aiming at attracting a new raft of owners to the sport and has received widespread support.

Penang trainer Cecil Robert said: "The club's initiative is aimed at broadening the appeal of the sport. It will also add to the competition. It will help owners to stay in the game".

The scheme will also encourage more players to invest in racing and import better quality horses.

The more vibrant the industry, the better the racing which means more owners will be attracted to the sport.

Every racing fans knows that the biggest names in the industry can usually be found at racing events that carry the biggest purse as owners try to recoup some of their huge investment in the industry.