Tabcorp's Doug Freeman (left) with HRV CEO John Anderson
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) CEO John Anderson has proudly received a cheque from Tabcorp’s Executive General Manager – Commercial Development Doug Freeman (pictured) for $1,161,130. This is for fees on international wagering on Victorian product in the 2014/15 financial year.
The internationalisation of Victorian Trots continued its growth in 2014/15 with revenue from the exportation of selected Victorian Trot races soaring to a new record up from $906,170 in 2013/14 and $746,331 in 2012/13.
The popularity of Victorian harness racing internationally is strong, particularly amongst the French where much of the growth has come from. Total international wagering turnover has increased from $24 million in 2010/11 to $77.4 million in 2014/15. The time of day in which the races are telecast into France, coupled with the ever improving quality of Victorian Trotters, provide their punters with an attractive offering that they have grown to enjoy in a relatively short space of time.
Several years ago the HRV Board made the strategic decision to take advantage of export opportunities, by emphasising the importance of trotting and exporting product to European countries. France is the biggest harness racing wagering market in the world and being able to export Victorian product provides HRV with an important additional revenue stream.
The exportation of selected Victorian Trot races will only grow in 2015/16 with a minimum of 55 races planned to be beamed into European markets.
HRV CEO John Anderson praised the work of Tabcorp, SKY Racing and Harness Racing Australia for driving and investing in the exportation of Victorian racing product.
“I would like to thank Tabcorp and Sky Racing in facilitating the exportation of Victorian Trot races. It allows us to not only showcase our sport to an international audience, but also provides vital revenue for the Victorian Harness Racing Industry”.
“The additional revenue is important for the industry and allows HRV to invest more in key areas across the sport, including stakemoney, facilities, integrity and the promotion of harness racing”.
