HRNSW makes Significant advancements despite pandemic adversity

Harness Racing New South Wales has defied global trends and road mapped a vibrant future for the industry and its participants through the most challenging year on record for racing codes around the world.

Of particular note were significant prizemoney increases “across the board” and perseverance in providing a ‘level playing field’ for participants.

Financial incentives and key policy initiatives are outlined in a newly published snapshot review of the past 12 months for Harness Racing in New South Wales.

SEE THE YEAR IN REVIEW DOCUMENT HERE

In the later months of 2020 HRNSW adopted initiatives in the area of drug testing whilst towards the end of the financial year the use of the retention facility was widened.

It was back in January when base prizemoney for “A” category meetings – which represents two-thirds of NSW’s racing schedule – was increased by 10 per cent to $8000.

Just a month later, the importance of the Miracle Mile as both an aspirational race and marketing tool to harness racing was underlined with a commitment to ensure its $1 million purse the only race in the Southern Hemisphere to carry this level of prizemoney.

Then, in April, HRNSW raised the bar again by announcing a further seven per cent increase to “A” category (up to $8568) and nine per cent increase to “B” category (to $6528) effective from July 1, 2021. It’s the highest base prizemoney levels in Australia and a 15% increase in a flat CPI period.

In other prizemoney announcements during the COVID-19 impacted past 12 months, HRNSW outlined it:

• WAS the first state to restore base prizemoney in July, 2020 – having been the last to reluctantly reduce it – when COVID-19 struck in March, 2020.
• INJECTED an additional $625,000 in prizemoney in September, 2020 by adding 12 extra race meetings to the schedule to ensure a minimum of two race meetings in each Region each week.

“This has been a particularly testing time for all stakeholders. We have all confronted probably the greatest challenges we have ever faced similar to the 2007 equine influenza outbreak but for a very much extended period,” HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny said.

“But to have been able to keep our gates open, keep on racing and ensure the livelihoods of our industry participants have not been jeopardised is something the HRNSW Board and Executive is particularly proud of.”

“To amplify that through growth and improved opportunities for our participants, despite the perils of COVID which has been so destructive to so many, is a significant achievement for all our participants.”

“Most Australians know that racing has helped provide that element of normality through a time of disruption, shutdown and lockdown in our everyday lives, so while there is a sense of pride in being able to facilitate that, we are also so grateful to all our stakeholders who have continued to support the industry through this time.”

In addition to direct returns to participants through prizemoney increases over the past 12 months, HRNSW also implemented a wide range of other investments, initiatives and investments.

A couple of the headline acts came in June, 2021 when HRNSW secured $4.2 million in Government funding for the Bathurst training centre and for the retraining of retired race horses. In the same month, the hugely important maternity scheme for female drivers was introduced.

Other key moments over the past year include:

• August, 2020: On behalf of owners, HRNSW made $1.5 million in historical superannuation guarantee payments for drivers to the Australian Tax Office
• October, 2020: Successfully delivered the postposed NSW Breeders Challenge Program whilst facing the restrictions imposed by COVID-19
• November, 2020: Drug testing detection strategies were initiated at an additional investment of $400,000, which returned positive results
• December, 2020: Released the 2021/24 Industry Strategic Plan – “Harness the Passion” – following six months of consultation with industry stakeholders, with deliverables confirmed
• February, 2021: Rehoming of retired racehorses commenced, following the appointment of a Manager
• March, 2021: Asset replacement scheme of $750,000 per annum commenced for critical race meeting equipment for clubs
• May, 2021: Held the first annual NSW Breeders and Owners Forum, as well as conducting five Group 1 TAB Regional Championships finals

“The key to the future is contained in the Industry Strategic Plan which in black and white sets out targets and does not rely on motherhood statements. The Plan has confirmed objectives which can be delivered by HRNSW,” Mr Dumesny said.

“In the weeks, months and potentially year ahead a united industry will continue to race with a goal for HRNSW to continue to deliver rewards and enjoyment to all participants.”