NSW Racing Minister George Souris Backing '14 Championships, Sydney Carnival For '14

New South Wales Racing Minister George Souris is "backing the Championships and the Sydney carnival to succeed this year," but said that future funding will "depend on the government seeing a return" on its A$10M investment, according to Chris Roots of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The Championships were "made possible" by a A$10M state government grant, but there is "no guarantee of continued funding." Racing NSW is also "pushing for government reform of the tax rates on its TAB distribution so NSW is more closely aligned with the Victorian model." That would give racing in NSW a "funding windfall" of more than A$70M. The government will consider "how well targets were met when it reviews the Championships," including a rise of at least 40% in the crowds for the two days from last year and a 10% increase in "all wagering." On the issue of the "tax concessions on TAB distribution, Souris said it remained on the table." (SMH, 3/6).