The Tennant Turf Club will receive $1 million over the next 10 years as part of the NT Government’s new funding agreement with Thoroughbred Racing NT (TRNT).

The controversial new agreement, means TRNT is required to direct $6 million to upgrade infrastructure at regional race tracks in Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Katherine and Adelaide River.

The previous agreement expired on 30 June.

Tennant Turf Club President Mike Nash welcomed the announcement with open arms.

“It’s a big win for racing in the Barkly – it means we can do certain things we have been talking about and get some infrastructure happening such as shade structures and kitchen facilities,” he said.

“The new funding agreement is great for country racing as a whole. For Tennant Creek it’s our only one big day out where locals get dressed up to the nines – this funding will allow us to keep the event alive.”

Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing Chansey Paech said the NT Government values the racing industry’s important social, sporting and economic contribution and that’s why we have renegotiated the funding agreement that expired last month.

“While the overall baseline funding amount remains the same, this new agreement will specifically direct Thoroughbred Racing NT to reduce its payments to the Darwin Turf Club by $6 million over 10 years and reinvest that amount into infrastructure upgrades at regional turf clubs,” he said.

“Racing is a major drawcard in our regional areas and improved infrastructure at these tracks will make a huge difference to these clubs and communities.”

The Darwin Turf Club (DTC) is not so overjoyed about the funding agreement, citing grave concerns over its ongoing viability and the impact it will place upon the racing industry.

DTC Chairman Richard O’Sullivan says the agreement will have serious implications for the club, not only from a financial perspective but also in regards to health and safety.

“The safety and wellbeing is paramount with the club expressing severe concerns over the inability to maintain already deteriorating stable and training facilities with the $6 million funding withdrawal impacting on work health and safety conditions and in turn, directly impacting the racing fraternity, its stakeholders and the necessary facilities going forward,” he said.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 8 July 2022.