Tabcorp moved swiftly last night to water down the controversy arising from its announcement this week that NSW TAB punters would benefit from reduced commissions on selected feature spring events.

On hearing of Tabcorp's plan to reduce the take-out on win pools on selected races from 14.5 per cent to 5.9 per cent for NSW TAB punters, Racing Victoria Ltd immediately questioned Tabcorp's commitment to Victorian racing.

Racing Victoria Ltd's chief operating officer, Bernard Saundry, said RVL was stunned that Tabcorp, a joint-venture partner with RVL, would move to ''actively direct customers to NSW''.

''Tabcorp rejects any suggestion it is not committed to the Victorian racing industry and re-iterates its support of the joint-venture partnership,'' the statement said. It also noted that the activity in NSW was a trial and if successful would be launched in Victoria in the near future.

The reduction in the commission rate win bets will be available on some spring carnival races but only for viewers of Sky Channel and on selected websites and radio stations.

It is understood that these viewers/listeners will be given about 10 minutes' notice that Tabcorp will reduce its commission on an upcoming race.

Tabcorp is one of several Australian and international betting agencies vying for the right to operate Victoria's wagering licence from 2012.