HRV announcement for prizemoney pool and tiering structure

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) today details prizemoney changes to be implemented from October 1, including adjustments to feature races and an alignment with the national ratings system.

Part of $10 million in cost-saving initiatives announced earlier this month, the changes for 2023-24 encompass a prizemoney reduction of approximately $3.9 million on 2022-23.

Almost 50 per cent of the impact will be in feature races, but prizemoney for the A. G. Hunter Cup, Great Southern Star, Victoria Cup and Vicbred Super Series finals will not be reduced. Changes to metropolitan and country racing each account for approximately a quarter of the reduction.

A new tiered structure has been developed in consultation with kindred bodies, which will reward improved performance of a horse with increased prizemoney.

The proposed tiering structure is outlined below:

Country (NR ceilings)
Up to 49: $4,500
50-51: $6,000
52-55: $7,000
56-64: $8,000
65-74: $9,000
75+: $10,000
Maidens – Open: $7,000
Maidens – Age: $7,000
Age races: $7,000

Metropolitan (NR ceilings)   
Age metropolitan: $17,500
No metropolitan wins (NMW): $15,000
Metropolitan NR79: $15,000
One metro win (1MW)/Two metro wins (2MW): $17,500
Metropolitan NR89: $17,500
Metropolitan NR105: $20,000
Metropolitan NR120: $24,000

* The maximum NR criteria (ceiling) on each race acts as a guideline to determine the associated prizemoney. For example, a National Rating (NR) 55-60 race would be $8,000 and a NR 56-69 would be $9,000.  

As specified, feature racing reductions equate for almost 50 per cent of the impacts, including:

•  3YO Breeders Crown pacing finals have been reduced from $200,000 to $150,000
•  2YO Breeders Crown pacing finals have been reduced from $300,000 to $250,000
•  Ballarat Pacing Cup has been reduced from $150,000 to $100,000
•  4YO Bonanza has been reduced from $100,000 to $75,000
•  Australian Trotting Grand Prix has been reduced from $100,000 to $75,000
•  Ladyship Cup has been reduced from $100,000 to $75,000

Significantly, Vicbred Super Series finals and first win bonuses will not be affected by the reductions nor will the Group status of mares’ races, an initiative to limit impacts on horse breeding in Victoria.

A list of feature races up to December 31 with advertised prizemoney can be found at Feature
Race List.

HRV is in dialogue with country clubs and Trots Clubs Victoria to identify small levels of adjustments within the country cup prizemoney pool. These will be finalised in the coming weeks and discussed with each club accordingly.

Stephen Bell, General Manager of Racing: “The readjustment to prizemoney has been balanced throughout the whole racing program with a focus on ensuring the changes were fairly distributed. HRV undertook extensive consultation with our key kindred bodies to build out the cost-saving measures. HRV is continually reviewing its racing program with a clear focus on maximising returns to participants.”

From Harness Racing Victoria