The 2023 Launching Pad series will carry over $530,000 in prize money for the first time.
It sees a boost of almost $70,000 from 2022 which is made up of an increase in slot price and matched increase from the club plus a marginal rise in standard stakes.
“It’s regarded as the country’s premier series for up-and-coming sprinters and like all major events it needs to move with the upward trajectory that the sport’s in,” said Neil Brown, Sandown Park Chairman.
The slot price has been increased from $2000 to $2500.
“With the level of prize money around in not only feature races but standard events we don’t feel it’s unreasonable to increase the buy in. We’ve matched that amount which combined makes up just about all of the increase.”
There will not be a race worth less than $10,000 to-the-winner across the series.
Slots will go on sale Monday January 23 at 10am. They may be purchased by any registered participant or club all of which have the ability to sell their slot up until the close of transfers at midday on Monday March 20.
Last year 45 of the 64 greyhounds who competed earned prize money.
The series has consistently produced superstars of the sport. Last year we saw Wow She’s Fast go through the series unbeaten and win the final in a race record 28.93.
Click here for more information and full conditions
Sandown Park will host ‘Launching Pad qualifier’ (1-4 wins, no more than 28 starts) heats on Sunday March 12, the final on Thursday March 16 – the winning connections will recieve a slot in the Launching Pad.
There is also a qualifier event at Angle Park (SA) which will be run under the same conditions – heats Thursday March 2, final Thursday March 9.
