NSW receives $4.2million in funding

Harness Racing New South Wales has welcomed the Berejiklian/Barilaro Government’s commitment to equine welfare through its 2021/22 state budget.

Announced today by the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation responsible for racing Kevin Anderson MP, more than $4.2million has been allocated to the NSW harness racing industry for multiple infrastructure projects.

The funding consists of:

• $2.9 million for the construction of a new harness racing training centre in Bathurst
• $1.3 million in assistance to rehome retired Standardbreds (pacers and trotters) across regional NSW

The training centre will be built within a precinct adjacent to the Bathurst Paceway, the home of regional Australia’s richest race purse – the Gold Crown Carnival and more than 50 race meetings a year.

Mr Anderson said construction on the ‘shovel ready’ training centre is envisaged to commence almost immediately.

“The NSW Government is committed to seeing the harness racing industry grow and thrive here in NSW which is why we are working with Harness Racing NSW on these very important initiatives,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are building a safer and stronger regional NSW by supporting the harness racing industry and allowing people to live and work in regional communities.”

Announcing the project in Bathurst today, Local Member Paul Toole MP was enthusiastic about the future of harness racing in the region.

“Bathurst is one of the biggest hubs for harness racing in NSW which is why the NSW Government is supporting the future of the industry in our region by working with Harness Racing NSW to develop this training centre,” Mr Toole said.

“This centre will massively enhance the capabilities of the harness racing industry here in Bathurst and will allow the sport to grow and thrive well into the future.”

The commitment will allow for the stabling of up to 60 horses and create around 30 jobs in the Bathurst region.

Retraining for rehoming facilities will be established across the State on properties owned by the industry at Goulburn, Wagga, Bathurst, Tamworth and in the Hunter.

“With properties strategically situated across the state, the construction of facilities will allow for the retraining of retired pacers and trotters which will boost the contribution of our Re-Homing Company,” Harness Racing NSW Chairman Ken Brown AM said.

HRNSW Re-Homing Company Chairman Peter Nugent said the funding of infrastructure would enable the continuation of the positive outcomes and growth that have been delivered upon since being formed late last year.

“This is fantastic news. It has been proven in the 7 months since the Re-Homing Company began operating that the program is giving life after racing to the Standardbred horse and helping so many in the community,” Mr Nugent said.

“They are such a calm and intelligent horse and we have already been able to create avenues such as companion riding, social opportunities and crucially, really rewarding programs for disabled riders and other special needs groups. In places like Wagga Wagga, University students doing veterinary science courses will have access to the horses for practical experience and research.”

“This is going to help so much in bringing greater visibility to the work that is being done and make such a difference to the future of the harness racing industry, our retired horses and the people deriving so much joy out of the programs being delivered.”

With the infrastructure funding assistance, the Re-Homing Company has set a target of doubling its intake once the infrastructure is in place.

“On behalf of the participants, my Board and management I extend the sincere appreciation of the harness racing industry to our Minister Kevin Anderson and the NSW Government for the continued support,” Mr Brown said.

From HRNSW