Harness Racing Victoria’s roadshows under way

Harness racing Victoria has undertaken a number of roadshows recently to explain the current situation of the sport in Victoria and to look at the ways forward.

The presentations were at established harness racing locations Mildura, Melton, Ballarat and Shepparton. They have been undertaken to address the serious issues facing harness racing and present the current facts and what is being done to improve the sport.

Chairman Bernard Saundry and Chief Executive Matt Isaacs both spoke and an audience of industry participants were invited to outline their issues of concern.

At the Melton seminar the principal issue of HRV’s finances was the first aspect of discussion and here the Board is aiming for a 12 million deficit for this financial year ended June 2025 and looking for a break even point by end of June 2026.

The revenue mix which in the past was mainly derived from TAB licencing has been declining over time due to less wagering with the TAB. From 2019 the Point of Consumption tax share has been part of the mix but even today it is a relatively small proportion overall. Grants have been increasing to reduce the offset of less licence funding.

With the pressure to pass laws relating to gambling advertising the potential for major betting reduction is evident and this will affect all racing codes.

The Board will continue to focus on promoting the Summer Carnival of racing which was a great success for the sport. All racing codes benefit when their major carnivals are promoted resulting in much needed attendance boosts and increased revenue turnover. Isaacs also raised the prospect of slot racing but more in the context of raising awareness in local business communities to encourage participation in the sport.

One of issues discussed was the potential for harness racing to move back to the proposed new Moonee Valley racing complex. Both Isaacs and Saundry emphasised that negotiations are still fluid and there are set to be significant discussions involving the State Government, HRV and the Moonee Valley Racing Club.

At the Melton meeting some participants spoke in favour of retaining the Melton venue. However, few would have known that the value of the complex when harness racing commenced at Melton would have appreciated notably as a result of expansion and development on the Western side of Melbourne.

Nonetheless the land at Melton even that which is declared surplus to the requirements of Harness Racing Victoria is now deemed to be highly valuable and is being eyed off for potential developers. Obviously HRV would need to seek the security of the sport with its own headquarter operations and main track. This will be the focus of intense future discussions.

It was also announced that the Board is looking to reduce the number of meetings by about 52 for this current year. The final calendar has yet to be determined but the model of the existing 27 clubs may need to be reset. At this stage no club has been informed that their current operations are to cease or reduced from last year.

Other aspects that were discussed were the set of a training facility and the age-old issue of standing start races. Arguments in favour of the latter are that it provides for more even racing with handicaps but this is offset by punters who prefer predictability of horses moving away safely from the start.

The sensitive issue of stake money was not taken up but this is a pressing need for the trainers, drivers and owners who have seen Victoria’s stake average reduced over the years. No promises were made as to when stake money could be raised but that will be contingent on HRV achieving their goal of becoming more financially sustainable.

Finally, Isaacs and Saundry indicated there will be future sessions of outlining progress and these will be vital in showing an improved situation that is so necessary for the stability and long-term future of harness racing.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink