RACING New South Wales chairman John Messara has no doubt the state's thoroughbred industry can lead the Western world in showcasing ''the sport of kings''. ''We can never surpass the likes of Hong Kong and Singapore, but when our programs are put in place, finished, we will be the best Western jurisdiction in racing,'' he said yesterday. His comment came shortly after the High Court delivered a landmark ruling in the race-fields legislation saga, which has dragged the state's thoroughbred regul
RACING New South Wales chairman John Messara has no doubt the state's thoroughbred industry can lead the Western world in showcasing ''the sport of kings''.
''We can never surpass the likes of Hong Kong and Singapore, but when our programs are put in place, finished, we will be the best Western jurisdiction in racing,'' he said yesterday.
His comment came shortly after the High Court delivered a landmark ruling in the race-fields legislation saga, which has dragged the state's thoroughbred regulatory body through the legal mire for the past four years. The court rejected a claim by betting exchange Betfair and corporate bookmaker Sportsbet that it was unconstitutional for NSW racing bodies to demand 1.5 per cent of their turnover to use race-fields information.
The wagering operators had challenged the legislation on the grounds that it was discriminatory and protectionist.
''This is not a victory for Racing NSW, it is a victory for the industry's 50,000 participants,'' Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said.
Both V'landys and Messara signalled significant statewide prizemoney increases would be announced next week. (www.theage.com.au)