Another interesting item courtesy the West Australian website:

Racing, pacing and chasing clubs in WA will share a $1 million bonus payout from the TAB.

Racing Minister Nick Griffiths said yesterday the extra payment resulted from the TAB's outstanding performance in the first half of the 2002-03 season from August to January.

He predicted record distributions to the codes because the TAB was on target to set a new high for WA off-course turnover.

"The TAB has lifted turnover by $39.7 million, or seven per cent, in the first six months of the season, with increases spread through all codes," Mr Griffiths said.

"Betting on thoroughbreds rose by $12.4 million; trotting was up $10.1 million and greyhound turnover rose by $13.3 million.

"The TAB operated on 2860 meetings (44 more than last year) and the total holding was $502.7 million compared with $463 million last season."

WA Turf Club chairman Ted Van Heemst said it was positive news and he was pleased to see the benefits of TAB growth being passed on to the racing industries.

Van Heemst said it was WATC policy to pass on any benefits to participants and stakes would be reviewed soon, as part of an ongoing process.

The WATC would receive $398,000 (72 per cent) of the $1 million bonus and country racing $154,000 (28 per cent).

WA Trotting Association president Garry Scott said a decision on what would be done with trotting's share ($297,000) would be made at the half-yearly budget review in April.

"We know industry participants are doing it hard. It is positive news that we have greatly increased our betting turnover," Scott said.

Greyhounds had an extra 53 meetings, trotting an extra 13 but racing had 22 fewer meetings.

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