Equine welfare and youth development strategies will be expanded through the infusion of $1million from the Tax Parity Fund.
With a wider community expectation of the welfare of all racing animals HRNSW will significantly expand equine welfare activities by inspections of properties and detections of unacceptable practices in the industry.
Severe deterrents, through penalties, are already in place but these will be increased.
From birth to the end of activity of registered horses in the harness racing industry this period of a horses life will be scrutinized through the movement and eventual de-registration of horses out of the industry.
Enhanced opportunities will be developed and encouraged to facilitate the retraining and re-homing of standardbreds for other pursuits such as riding for the disabled, pony club and clerks-of-course horses.
“It is absolutely essential that all participants are fully aware of their individual responsibilities when it comes to equine welfare,” HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny emphasised.
The retrained standardbred is fast becoming a sought after animal which horse lovers outside of harness racing are attempting to re-home but HRNSW will ensure there are checks and measures in place to protect these horses.
“Whilst HRNSW will continue to work with recognised and approved groups in the area of retraining and re-homing Standardbreds, HRNSW will also attempt to try these horses as potential clerks-of-course horses,” Dumesny said.
Youth development and encouragement will aim to make children aware of the horses through the ‘touch and feel project’ with mini-trotters.
“By having displays at agricultural shows and other community events where children can touch and feel mini-trotters we expect to connect children to harness racing and hopefully introduction into the mini-trot activity,” Dumesny said.
Support and expansion of the existing mini-trot programme will also be the focus of the industry as these children are encouraged to continue further in the harness racing industry.
“Children with a good record in the mini-trots will receive subsidised licence fees for the next five years after graduation from this first stage of their involvement in the industry.”
The encouragement of younger people to become actively engaged in harness racing through safe and supervised involvement supported by mentoring and education will be a priority for HRNSW.
“Young participants will be given opportunities to be mentored by senior credentialed licensees in the aspects of training and driving as well the responsibilities expected from the industry wider community,” Dumesny added.
Basic business, social and media skill training opportunities will be offered to young participants. This will complement training to other parts of the industry in club administration, track preparation and other key components of conducting race meetings.
ends
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
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To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
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Name:
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Greg Hayes
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Position:
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Media Manager
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600
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Email:
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ghayes@hrnsw.com.au
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