VOBIS Platinum reached a significant milestone over the weekend with the pioneering program having now awarded more than $4 million in vouchers since its inception two years ago.
When Along The River saluted in race seven at Seymour yesterday (Sunday, 13 October), his owners became the 134th set of connections to receive $30,000 in VOBIS Platinum vouchers for reinvestment in Victoria’s vibrant racing and breeding industries.
That victory came hot on the heels of Jammin Jimmy’s maiden win for Mitch Freedman in the second race on Seymour Cup Day, which took the VOBIS Platinum program to the brink of $4 million in vouchers.
Of the $4.02 million in vouchers claimed by the eligible winners of more than 250 VOBIS Gold races programmed each year in Victoria, in excess of $1.8 million has been redeemed to date either directly at the yearling sales, in partnership with an approved syndicate or used to offset the cost of a VOBIS Sires service fee.
The Inglis sales have proved particularly popular with prospective clients looking to spend their vouchers, with close to $750,000 redeemed primarily at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. Magic Millions comes next with more than $300,000 in VOBIS Platinum vouchers redeemed at their auctions across the country, taking the grand total spent at the yearling (and weanling) sales past the $1 million mark.
Of the more than $650,000 redeemed on service fees, close to $150,000 has been directed to Adam Sangster’s Swettenham Stud in Nagambie, with their banner stallion Toronado proving particularly popular amongst voucher holders keen to send their mares to one of Victoria’s most consistent sires.
Darley Victoria’s resident stallions Brazen Beau, Blue Point and Street Boss have also been in demand, with more than $140,000 in vouchers redeemed on service fees at the Northwood Park operation.
“VOBIS Platinum has been a great success since it was introduced, it’s a significant program for the industry and we’re proud of how well it has been received by the trainers and owners who target these races,” said Paul Bloodworth, Racing Victoria’s General Manager, International and Racing Operations.
“We’re grateful to our partners at Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria and the Victorian Government, their crucial support has been integral to the success of the program and we look forward to seeing many more vouchers redeemed during the upcoming sales season.”
Peter Murray, President of Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV), said: “The VOBIS Platinum program is really starting to hit the mark and gain traction. With increased understanding of VOBIS Platinum, trainers, owners and breeders are starting to realise the benefits of being involved in the scheme.
“We would encourage all participants to check out the VOBIS programs on offer and take advantage of their benefits.”
The VOBIS Platinum program (previously VOBIS Sires Boost) was launched in partnership with TBV and the Victorian Government in July 2022. Its introduction saw the total prizemoney, bonuses and vouchers on offer through the VOBIS program exceed $30 million each season.