Extended media coverage for Victoria

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has revealed more ways to watch Victoria’s three biggest trots feature meetings in coming months.

Interim CEO Fiona Mellor announced the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup meeting on October 8 would be showcased with extended coverage from Melton on free-to-air Channel 78 (68 in regional areas) and 7Plus thanks to a new partnership with Racing.com, as well as extended coverage on Sky Racing and HRV’s streaming platform, TrotsVision.

Victoria Cup night kick-starts a six-month feature racing bonanza for Victorian harness, and Mellor confirmed the Inter Dominion Grand Finals (on Saturday, December 10) and A.G. Hunter Cup (February 4) would also feature on free-to-air.

“This is hugely exciting,” Mellor said.

“We’re in a fantastic position of having the most wonderful group of horses racing in our biggest races over the next six months and we’re looking forward to really maximising their exposure through our partnerships with Racing.com and Sky Racing.

“The chance to showcase Ladies In Red, Catch A Wave, Leap To Fame and all the other exciting stars of our sport to a broader audience is incredibly exciting.”

HRV successfully partnered with Racing.com for the first time earlier this year for A.G. Hunter Cup night. That broadcast, in addition to expanded coverage on Sky Racing and TrotsVision, resulted in a huge increase in betting turnover – becoming the second-highest turnover meeting in HRV history.

Mellor said HRV had also bolstered its broadcast stocks with the addition of experienced media man Ryan Phelan as a consultant and lead on-air presenter for marquee meetings.

“These next six months are so vitally important for us and we have such a wonderful opportunity to really showcase one of the greatest groups of harness stars we’ve seen in modern times,” Mellor said.

“Research conducted for HRV by Gemba this year revealed a significant number of thoroughbred racing and ‘non-racing’ fans engaged with harness racing each month, meaning there is a substantial group of people engaging regularly with our sport that we can connect with further through extended broadcasts. This is a huge opportunity for growth.”

Queensland-born Phelan is a former harness racing driver who boasts extensive media experience at the Seven Network, Fox Sports, Channel 10 and several stints with Sky Racing.

“By bringing Ryan on for six months, utilising Adam Hamilton’s media expertise in addition to our full-time media and broadcast line-up, we are positioning ourselves to make the most of the opportunities at hand,” Mellor said.

“Ryan’s role will go beyond presenting. We’re keen for Ryan, with the support of Adam (Hamilton), to work closely with our team to continue the great growth of TrotsVision, taking it to the next level and continuing to engage new audiences.”

From Harness Racing Victoria