Tamworth Paceway: Prize money boost after increase in number of races | Stefan van Aanholt

There will be 34 meetings at the paceway this year, compared to 30 last year, with the number of category A races rising from six to 16.

The prize money for a category A race is $8,400 - with the overall increase in prize money this year more than $400,000.

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Stefan van Aanholt, chairman of the Tamworth Harness Racing Club, said the cash boost was "significant" and "really good news for the paceway".

"And it's a good little boon for the Tamworth economy, too, because you'll have horses coming here," he said.

He added: "To my knowledge, it [this much prize money] hasn't been seen in this area before."

Most of the benefits from the cash injection, he continued, "will go to the participants in the sport, the owners and trainers, because they'll be rewarded for their efforts".

"And, hopefully, people start to invest in a pacer or two," he said, adding: "A lot of this support comes from Harness Racing NSW. So a big thank you to John Dumesny [its CEO]."

van Aanholt, who was appointed chairman early this year, said it was an exciting time for the sport in Tamworth.

"I know Harness Racing NSW, who own [the paceway], intend to spend quite a deal of money to upgrade the facilities, which is also good news for local builders, or electricians."

Most meetings this year will be on a Thursday.

It was "good knowing we have a regular spot", van Aanholt said.

"People know that Tamworth harness racing is on a Thursday."

van Aanholt said he had faced "a steep learning curve" since taking on the job and he was "enjoying" it, as "things are moving along nicely".

"What I have learnt is, there's a very passionate industry," he added. "The people involved are very committed. And it's a lot of fun on Thursday, to go out there [the paceway]."

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