Originally Posted by
Mark Croatto
Yes, I would agree that NSW is in a stronger position as a result of the sale, but as I said, Harness Racing NSW did not own Harold Park.
NSW's stronger financial position was aided significantly by the repayment of monies paid to the NSW Harness Racing Club from the state industry's Racecourse Development Fund. The NSW Harness Racing Club was not compelled to pay back those monies but chose to do so in the interest to better the code in this State. The feature races conducted at Menangle would not be for the values they are today if it were not for the sale of Harold Park.
That said, this State's stronger financial position, its higher across the board prizemoney levels, has come about because in addition to the Harold Park sale, we have had strong revenues from the TAB, corporate bookmakers, point of consumption tax, and TAX parity as mentioned previously. The sale of Harold Park is one of a number of improved elements that have benefitted NSW.