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A harness racing training institution for 25 years has educated its final cohort of students, with the closure of the Gippsland Harness Racing Training Centre.
The centre was established in the 1990s, through the efforts of the Warragul Harness Racing Club, and its secretary Des Hughes, but Community College Gippsland has decided to no longer offer equine training in its curriculum.
The college cited student numbers and financial viability as the key factors when it advised the Warragul club of its decision last week.
Des Hughes was the inaugural manager of the centre, until Jenni Lewis took up the role seven years ago.
“They had numbers, but not what they required, and unfortunately it reflects what’s happening with equine training providers everywhere,” Hughes said.
“I think the move of Jenni to a newly created position with Harness Racing Victoria was also probably a factor,” he said.
“We had between eight and 12 full times students each year and over the 25 years we would’ve had between 200 and 300 graduates come through, plus the VET programs in schools. A lot of those school kids from VET also went on to be full time students at the school.
“We’ve had graduates go on to work in all facets of the industry – Michelle Phillips is a brilliant young reinswoman and one of our early graduates, and Nick Murray, who became a steward and went on to become Chairman of Stewards.
“There are also two stewards in Western Australia and many participants, from stablehands up, not just trainers and drivers.”
Hughes said it was disappointing that there would no longer be a training establishment to nurture new and young talent into the harness racing industry, particularly among those without a family background in the sport.
“It’s a shame, because as an industry we definitely need that capability, but nothing stays the same and we won’t be pursuing another education and training operator – we think that era has passed, unfortunately,” Hughes said.
Hughes said the club would speak with Harness Racing Victoria about options for the future of the facility.
“Our goal will likely be to get a trainer based here to train from the facility. It can cater for 14 horses, so it’s obviously an ideal opportunity for someone,” he said.
“On-course stabling seems to be one of the directions HRV is headed, to create viable options for trainers and people coming into the industry.
“At the moment, we’re just cleaning it up and making it presentable, before we begin to look for a tenant, probably towards the end of the month, but obviously if someone came forward earlier, that would be great.”
