Belle Vue GM Mick Hardy is delighted that the Oaks and Laurels will go ahead with only a change to the winner’s prize money. The RPGTV sponsored events will take place on the prearranged dates with the finals set for Wednesday December 14.
He said: “William Hill raised the bar (in 2012) by raising the Oaks prize money to £15,000 to the winner which we were able to keep going through PJ Fahy, though we knew it would be difficult to maintain that level. Although the winner’s prize will drop from £15,000 to £10,000, it is still a £20,000 event with all other monies the same. The Laurels will remain unchanged. Obviously we are delighted and relieved.”
Reigning champ Domino Storm will defend her title before leaving the racing stage. Trainer Mark Wallis said: “I am delighted that it is going ahead. Thanks goodness for RPGTV. The plan is for it to be Domino Storm’s swansong, though hopefully we will get a few more races first. She trials back to tomorrow at Towcester.”
DOMINO STORM Photo: Steve Nash
