Group 1 winning trainer Mick Price

Mick Price may have two of the leading fancies for Sydney’s rich Golden Eagle but he is concerned the growing number of “pop-up” races are creating an uneven distribution of racing’s riches.

The multiple Group 1-winning Victorian trainer takes no issue with The Everest, being the first of its kind and a new way to market racing.

But he believes industry money could have been better spent rather than on other pop-up races such as the Golden Eagle, All-Star Mile and the newly created $2m The Invitation in NSW.

“I get the Everest, that’s fine. It was a totally new concept,” Price said.

“But I think too many pop-up races makes you wonder if it’s the best use of money.

“The majority of the participants in the game, including owners, need to get a better return on investment down the lower end of the game.

“I know we are here to reward excellence but I just wonder about these pop-up races, with all this money, that it creates an uneven distribution of the riches.

“What is better for the game in general?

“Is it these ego-driven races or is it the opportunity for better distribution to a wider proportion of the industry which has no glamour aspect to it, but it does make the buoyancy of the industry better and a bit more viable.

“It would grow the ownership pie better if they had a better return on investment rather than a large amount of money in small areas.”

Ayrton is the Golden Eagle favourite. Picture: Trackside PhotographySource:Supplied

With plenty of cross-border racing warfare between Victoria and NSW over the last few years, authorities in both states can at least point to some boosts in prizemoney at the lower end of the racing spectrum.

Price may be the beneficiary of the new races himself this spring, given he has $6 Golden Eagle favourite Ayrton and $11 chance I’m Thunderstruck.

But as racing fans wonder what “pop-up” race will appear next, Price has a warning.

“You never know what (Racing NSW CEO) Peter V’landys is going to appear with or what Victoria is going to appear with,” Price said.

“But if there’s money available, they need to be careful how it’s spent.

“What role do Racing Australia play?

“I am hoping that with the appointment of John Messara (as Racing Australia chairman) they may have better collaboration between the states rather than the conflict they have at the moment.”

I’m Thunderstruck is also a Golen Eagle contender. Picture: Getty Images Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Price, who co-trains with Mick Kent Jr, believes that as Australian racing authorities ponder the pattern of races going forward they should totally disregard the racing pattern outside our shores.

“Who cares what they do overseas, who cares what overseas people think of what we are doing with our Group races?” Price questioned.

“We have a model where we need 20,000-25,000 foals a year, we race all over the country and I believe the Pattern Committee is aware of the need to hold the quality of these black-type races.

“They do degrade races from time to time.

“Who says we have too many black-type races in the country?

“We don’t need to answer to anyone in France, England, Ireland or America.”

Originally published asPrice concern over increase in ‘pop-up’ races

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