NZ Independent Coalition leader Brendan Horan today released the party's racing policy.

While visiting Karaka today meeting industry leaders, Brendan Horan says there are some 52,000 workers involved actively in the Racing Industry on a daily basis. Despite contributing over 1.5 billion dollars per year to our GDP, our racing industry is in serious decline.

Virtually all in the industry agree the first requirement to save racing is that stakes be raised to attract owners, breeders, trainers, and the general public.

The first priorities of NZ Independent Coalition racing policy are:

• $15,000 minimum Wednesday stakes
• $30,000 minimum Saturday stakes
• at least one $100,000 race per fortnight

The next priority, says party leader Brendan Horan, is for the Government to provide an exciting modern centralised venue, with multi-use grandstand, all-weather track, internal entertainment venues, and modern stabling.

Te Rapa seems a logical venue given its size, ease of access, and proximity to neighbouring provinces.

Development of the venue will provide jobs in construction and in ongoing operation.

Decisive action must be taken and the Racing Minister Nathan Guy needs to step up to the plate because a substantial investment is necessary to save our $1.6 billion racing industry, and the livelihoods of some 50,000 people actively involved.

Most racing facilities are over 70-years-old.

The industry needs a complete overhaul.

The NZ Racing Board must ensure that racing is seen as the vibrant exciting sport that it is.

The new Chief Executive must provide the leadership and reconnect with the industry.

The Government needs to supply the money and invest to save and transform our racing industry.

Source: NZ Independent Coalition.