Forum fatigue is real – but silence no option for Victoria

It would be easy for Victorian harness racing participants to shrug their shoulders at the latest round of consultation forums by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV).

After all, there’s been no shortage of “talkfests” in recent years, both grassroots led and HRV convened.

And frustration understandably runs deep when HRV appears to listen politely, then participants perceive, carries on regardless. A fair question being asked around the traps right now is: why bother turning up to HRV’s latest series of forums, starting tonight (Sept 15)?

But here’s the irony.

For a long time the industry has complained bitterly about not being consulted. Now, at least, HRV is fronting up – chair Bernard Saundry, CEO Matt Isaacs and the Board are on the road again for three more roadshows.

Participants who sit it out risk handing the steering wheel to others.

The consultation sessions come at a critical time. HRV confirmed a $25.8 million loss in the 2024 financial year, prompting a raid on Victoria’s futurity scheme, VicBred, stakes cuts and a reduction in meetings, sparking anger across the grassroots industry. We await with interest for the release of the 2025 HRV Annual Report to find what progress has been made in addressing the industry’s dire financial state.

HRV says the forums at Kilmore (Sept 15), Charlton (Sept 16) and Terang (Sept 17) are to review FY2025 and to outline plans for the year ahead. The Kilmore session will also be streamed live via trotsvision.com.au at 7pm.

Questions that must be asked

The forums are billed as two-way conversations. That makes them the perfect platform for participants to press HRV on key issues:

• Staffing and costs: HRV has signalled it has trimmed staff numbers. How far has this gone? And how does Victoria’s cost base compare with other states?
• Stallion levy: Introduced as a three-year impost to fund The Eureka, the levy is now rolling into a fourth year. Why has HRV allowed this burden on breeders to continue?
• National Ratings System: Six years on, flaws remain that disadvantage young horses and early winners. Why have changes not been made?
• Melton land: HRV still owns the land earmarked as the industry’s “future fund”. Where do negotiations with government stand, and how will fair value be secured?
• Moonee Valley proposal: Where is this at?
• Racing calendar: Talk persists of another 50 meetings being cut. What will the new structure look like, and how will country clubs be affected?

Credit where it’s due

For all the criticism, HRV deserves credit for showing up. This will be the third roadshow series this year, and unlike much of the past decade, the board is now directly facing participants. That shift matters.

But the responsibility now lies with industry participants themselves. If trainers, breeders, drivers and owners want change, they must attend, watch, and contribute. Without strong engagement, HRV can claim silence equals consent.

Harness racing in Victoria employs 5000 people and contributes $670 million to the economy. Its survival depends on transparency, accountability – and grassroots voices that demand it.

by Harnesslink Media