Penang increases prize money again

PENANG,  1 February 2006

Penang Turf Club (PNTC) today announced a new round of prize increase for races held at the Batu Gantong racecourse from March 1.

This is the third adjustments in three years for PNTC. In 2003, prize money was increased by RM2,500 across the board. Last year, another RM5,000 was added. (During this time, the Perak and Selangor Turf Clubs introduced a bonus of RM2,500 to the winning owner.)

And hot the heels of the Horse Runners Scheme announced by the Selangor Turf Club last week and the Horse Incentive Purchase Scheme by the Perak Turf Club that followed, PNTC decided on a new around of increase.

In a press statement, Robin Rizal Tan, the general manager and secretary of PNTC said: "The stakes for all races, except feature, classic, special, National Stud Farm or other races carrying added stakes, will be increased by an additional RM7,500 for Classes 1, 2 and 3 and RM5,000 for Classes 4, 5, Maiden and Restricted Maiden."

The new stakes for Class 1 will be RM85,000, Class 2 RM70,000, Class 3 RM50,000, Class 4 RM42,500, Class 5, Maiden and Restricted Maiden RM37,500.

Tan said: "Apart from the increase in stakes, the club also recently introduced a cash incentive scheme for its members for the purchase of horses.

The increased prize money plus the incentives from the clubs should encourage owners to purchase quality horses," Tan said.