Harness Racing Victoria has embarked on a series of informative roadshows to shed light on the current state of harness racing in Victoria and discuss future strategies. These roadshows, held at key harness racing venues including Mildura, Melton, Ballarat, and Shepparton, aim to tackle the significant challenges facing the sport and highlight ongoing efforts to enhance its standing.

During the presentations, Chairman Bernard Saundry and Chief Executive Matt Isaacs addressed industry participants, providing insights into the financial landscape of Harness Racing Victoria. The Board is working towards reducing a $12 million deficit by the end of the current financial year, with a target to break even by June 2026. The traditional revenue sources, primarily derived from TAB licensing, have been dwindling due to decreased wagering, necessitating a shift towards alternative funding streams such as grants.

The looming regulatory changes in gambling advertising pose a potential threat to betting activities across all racing codes. To mitigate these challenges, the focus remains on promoting flagship events like the Summer Carnival, which has proven instrumental in driving attendance and revenue across racing codes. Additionally, discussions have surfaced regarding the potential relocation of harness racing to the proposed Moonee Valley racing complex, sparking deliberations among key stakeholders including the State Government and the Moonee Valley Racing Club.

While some participants advocate for retaining the Melton venue, the escalating value of the land, even surplus to Harness Racing Victoria’s needs, has attracted the interest of developers. Balancing the sport’s operational requirements with commercial interests will be pivotal in future deliberations. The Board is also contemplating a reduction in the number of racing meetings, signaling a potential restructuring of existing club models.

Critical issues such as stake money, training facilities, and race formats, including standing start races, were deliberated during the roadshows. The imperative of enhancing stake money to support trainers, drivers, and owners remains a priority, contingent on Harness Racing Victoria’s journey towards financial sustainability. The commitment to regular progress updates underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering stability and ensuring the long-term viability of harness racing.

Looking ahead, Harness Racing Victoria’s proactive engagement with industry stakeholders and its strategic initiatives will be instrumental in navigating the evolving landscape of the sport. The roadshows serve as a platform for transparent dialogue, paving the way for collaborative efforts to revitalize harness racing in Victoria.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink.