RACING NSW chairman John Messara believes the end of the protracted legal battle over the validity of the race fields legislation marks the beginning of a new golden era for the racing industry.
"This was an important day for the racing industry in NSW," Messara said
"The High Court decision establishes that our sport is entitled to set and be paid a fee by those who use its product a decision that will reverberate well beyond NSW."
"After four years of uncertainty, the High Court's dismissal of the appeals by Sportsbet and Betfair unlocks immediate and future funding that will flow directly to the people who work and invest in NSW racing, those that put on the show.
"But it's time for all of us to take off our battle fatigues, put on the overalls and start building a new future."
The High Court yesterday unanimously rejected a claim by betting exchange Betfair and corporate bookmaker Sportsbet that it was unconstitutional for Racing NSW to demand 1.5 per cent of their turnover to use race-field information. The wagering operators had challenged the legislation on grounds that it is discriminatory and protectionist. The High Court rejected the firms' claim that the fee breached free trade provisions of the Australian Constitution. The ruling means:
* Racing NSW can now use more than $100 million in fees already collected to increase prizemoney and improve racetrack infrastructure.
* The NSW racing industry has secured an on-going, new revenue stream of up to $50 million per annum.
* Racing NSW next week reveals the first of a series of planned prizemoney increases for metropolitan, provincial and country racing.
* Sydney Saturday prizemoney will be worth a minimum $100,000 per race within two years.
* Calls for Racing Victoria to follow the NSW lead on race fields legislation.
Messara personally thanked industry participants for taking the fight to the corporate bookmakers over the last four years.
Racing NSW said money would start to flow to participants from as early as next week with increased prizemoney the first objective.
"This is not a victory for Racing NSW. It's a victory for the 50,000 participants who work in the racing industry," Racing NSW CEO said.
Australian Turf Club chief executive Darren Pearce said the High Court ruling combined with the race club's historical structural reforms and the record government investment it secured over the past two years will propel Sydney racing to new levels.
Therefore it's never been a better time to be involved in racehorse ownership with prizemoney going to record levels in the near future.