MEDIA RELEASE

An exciting new prizemoney bonus is available to encourage female-led ownership within the thoroughbred horse racing industry. 

A first in the Northern Territory, Women in Thoroughbred Racing NT (WTRNT) are proud to offer a $3,000 women’s bonus to the first majority female-owned (or leased) horse in finishing order in two feature Northern Territory races.  

This initiative supports the association’s goals of encouraging female participation in racing across the Northern Territory and recognises the contribution of females within the thoroughbred racing industry. 

Eligible races are the upcoming Rosebowl as part of the Darwin Cup Carnival, and the Alice Springs Cup Carnival’s Queen of the Desert, due to be raced in the first half of 2025. 

This will see a total bonus pool of $6,000 on offer. 

WTRNT Chairperson Brooke Prince said the Northern Territory continues to see strong representation by female industry participants. 

“This bonus will continue to foster further growth and engagement in thoroughbred racing, with initiatives like this already proving successful in other jurisdictions. 

“The WTRNT women in racing bonus provides an exciting opportunity to bring focus and recognition to the important role women play in the thoroughbred racing industry. 

“The Rosebowl and Queen of the Desert races are the natural partner for the bonus, as the feature fillies and mares race for each carnival.” 

The Rosebowl is the Darwin Cup Carnival’s feature fillies and mares race held annually on Ladies’ Day, an event which sees thousands of women flock to the Darwin Turf Club, serving as the perfect choice to introduce a female-led prizemoney bonus race. 

“Ongoing female participation is vital to the future of racing, and WTRNT are thrilled to introduce this bonus to racing in the Northern Territory,” Ms Prince said. 

“We hope this bonus encourages further female participation in racehorse ownership over the coming years.” 

Chief Executive Officer of Thoroughbred Racing NT Andrew O’Toole praised the initiative. 

“The Board and management of TRNT are indebted to Women in Thoroughbred Racing NT for their support of the bonus on both fillies and mares races, and it is further proof of the marvellous work that WTRNT is doing in promoting ownership to female participants,” he said.