The WA Government has announced they will conduct an independent review into the State’s racing to ensure the long-term financial stability of the industry.
Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) has been in regular consultation over the last two years with the Government concerning the financial pressures threatening the long-term sustainability of WA racing.
Before considering any future policy or funding decisions, the Government have expressed a need to examine the finance and governance structures of the industry.
The review, which will commence in early 2026, will be led by the former Mandurah MLA Hon David Templeman along with Professor Warren Harding AM.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said the WA racing industry generates $1.3 billion for the State’s economy and is important for sustaining a livelihood of thousands.
“We want to ensure the long-term financial stability, viability, and integrity of racing in our State,” Papalia said.
“I encourage all stakeholders to play an active role in this process to ensure a thriving future for the industry.”
RWWA chief executive Ian Edwards says there will be no impact to regular racing activity while the review is underway.
“Racing and Wagering Western Australia welcomes the government’s independent review and the opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure a strong, sustainable future for the State’s three racing codes,” Edwards said.
“The WA racing industry supports more than 10,000 full-time jobs and plays a vital role in connecting communities, delivering significant social value.”
+ Local apprentice jockey Zephen Johnston-Porter has joined Lindsey Smith’s Victorian racing stable for a short riding stint.
Johnston-Porter, the younger brother of top-line WA hoop Clint, has booted home 118 winners since beginning his career in February 2023.
He currently sits in eighth place in the WA metropolitan standings with 10 wins and his apprenticeship will end in June 2026.
Michael Young with ‘Captain Oats” and ‘Tanaka Eagle”. Credit: MaryMills/Kalgoorlie Miner
+ Trainer Michael Young will celebrate a maiden WA training premiership when the harness racing season draws to a close on December 31.
The 36-year-old eclipsed his 2022 mark of 110 winners, this year preparing 125 and striking at 28 percent, with his headline triumphs the six black-type events landed by mare Penny Black.
Cease To React (race one), Blaze Away (four), Ambitsiya (five) and Hes Thunder (six) are all favoured to bolster the leading conditioner’s tally at Gloucester Park on the year’s final racenight.
Greg and Skye Bond have collected the metropolitan training premiership, while reinsman par excellence Gary Hall Jr has again won both the statewide and city driving titles.
19-year-old Abbey Vidovich, who had only driven in 55 races prior to this season, will clearly succeed as the leading concession driver having already amassed 102 victories.
She will steer at Wednesday’s Bunbury meeting, handling Nellys World (race one), Alta King (five), Zuede (six) and Supreme Rhapsody (seven).
