NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The Harness Racing Industry has a long and proud history of achievement and involvement. As part of the broader Racing Industry, our sport covers the breadth of Australia.
Recently we have seen the resilience, adaptability and teamwork of the industry come to the fore to keep Harness Racing active in these challenging times.
WHO IS HARNESS RACING AUSTRALIA INC (HRA)?
HRA is the forum and co-ordination point between the State Controlling Bodies.
The object of HRA is to promote the Harness Racing Industry and to assist its Members to more effectively carry out their powers and obligations under their respective constitutions and Incorporating Statutes.
By reason of the State/Federal political system, each State Controlling Body administers harness racing within its own State jurisdiction, but the common bond is Harness Racing Australia.
WHO DOES HARNESS RACING AUSTRALIA INC (HRA) REPRESENT?
Harness Racing in Australia comprises more than 45,000 individuals who are involved in the process of producing and preparing Standardbreds for racing in Australia. Of these, there are 22,500 owners of Standardbred racehorses who provide significant capital investment into the industry, over 5,500 Trainers and Drivers and more than 4,500 Breeders.
The Industry also creates 19,000 Australian jobs, 40% of which are in regional Australia, and contributes more than $1.4billion dollars in value added to the Gross National Product of the Australian Economy.
COVID-19 and WELFARE
As an Industry we find ourselves in unique and very challenging times. Whilst we acknowledge that our actions must be guided by both Federal and State Government decisions, we must focus on the enormous social and economic cost that any disruption to our Industry will have on both our own participants, human and equine, and the wider community.
As we are currently experiencing in Tasmania, a total shutdown of Racing presents enormous challenges for our participants, administrators and horses. We need to assist where possible to ensure that all is being done to lessen the impact on all those affected.
TEAMWORK
I take the opportunity to applaud all State Controlling Bodies for the manner in which they are addressing, and finding solutions, to facilitate the continuation of racing where possible within the guidelines imposed.
Their communication to the participants has been extraordinary, and their ability to lead the industry in adapting to the challenges presented by COVID-19 has shown inspired leadership.
The commitment of our participants to work within these newly imposed restrictions clearly demonstrates not only their commitment to the Industry, but their concern for the continued health of all fellow participants. This concern continues to manifest itself in providing the best of care to our equine athletes.
FUTURE FOCUS
The Executive of Harness Racing Australia has been meeting regularly to ensure a national response where possible, and assist the State Controlling Bodies where needed.
We are lobbying on behalf of the sport nationally and continue to liaise with those groups invested in our Industry.
We will continue to support our Members to the best of our ability.
Michael Taranto
Chairman
