Clarification – 'Victorian Racing Industry'
There has been quite a bit of commentary of late regarding the friction between the “Victorian Racing Industry” (VRI) and its Joint Venture partner Tabcorp. Recent issues such as the vision rights and the trial of 30-minute gaps between races on Saturdays in Victoria have been topical and have featured prominently in the commentary.
I would like to clarify that reference to the VRI in relation to these issues should be a specific reference to the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry. The VRI comprises three codes, although this fact is sometimes overlooked, including in the course of commentary.
Harness racing in Victoria relies heavily on the Joint Venture for its income. Stakemoney has a direct correlation with revenue derived by the Joint Venture. Anything which negatively impacts the Joint Venture, such as the issues mentioned above, has a direct detrimental effect on harness racing.
Unfortunately, harness racing in Victoria can suffer collateral damage as a result of these issues.
HRV is fully supportive of the Joint Venture between the VRI and Tabcorp, and we are committed to our relationship with Sky Racing.
Therefore any perception that there is any friction with Tabcorp is incorrect, as we are not involved in these thoroughbred issues.
Harness Racing Advisory Council (HRAC)
The newly legislated HRAC met for the first time on Wednesday February 10 at Tabcorp Park.
It was a very constructive meeting with several matters carried forward to the next meeting scheduled for March.
Under the legislation the HRAC is required to report to the HRV Board.
APG Melbourne Sale
At this year’s Melbourne APG Sale the sales average was $28,500 which was 12% higher than last year’s average of $25,500. There were five lots which sold for in excess of $100,000 and a further 19 yearlings sold for amounts between $50,000 and $100,000.
Last year two yearlings topped the $100,000 mark and 15 sold for between $50,000 and $100,000.
In particular, congratulations must go to the vendors and preparers who are continuing to improve the presentation of their yearlings. Many were rewarded for their preparation with great results.
Distinguished Service
Two former HRV Board members have received one of the highest honours in Australian Harness Racing, being presented with Distinguished Service Awards by Harness Racing Australia (HRA).
Peter Bourke and Carl O‘Dwyer were presented with their gongs by HRA Chairman Geoff Want on Victoria Cup night.
Apart from their role on the HRV Board for a decade, both men have had lifelong involvement in the sport in many capacities.
For a summary of their careers in harness racing click here to see the media release. In recent times Peter and Carl have had some fun racing metro class pacer Ideal Majority together. He was bred from Peter’s mare, Very Good.
Both were very proud to have received such recognition judging by the emotion with which they spoke on receiving their awards.
Caduceus Club
While on the subject of recognition, congratulations to Lance Justice on being this year’s recipient of Caduceus Club Living Legend status.
Lance is a worthy recipient of such an award following a long career in South Australia and Victoria.
Apart from his mighty record as a trainer/driver (click here for media statement), he also takes the time to represent the Trainers & Drivers as President of their Association.
I have always found Lance to be nothing other than a positive advocate for our industry and always looking for ways to move the industry forward. The way he allowed Smoken Up to become the People’s Horse was an example of that.
His input on the Harness Racing Advisory Council will be valuable.
While on the subject of the Caduceus Club, congratulations to the Committee on the conduct of the annual Hunter Cup Barrier Draw evening in the Members’ Dining Room at the MCG. Kevin Bartlett was an outstanding speaker.
Next year the Barrier Draw takes on extra significance as the Cup moves to a mobile staying test.
Sad News
Caduceus Club President Emmy Mazzetti’s mother suddenly passed away on the eve of the Club’s Barrier Draw function.
Emmy did a wonderful job to address the crowd only hours after his mother’s passing. All of us at HRV pass on our condolences to Emmy and his family.
Internship
HRV has been very pleased to support another young lady into our industry via a newly created internship.
I had the pleasure of meeting Community College Gippsland student Michelle Phillips at Melton recently.
Having spent some time working at Gary and Debbie Quinlan’s stables, during the course of her internship she will also spend time at the stables of Chris and Alison Alford. She will be in good hands.
Swedish Trainees
Victorian stables are also hosting two young Swedish students from trotting high school Travskolen Wangen.
Linnea Hollander, 18 of Jarvso, and Nathalie Sandberg,18 of Enkoping are the third contingent of students to visit Victoria as part of their education.
Their month long stay will be divided equally between the stables of Matt Craven and David Aiken, before heading home to pursue their careers. I thank Matt and David for their support of the program.
Milestones
HRV staff who have recently brought up anniversaries:
- Isabella Galati recently ticked over 10 years’ service in the role of Human Resources Manager; and
- Cheryl McPhee in the accounts department also achieved the 10 year milestone on February 13.
Greg Sugars and Jess Tubbs celebrated their wedding on Sunday and all of us at HRV wish them well for happy times ahead.
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