As from the first August, all Maiden races at the MRC meetings will carry an additional $1,000 prizemoney. Maiden races conducted on a Tuesday or Friday programme will now carry $9,000 prizemoney, and Maiden races conducted on a Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday programme will now carry $11,000 prizemoney.

MRC Chief Executive, Mr Michael Browell, stated that "the Club recognised the investment made by owners in racing in Victoria, and it was felt that Mornington should be more pro-active in improving returns to owners at the beginning of a horse's career. With 37% of horses in Victoria eligible for Maiden races, the Club felt that owners deserved the opportunity to race for increased stakes at the Maiden level, rather than directing additional prizemoney to the limited feature races".

The MRC has also allocated additional prizemoney to the two feature meetings in the 2001 / 2002 season - Sunday 4th November and Wednesday 13th February.

At the Carlton Draught Mornington Spring Cup meeting on Sunday 4th November, the feature event over 1500 metres will carry prizemoney of $50,000. All other races on this programme will carry $13,000 prizemoney. This represents a 37% increase on prizemoney distributed on this day compared to last year - up from $103,000 to $141,000.

"This day is perhaps the best racedate the MRC has in the coming season - the day after the V.R.C. Derby and two days before the Melbourne Cup. The Club is predicting a Mornington Cup Day crowd of over 10,000 people on this day, and the prizemoney on offer should be reflective of this as a major event" Mr Browell said.

On Mornington Cup Day - Wednesday 13th February 2002 - the Club has decided against increasing the prizemoney for the two feature races. The Carlton Draught Mornington Cup will again carry prizemoney of $150,000 making it the richest Cup conducted in country Victoria. The Hareeba Stakes will remain at $100,000, retaining its place as the richest sprint race conducted outside of the metropolitan area in Victoria. The remaining seven races on Mornington Cup Day will carry prizemoney of $15,000. Cup Day prizemoney will therefore increase 10% - up from $322,000 to $355,000.

For the 2001 - 2002 racing season, the MRC will distribute 110% of Industry funding as Returns to Owners. The Club will contribute almost $200,000 over and above Industry funding towards prizemoney next season.

Racing Victoria Media Release