Minister for Sport and Recreation JANE HOWLETT
EDITORIAL
Increased funding forTasmanian racing industry as female participation continues to rise The Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to back Tasmania’s racing industry, and as Minister for Racing, I was pleased to recently announce that Tasracing has brought forward a proposed code funding increase by six months to 1 January, 2022. The decision to increase code funding by 4.3 per cent was taken given the strong financial performance of the organisation in the 2020-21 financial year. Based on this strong financial footing, the industry is set for a period of further growth. The company reported a total comprehensive profit last financial year of $6 million thanks to record turnover and increased Race Field Fee revenue. The funding increase means a four per cent – or $1.3 million on an annual basis – increase in stakes across the three codes. Prior to the introduction of the increase, Tasracing will consult directly with the industry about its specific detail. The Tasmanian racing industry is critical for the State, generating close to $185 million in value- added contribution to the Tasmanian economy. Almost 6000 people are involved in the industry as employees, participants or volunteers, with nearly two thirds based in regional or rural Tasmania. Tasmanian racing is seeing an unprecedented increase in the number of female participants, especially in the thoroughbred jockey ranks and as Minister for Women as well, this is very encouraging.
For many years the racing industry was male dominated, especially when it came to jockeys. In fact, until 1979, the Australian racing clubs had not allowed women to become fully fledged jockeys. Tasmania has had many trailblazer female jockeys, including Bev Buckingham and Robyn Clarke. In 1980 and on her fourth ride Bev Buckingham rode Limit Man to an easy win, becoming the first woman to ride a winner in Tasmania. There are currently 13 female jockeys in Tasmania, which represents 50 per cent of the total riding numbers. Nine of the 13 jockeys are currently apprentices and are learning their craft. Apprentices Codi Jordan and Erica Byrne Burke are currently first and second on the Tasmanian Jockeys Premiership. Women still comprise approximately 35 per cent of all currently registered Jockeys in Australia, but that number is sure to rise as more and more women are signing on for jockey apprenticeships. The Racing industry is one of a small number of sports that does not have a gender pay gap and the Government is committed to providing adequate resources and facilities to continue to increase in female participation.
Pictured: Codi Jordan
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