RACING Queensland Limited (RQL) has today announced a second boost to winner’s prizemoney for the 2013 Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, following last week’s increase for the AAMI Stradbroke Handicap.

An additional $58,000 has been added to the 2013 Wimmers Soft Drinks A.D. Hollindale Stakes to be run at the Gold Coast Turf Club on May 5. The Group 2 feature will now boast a $250,000 first prize purse.

RQL chairman Kevin Dixon believes the quarter million dollar winner’s prize will ensure the Wimmers Soft Drinks A.D. Hollindale Stakes attracts a top class field to compete in the weight for age classic.

“The A.D. Hollindale Stakes plays a pivotal role in the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival providing a vital lead-in to the Group 1 Doomben Cup a fortnight later.”

“This boost to the winner’s prize will help attract the strongest possible field to race at the Gold Coast.” Mr Dixon Said.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the prizemoney boost was great news for both the Gold Coast and the Winter Racing Carnival.

“The LNP is committed to rejuvenating Queensland racing and this lift in prizemoney for the Wimmers Soft Drinks A.D. Hollindale Stakes is fantastic news for our 30,000 strong racing sector,” Mr Dickson said.

“The Newman Government’s $5 million contribution to the Queensland Thoroughbred Investment Scheme (QTIS) over two years has facilitated an environment in which RQL is now in the position to increase prizemoney across the state.

“We’re rebuilding racing in Queensland with a strong focus on grassroots country racing through QTIS funding and the Country Racing Series.”

Gold Coast Turf Club (GCTC) Chairman Brett Cook said the move is a huge boost to the Gold Coast’s carnival race meeting.

“This prizemoney boost is more great news for the Gold Coast Turf Club and the carnival in general.

The additional prizemoney will help attract a stronger field and moves us one step closer toward our club’s ambition of a Group 1 race on the Gold Coast.” he said.

RACING QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE