Cranbourne “Spring Cash” makes an instant splash

Cranbourne Harness Racing Club is kicking goals with a bold new initiative designed to attract more horses and trainers to its upcoming meetings.

The club’s “Spring Cash Splash” is injecting an additional $42,000 in stakemoney across a range of races, along with an $8000 trainers’ bonus to be decided on a points system.

General manager Cam Gallagher said the results were already visible in this Sunday’s Father’s Day meeting.

“We are very pleased because 12 of our previous 13 meetings have had programs of just six races, with between 44 and 55 horses taking part,” Gallagher said.

“This Sunday we’ve got 68 horses competing across eight races. The club and committee decided on the Spring Cash Splash idea and it seems to be having an impact. Judging on the increased numbers at the next meeting, it’s a step in the right direction.”

Gallagher said races at the lower end of the national ratings scale would receive a stakemoney boost of between $500 and $2000.

“Obviously the aim is to stimulate interest, and we’re hoping the handy little bonuses will encourage trainers to race at Cranbourne. Between now and November 25, points will be awarded to trainers who have horses run in the first five,” he said.

“We will have a weekly running tally released and at the end, the leading trainer will get $5000; runner-up $2000, while the third placegetter will receive $1000. We’ll continue to reward participants with a $200 trainer win bonus, paid automatically via HRV’s payment system.”

The initiatives lift the club’s total stakemoney contribution for the 2025/26 season to $167,000, including support for the $150,000 G1 Decron Cranbourne Gold Cup and the G1 Trotters Cup, both scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026.

President David Scott said the club was determined to look after participants at all levels.

“We’re a financially robust club and we’re thoroughly enjoying the chance to return the prosperity back to industry participants.

“We are proud of what we’ve achieved here, and there are so many things to attract people. The new stabling is the latest project,” Scott said.

“With the club making a significant step to taking the Pacing and Trotters Cups to G1 status, we believed there was a need to look after the base stakes. We’ve also got some vacant boxes at the Training Centre so we’re ready to welcome anyone – this season has seen 50 winners from there, while they got 100 winners last season.”

Sutton Grange horseman Ross Graham welcomed the “Cash Splash” as another positive move from the Cranbourne Club.

“It’s an easy drive down the highway for us – and it’s not a hassle on a Sunday, whereas it may be on a weekday,” Graham said.

“It’s a good club and it’s great to see them doing their best to look after us. We’ve done reasonably well there over the years. I’m sure the cash splash and the chance of a $8000 bonus will attract more trainers.”

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink