Record on-course tote at Friday's Interdominion grand final predicted

13/3/96

Racing and Gaming Minister Max Evans today predicted that Friday night's Interdominion grand final at Gloucester Park would see a new record on-course tote turnover.

The previous record of $536,000 was set when the Victorian mare Jodie's Babe won the Interdominion grand final at Gloucester Park in 1989.

The best on-course turnover figure since then was last Friday night's figure of $509,000, which was the best ever turnover other than for an Interdominion final.

Mr Evans said that last Friday's turnover was the result of the Western Australian Trotting Association's sustained marketing program, which had seen top-class horses from New Zealand and the other States arriving in WA as early as last November and staying until the Interdominion.

The public response had been outstanding and had been reflected in increased attendances and on-course turnover.

From the start of the season on September 1, on-course tote turnover was up 26 per cent on the same period last year.

"The WATA has been very successful in promoting trotting as a family sport and entertainment and it deserves to have a record night this Friday," Mr Evans said.

"The public would probably be particularly happy to set a new record and see victory go to another mare, WA pacer Norm's Daughter, who captured everyone's imagination with her courageous win last Friday night."

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 221 5468