HRV Roadshows kick off at Mildura

Harness Racing Victoria kicked off its Roadshows with a spirited two-way discussion at Mildura ahead of further nights at Melton, Ballarat, and Shepparton.

More than 50 harness racing enthusiasts attended Mildura Harness Racing Club for a two-hour briefing. The briefing began with an introduction from HRV chair Bernard Saundry and a presentation from CEO Matt Isaacs before conversation with the attendees.

HRV officials outlined:

• where the industry has come from, including detailed revenue and cost challenges
• where the industry is at, including the changes made to help transition the sport to a sustainable footing
• and where the industry is heading, including attempts to rediscover relevance and drive revenue

Harness racing participants, members, owners, volunteers, and staff then had a 90-minute question-and-answer conversation, discussing Mildura-specific challenges and opportunities as well as programming, ratings, wagering, and volunteer opportunities.

HRV CEO Matt Isaacs said Mildura was an essential part of harness racing in Victoria’s fabric, and that was represented by its being the first stop on the roadshow.

“I want to thank those who came tonight to talk with Bernard and me, to hear an update on the industry’s challenges, and to talk with us about opportunities to improve the sport,” Isaacs said.

“There were some great discussion points and action items for us to consider. This was an important step, and I am looking forward to this continuing at future roadshows.”

HRV will host a roadshow at Melton Entertainment Park tomorrow night at 7 p.m., which will be streamed on TrotsVision.

HRV will then host further roadshows at Ballarat at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 25, and at 7 pm on Thursday, April 3, at Shepparton.

by Michael Howard, for Harness Racing Victoria