Thanks David, it appears that I cant reopen the link to the press release, however I'm quite certain it said the intent was to provide more money for the "battlers". Will these $4000 races have restrictions on which trainers may nominate for these races? Particularly in light of the often already small field sizes? Have you considered that at $4000 more trainers, who aren't considered battlers by ordinary standards may nominate to take advantage of the penalty free conditions? Will the increase in volume of R class races correspond with a reduction in available C class races effectively forcing their hand?

Whilst this next comment pertains to WA I can't imagine the sentiment is any different in Victoria. The biggest concern amongst trainers here who patronise the equivalent R class racing, known as community race meetings, is not the level of stakesmoney that they are racing for, but that Bondy and Hally DONT drive in the gate with a truckload of horses each.