Pop-up Races of Concern to Mick Price

The steadily growing number of 'pop-up' races are establishing an unfair distribution of racing riches, concerning multiple Group 1-winning Victorian trainer Mick Price. Even though he takes no issue with The Everest, being the first of its kind and a new way to market racing, Price is of the view there’s a better way to spend the money that's being lavished on other pop-up races such as the All-Star Mile, Golden Eagle and the recently-introduced The Invitation in NSW. According to punters.com.au, Price asked: “Is it these ego-driven races [that should prevail] or is it the opportunity for better distribution to a wider proportion of the industry which has no glamour aspect to it, but does make the buoyancy of the industry better and a bit more viable?” As racing fans wonder what “pop-up” race will appear next, at this stage of the game Price urges caution on how to spend industry money whilst simultaneously not caring about what other competitive racing nations do. He stated, “I am hoping that with the appointment of John Messara (as Racing Australia chairman) they may have better collaboration between the states rather than the conflict they have at the moment… Who says we have too many black-type races in the country? We don’t need to answer to anyone in France, England, Ireland or America.”