Ryan Balfour has described the new look Racing Rewards SA (formerly SABOIS) as a 'game-changer' for South Australian Thoroughbred Racing.
Since its launch in December 2020, Racing Rewards SA has returned more than $1.7m in bonuses to owners, with two promising three-year-olds trained by the next wave of South Australia’s trainers the shining examples.
“It’s incredible, it’s been a bit of game-changer,’’ Balfour said.
“Whether it has been going to sales, even breeding horses, Racing Rewards SA has certainly changed things here, especially when you’re breeding to race.
"We breed a few here that fit that category, and it can be the difference in sending a horse over the border.
“It gives owners a lot more confidence and I’ve noticed the positivity off the back of it already is huge.
"It’s something that’s only going increase options for clients and future clients going forward,’’ he said.
Balfour’s exciting three-year-old Outlaws Revenge and Travis Doudle’s Struck By have made the most of their status as Racing Rewards SA horses.
Outlaws Revenge, as well as banking $213,900 in prizemoney in just eight starts, has also secured $105,300 in bonuses, while Struck By has seen connections pocket $91,400 in bonuses, as well as $220,700 prizemoney from his eight starts.
And Balfour said the Racing Rewards SA had an impact from the top end right through to maidens.
“Take a horse like Zipadee, she’s been frustrating,’’ Balfour said.
“She’s taken a while to win a maiden and at Port Augusta on Sunday she rose to the occasion and took home almost $15,000.
"It’s good money and makes a huge difference."
Balfour is confident we haven’t seen the best of Outlaws Revenge, who he describes as a horse with ”great potential” so much so, he paid a record price of $370,000 for his half-sister at this year’s Magic Millions Adelaide Sale.
“A lot of people say “we didn’t want to leave the sale without a specific horse’ and it was certainly the case with her,’’ Balfour said.
“Myself and few other were thinking the same, unfortunately,’’ he said.
Racing Rewards SA is part of Racing SA's long-term commitment, according to Chief Executive Nick Redin.
"Racing Rewards SA is a key component of our strategic plan, and solidifies our commitment to the growth of the SA thoroughbred racing industry," Redin said.
"The results for our participants speak for themselves."
Doudle, being the majority owner in Struck By, has seen a large part of that reinvested in South Australian racing and his expanding Morphettville stable.
“I own a big chunk of Struck By, so all of that money comes back into the business and is helping keep things flowing,’’ Doudle said.
“It’s always a good bonus to focus the right horses towards, so we’re trying to target those races when we can.
“It’s a nice cherry on top of any prizemoney.
"Racing Rewards SA is great for the locals and keeps everything rolling,’’ he said.
Among the $1.7 m distributed back to owners, more than $295,000 was paid to connections of horses during February when a double bonus was offered.
Some of SA racing’s biggest owners Ken and Helen Smith benefited with Exalted Beast banking $27,600 during the period while Azzureous and Stan The Caddy pocketed their respective connections $20,100.
Racing SA has urged owners who purchased yearling’s this year to make sure their next crop of young horses are nominated for eligibility in season 2021-22 which close on June 30. Click here to download the Racing Rewards SA nomination form.
