Road to Summer of Glory

At the successful launch of the Summer of Glory several celebrities participated in double-seater sulky races, including the Minister for Racing Martin Pakula.
 
Each of the participants was given the opportunity to nominate a charity of their choice.   As a result, $10,000 was raised for the following charities:
 
$2,000
Ballarat Hospice (Martin Pakula)
Geelong Hospital (Billy Brownless)
 
$1,000
Tour De Byron (Nick Quinn)
Riding Develops Abilities Victoria (Desiree Pettit-Keating)
Neurofibromatosis (Adam Hamilton)
Royal Women’s Hospital Foundation (Cameron Mooney)
Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (Clint Stanaway)
Aussie Farmers (Danny Russell)
 

Export to France

HRV has previously reported on the increasing importance of the export of our trotting product to France.  It is common for four race packages beamed by Sky into French outlets to turn over in excess of $1m.
 
It is pleasing to see that the French, being the world leader in trotting, are increasing their interest in Victoria and requesting more product.
 
Therefore we have scheduled seven consecutive Monday night meetings in January and February with the final four races at each meeting being trotting races, telecast into France.  This is a further illustration of the French confidence in Victorian trotting.
 
This has not been an easy project to schedule and I appreciate the co-operation of the Clubs involved, participants and HRV staff who have re-cast the racing schedule to accommodate the changes for the benefit of the industry. 
 
The first two Monday nights, at Melton and Geelong, both turned over $1m for the four trot races.  For the same set of four races the Victorian TAB held $100,000.

 

Teal Pants Promotion

HRV is delighted that Tabcorp has come on board this year in support of the Women’s Cancer Foundation.
 
For every female winner wearing the teal pants between February 1 and March 12, both HRV and Tabcorp will donate $200 towards the Women’s Cancer Foundation.
 
Tabcorp and Sky will provide further support with initiatives such as the on air talent wearing teal ties, advertising support and other promotions.
 
Watch out for the ladies in teal during February and early March.

 

Investment in the Industry

In recent times I have had the pleasure of visiting some of our biggest investors in the future of the sport.  They are the Victorian properties where many of the stallions, mares and foals are cared for so well.
 
I have been fortunate to visit Empire Stallions (Avenel), Alabar (Echuca) Aldebaran Park (Nagambie) and Benstud (Katunga) – all exceptional properties, professionally managed and so important for the future of the sport.
 
I know there are other quality operations around the State but these four are top of mind having recently seen first hand how they operate.
 
They are outstanding properties courtesy of a large financial investment in each business based on confidence in the future of Victorian pacing and trotting.
 
The quality of the stallions, the care for the mares, being there for the birth of the foals and the preparation for the sales is amazing to see.
 
Further evidence how incumbent it is on us as a controlling body to provide an environment where those who invest wisely receive a return on their investment.

 

HRV Management

 

Vale
 

John Sweet
 
HRV was saddened to hear of the tragic passing of John Sweet as a result of an accident on his property in Kialla on January 9.
 
John had been a licensed A Grade trainer/driver for several decades having trained approximately 150 winners. 
 
Steve McCallum
 
After battling illness, sadly Steve McCallum passed away on January 10.
 
Steve was a young participant (27) who was the breeder, owner and trainer of a small team of horses.  He was also on the Yarra Valley Racing Committee and was associated with the Cranbourne Club as well.
 
Our condolences go out to the McCallum family on Steve’s passing.
 
Kaye Clancy
 
HRV extends its sympathies to Victorian Bookmakers Association Executive Officer, John Clancy on the passing of his wife Kaye.
 
Gordon Muir
 
Harness racing lost another long time trainer/driver in Gordon Muir who passed away in December after a long illness.
 
Gordon was the quintessential grass roots participant whose best trotter was five time winner Forward Vicstar.
 
Don Ritchie
 
In late December the industry lost another long time hobby trainer Don Ritchie from Eaglehawk.
 
Don trained many winners in his brown and white colours, most recently Cobargo Magic and Macy Lila.