The announcements were made earlier in 2021 with Racing NSW announcing the new 10 race cards to go into effect at the start of winter.
As the cards increase the volume of racing the winter months mean race days will have to start earlier with the first jumping at 11am in some cases.
With a new race being added to weekend meetings in the shape of the Midway ($100,000 prize money) and the TAB Highway having prize money increase (Now $100,000) jockey’s like Kerrin McEvoy
commented it “can only be good for the sport”:
“It’s obviously going to be a longer day but we prep ourselves to be as fit as possible regardless of the time of year,’’ McEvoy said.
“There will be days where we have 14-16 barrier trials so that stands you in good stead for these busy days at the races.
“There is more prizemoney on offer for everyone involved and it is exciting these Midway races have been implemented by the Racing NSW board for those trainers and stables in the middle of the rung so to speak.
“With this level of prizemoney flowing back into the racing industry it can only do good things for the sport.’’
McEvoy will be making the most of the new 10 race configuration with a full book of runners on Saturday at Rosehill Gardens
Riders including Tommy Berry and apprentice Tyler Schilling are also making the most with 10 rides a piece on the day whilst Rachel King lines up in 9 of the 10 races.