Racing
Racing SA Moves to Ease Fuel Cost Pressure on Industry
Racing SA has announced a temporary Fuel Relief Package to support industry participants and clubs as they manage the impact of rising fuel costs and supply pressures.
The package follows close monitoring of current conditions and consultation with key stakeholder groups, including the Australian Trainers' Association (ATA) SA, the South Australian Jockey Association (SAJA) and the South Australian Racehorse Owners Association (SAROA), regarding the effect that increased costs may have on participation, travel and the ability of clubs to maintain racing surfaces across South Australia.
Racing SA has been particularly mindful of the potential impact on trainer and rider participation at regional meetings, as well as the flow-on effects that rising costs are having on owners and participants.
The package also takes into account the Federal Government's announcement on 30 March of a 50 per cent reduction in fuel excise, equivalent to 26.3 cents per litre.
With effect from 1 April 2026, Racing SA will implement the following temporary measures:
For trainers
To assist with travel, operations, and to relieve owners of additional resulting costs, payments based on round-trip travel distance:
- Up to 50km: $25 per starter, capped at $50 per SA trainer
- 51km to 150km: $50 per starter, capped at $100 per SA trainer
- 151km or greater: $75 per starter, capped at $150 per SA trainer
This model applies to South Australian trainers and also includes interstate trainers for Saturday metropolitan meetings.
For riders
- $50 per meeting for South Australian riders who earn three riding fees or less at a meeting
For clubs
- $1,000 additional payment per meeting to assist with increased costs associated with track and venue preparation and maintenance
For horse sanctuary partners
- A $5,000 one-off payment to each of Racing SA's two horse sanctuary partners, funded through the Racing SA Equine Welfare Fund
ATA SA State Executive, Damien Wilton, welcomed the introduction of the package and said it would provide timely relief for trainers managing higher day-to-day operating costs.
"Rising fuel prices affect every part of a trainer's operation, from raceday travel through to feed, freight and general business costs. This support is a practical measure that acknowledges those pressures and will assist trainers, particularly those travelling to regional meetings, and is another example of the ATA and Racing SA working together to provide benefit to the local industry."
SAJA President, Eran Boyd, said the package would also provide important recognition of the impact on riders, particularly those with fewer opportunities, at a meeting.
"For riders, especially those with three rides or less at a meeting, travel costs can quickly add up. This payment is a welcome acknowledgement of those pressures, and the role riders play in keeping the industry moving across metropolitan and regional South Australia."
The temporary Fuel Relief Package will remain in place throughout April and be reviewed on 30 April 2026, with Racing SA continuing to monitor conditions and consult with stakeholders.