HERO manager Tanya McDermott and ambassador Greg Sugars.
The promotion of standardbred life after racing will be optimised in front of a captive audience following Harness Racing Victoria’s HERO Program accepting a sponsorship partner for Equitana Melbourne 2016.
HERO is the naming rights sponsor for the Jump & Drive Challenge, to be staged on day two of Australia’s most anticipated equestrian convention.
The Challenge forms part of a competition hosted by the Australian Carriage Driving Society.
“HERO is thrilled to be an official partner of this enormously popular and important event,” Program Manager Tanya McDermott said.
“If you have an interest in horses of any shape, size or breed, then Equitana is sure to be on your radar.
“It therefore provides an unprecedented opportunity to promote standardbreds and their potential to excel in a life beyond the racetrack.”
HERO’s acceptance as a sponsorship partner complements the program’s significant presence at Equitana 2016, to be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds from November 17 to 20.
Retired standardbreds will be represented in the popular Breed Village and HERO will have a trade exhibit in the Grand Hall for the duration of the event.
HRV Chairman Dale Monteith said the HERO Program’s importance to the industry as a whole should not be understated.
“It is the responsibility of all members of the harness racing community to ensure the welfare of our horses is absolutely top priority,” Mr Monteith said.
“The rehoming and re-education of racehorses once their racetrack careers have come to an end is an area the Board is very passionate about. We’re excited about the HERO program and the way the industry has embraced it since its inception.”
Now regarded as the largest equine showcase in the Southern Hemisphere, Equitana was introduced to Australia in 1999.
It brings together education, competition, entertainment and exhibition under a common umbrella and this year’s program is the most extensive in the event’s proud history.
For further information or to purchase tickets to attend Equitana 2016, visit www.equitana.com.au
For further information about the HERO Program, visit www.hrvhero.com.au
