Racing NSW Chairman, Mr Russell Balding AO, said that "Racing NSW
Management for the past month have been looking at how we can best assist
our participants and ensure their viability during this prolonged stretch of
drought conditions in NSW.
"Virtually every part of the State is affected with almost one quarter being
classified as "intense drought".
Accordingly, our first priority in this initial
allocation is to look after participants who are in severe financial stress due to
the drought.
"We don't know how long this drought will go for, so we have ensured that our
initial allocation is sufficient in the short to medium term," Mr Balding added.
Racing NSW Chief Executive, Mr Peter V'landys AM, said "Racing NSW
Stewards are located throughout NSW and they will assess those that are
doing it the toughest and need immediate financial assistance.
"We will also look at other programs to assist.
It is important that Racing
NSW does everything it can to assist its participants in their time of need."
Racing NSW has already donated $130,000 to Aussie Helpers who assist all farmers in NSW.
RAcing NSW Release