Newcastle leading the way with new open race prize money structure
There has recently been the start of a new prize money stricture at Newcastle for their open race contests with second to sixth all winning a different amount.
New open race prize structure at Newcastle
Newcastle has introduced a new prize-money structure for its open races - with the aim of making such contests even more competitive than they already are.
Prize-money is staggered from first to sixth places - with the average £300-to-the-winner open seeing £160 for second, £130 for third, £110 for fourth, £80 for fifth and £70 for sixth, as per Thursday's card.
Ian Walton, general manager at the Arc-owned veue, said: "We rolled this out a short while back. It was really a trial to see if it gained more interest entries-wise, and also rewarded greyhounds being very competitive.
"It's too early to say whether it's been a success, but we'll continue in the short-term and see where it takes us."
One trainer said: "I think it's a good idea. It definitely rewards competitiveness but I'm more thinking when you have a standout entry - maybe a long odds-on chance.
"Most of the time that means he or she scares off the opposition, but for the others it means there's something to race for - especially for the more valuable one-off opens if they're going to do the same.
"I'd certainly like to see other tracks try this."
