Gold Circle level up stakes

Gold Circle is pleased to announce that, with immediate effect, all races in the Province will be run for a minimum stake of R80 000.

“While the Monday race meetings will continue to provide opportunities for the lower grade of horse, we are happy that the level of prize money for which they are competing has been equalised,” said Racing Executive Raf Sheik.

Please do not become bankrupt again GC and ask Hollywood for another loan!!!

Well done GC 👏

While the decision is commendable I have to question how well thought out the decision actually is?

If the min of 80k is paid out on Monday racing which is for "lower grade" horses then what are GC doing, giving incentive's to low grade horse racing? I agree in rewarding the owners but there should be some baseline criteria.

If the field is less than 12 runners then reduce the stakes, too many trainers pull out runners unless they get draw's 1-5. Larger fields equal larger betting pools which is proven, so the money is badly allocated unless you are driving the primary criteria to create larger pools for prize money.

Just my thoughts...