Among a range of growth initiatives approved by the Board of Harness Racing Victoria, stakemoney in 2017/18 will increase to $40million for the first time in Victorian trots history.
In a constrained financial situation, good progress has been made in the last five months, with increased participation reflected by individual horse numbers in May being higher than at any time for three years. The introduction of supplementary races and splitting of other races with strong nominations has created additional opportunities to win. As a result, turnover on Victorian trots is growing, which increases market share and future revenues.
More races at race meetings in 17-18
An increase in the number of races at all tiered prizemoney levels will be programmed for the 2017-18 racing season. That will provide participants with more chances to win races and further strengthen the Victorian industry by increasing wagering turnover, market share and ultimately profitability.
HRV will conduct 30 fewer race meetings in 2017-18 than it did in 2016-17, however the total number of races run will increase. HRV will continue to work with participants and our media partners to maximise the positioning and presentation of races, and encourage public contact with our sport at Victorian trots clubs via dining, promotions and our popular Country Cups circuit.
Changes to Supplementary Race conditions at Melton
Due to the success of supplementary races, from August 1, the stakemoney for all supplementary races at Tabcorp Park Melton on a Friday or Saturday night will be increased to $7000.
September and October Win Bonuses
To counter the annual trend of lower participation in the September/October period, all $3500 and $5000 races in that period will carry a $750 bonus payment to the winner. In September and October, winning connections of a $3500 race will receive $1750 in stakemoney and a $750 bonus, while for a $5000 race winning connections will receive $2700 and a $750 bonus. The $750 September/October winner bonus will be allocated in accordance with a normal stakemoney distribution (owner 87.5%, trainer 7.5%, and driver 5%).
Strategic Plan
HRV has been consulting with the industry by engaging directly with kindred bodies and receiving feedback from a series of forums held across Victoria, all contributing to an updated strategic plan. As evident by the increase in field sizes and number of races per meeting, elements of the strategy are already bearing fruit and other initiatives focused on punters, integrity, breeding, and participant and horse welfare are being developed. Participants have indicated an appreciation of the opportunity to contribute to strategies focused on industry growth and the knowledge that better days are ahead.
Media enquiries to:
Cody Winnell (HRV Media/Communications Manager)
t: 03 8378 0288 | e: cwinnell@hrv.org.au | tw: @codywinnell
