Roadshows offer chance to ‘make a difference’

Harness racing representative groups are ramping up their dialogue with participants over the troubled Victorian industry’s future.

Harness Racing Victoria rocked the industry in its annual report with confirmation of a $66M debt and a disastrous $24 million loss for the 2024 financial year.

In addition, a debt forgiveness deal with the State Government that relinquishes land surrounding the Melton complex seen as the sport’s “future fund”, has created anger at the grass roots of the sport.

The revelations prompted a crisis meeting of nearly 500 participants at Bendigo in August, and kindred bodies say they are now fulfilling a commitment at the meeting to hear the industry’s voices at a meeting roadshow around the State.

HRV has again been heavily criticised for its lack of transparency in announcements last week under its “pathway to sustainability”, which includes further significant cuts to stakes and to the State’s VicBred futurity scheme.

The Victorian Harness Racing Club, Trots Clubs Victoria, the Victorian Harness Racing Trainers and Drivers Association, the Victorian Square Trotters Association and Harness Breeders Victoria have united to conduct an industry roadshow around the State.

The series of meetings gets underway tonight (Oct 17) with an open invitation to participants at Cranbourne Harness Racing Club.

It will be followed by forums next Monday at Shepparton (Oct 21), Tuesday at Ballarat (Oct 22) and Wednesday at Terang (Oct 23).  The following week’s meetings will be in Bendigo (Oct 28) and Mildura (Oct 29).  All the events begin at 7pm.

Items on the agenda include:

• Recent stakemoney cuts.
• The National Ratings system.
• Harness Racing Australia Stallion Levy.
• Harness racing wagering product initiatives.
• Initiatives to boost harness racing participation including breeding and ownership.

The kindred bodies say the sport is facing unprecedented challenges, and the forums will provide participants with an update on the current state of the industry, including progress since the industry rally.

They say the roadshow will also be a platform for engagement, consultation, and feedback on the critical issues impacting participant involvement in the sport.

“At the conclusion of these Statewide Forums, we will collate the common feedback and provide recommendations aimed at enhancing our sport to the soon-to-be-announced incoming Chairman of Harness Racing Victoria,” the groups said.

“If you care about the future of Harness Racing in Victoria, it is crucial that you attend one of these forums.

“This is your chance to have your voice heard, contribute to meaningful discussions, and help shape a brighter future for harness racing in our State.”

by Harnesslink Media