NT racing strides into a bright future

The Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing, Delia Lawrie, announced the NT Government and Thoroughbred Racing NT have committed to a five year funding agreement to secure the industry’s future.

Ms Lawrie said the agreement from 2011 to 2016 is worth $66.7 million and will provide the industry with greater certainty and allow the Territory’s racing to grow and capitalise on Asian market opportunities.

"The Territory’s racing industry is an important part of our great Territory lifestyle as well as a significant employer with more than 1000 people working across the industry," Ms Lawrie said. "This new five year agreement will give Thoroughbred Racing NT greater certainty and allow the industry to continue to be competitive, boost prize money and ensure top quality horses race in our iconic Darwin Cup Carnival.

"The Darwin Cup has become a must-attend on the national racing calendar with more than 35,000 people attending last year’s Darwin Cup. "The Darwin and Alice Springs racing carnivals are major drawcards for tourists and which in turn provide boosts for local economies. Importantly this agreement will also support racing in Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Adelaide River."

Ms Lawrie said the NT Government provided one-off funding grants in 2009 and 2010 worth $21.5 million. "The Henderson Government continues to support the Territory’s racing industry and the new five year agreement is a significant investment in the future of racing in the Territory," she said.

Contact: Campbel Giles 0407 972 900