Funding boost for NSW breeders

The Board of Harness Racing NSW has taken a decision to provide a significant injection of additional funding into breeding initiatives for the upcoming season.

In that process HRNSW it is now seeking stakeholder feedback.

Whilst $3.5 million is provided in non-racing incentives annually and $2 million in NSW Breeders Challenge prizemoney each year the Board of HRNSW has taken the decision to directly invigorate breeding from this year (2022) which will assist with associated costs.

“It is important that we (HRNSW) receive industry input in the development of the funding strategy before a decision is reached,” Chief Executive John Dumesny stated.

“And to this end I encourage stakeholders to put forward sustainable considerations and not miss the opportunity.

“In NSW like all jurisdictions across Australia we need to sustain and grow the number of mares bred especially considering here (in NSW) the severe impact experienced in the recent drought.

“Whilst the drought has passed and HRNSW injected $1.5 million into relief funding other pressures will continue to impact our industry in coming years.”

Submissions will open from today and close on March 18 so as to allow for an announcement from HRNSW in sufficient time for breeders to make decisions in relation to the 2022 season.

More recently HRNSW received submissions from stakeholders with respect to the Breeders Challenge Race Series and an announcement will be forthcoming with respect to enhancements to what is already the richest state bred series in Australia.

“From the submissions received there is scope for introducing additional opportunities for owners of NSW Breeders Challenge eligible horses in the race series.”

“As the closing date for submissions has only recently been reached Management will present in March to the Board Members conditions which will allow connections time to plan campaigns for their horses this year.”

“A proposal put forward by the Breeders Association titled the Pathway Stakes for NSW bred horses will also commence from this May.”

“Further the Clubs have been requested to put forward amenable (to them) suggestions with respect to A and B category races prizemoney for consideration in the next Industry Budget (FY23).”

“At the recently convened roadshows HRNSW received from attendees a clear message that the treatment of three and two year old horses in the handicapping system must be fixed and the Board has instructed Management to address these aspects as a priority.” Dumesny concluded

With what is in place, what can and will be initiated and with the knowledge that NSW offers the highest base prizemoney across Australia this latest consultative process will assist to continue growth in our State.

All submissions should be marked NSW BREEDING 2022 and directed to executive@hrnsw.com.au

For further details contact Alana Toulmin on atoulmin@hrnsw.com.au or (02) 97226600.

By Harness Racing New South Wales Media