From the CEO's Desk - June 2016
We are now well into Vicbred mode and will be for the next two weeks. Our thanks to Empire Stallions for their generous support of the Vicbred Series. David James, Donna Egan and Les Joslin enthusiastically embrace Vicbred, and we wish the sons and daughters of their stallions good luck.
Early analysis of the new heat format indicates a successful change with strong nomination numbers for the 2016 Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series.
As part of the financial year-end audit, HRV is required to periodically obtain an asset valuation on the land and buildings at Tabcorp Park.
This year's valuation has been performed by the Office of the Valuer General. The area occupied by the Tabcorp Park complex has been valued at $43m and the adjacent land owned by HRV valued at $28m.
Therefore HRV has an asset worth $71m, an increase of $20m since the last valuation.
We are currently working through one final environmental issue with the relevant authority before we commence a process to capitalise on the value of the land for the long term financial security of the industry.
More detail will be provided in a future edition of Harness Racer.
After much industry debate and consultation with industry groups the HRV Board has announced the final position on the tiered stakemoney proposal.
From September 1 HRV will move from the current two tiers ($3,500 restricted and $6,500 country class races) to a new four-tier system.
The four tiers of stakes will be $3500 (restricted) plus a mix of country fronts of $5,000, $7,000 and $10,000.
There are several clear objectives of this initiative, which will be easy to measure and will be under constant review: Increased field sizes Reduced number of long odds-on favourites Increased opportunities for lower class horses Maximised earning capability for better class horses After six months HRV will assess the success or otherwise of the strategy and share the results with the industry.
Since the last newsletter the HRV Board has received the 67-page review into racing integrity conducted for the State Government by Paul Bittar.
The two major recommendations arising from the review are: The establishment of a new vehicle, the Victorian Racing Integrity Unit (VRIU), responsible for the delivery of integrity services across the three codes of racing; and
The restructure of the appeals and disciplinary system to remove the appeal to VCAT of decisions by the current Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Boards and to establish a single cross-code Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board. The Minister for Racing has accepted the recommendations in principle and has allowed two years for a government-appointed steering committee and project group to implement the changes.
The review praised HRV's recent commitment to increases in resources and staff in the integrity area. That strong focus on integrity will continue while the implementation of the new model progresses.
The CEOs of the three racing codes are now working closely with the Minister's Office and the Office of Racing on the implementation phase.
In accordance with a legislative requirement, from July 1 drivers will receive superannuation on top of the driver fee. The driver fee will increase from $65 to $71.18, of which $6.18 will be paid to the drivers' nominated fund. For the media release, click here.
One of the features of the AusTrot App is the 'Blackbook' where punters/owners can follow any particular horse. The top four most popular horses followed are Lennytheshark, Beautide, Smoken Up and Come On Frank. Clearly the many people who followed Smoken Up await a comeback!
The AusTrot App continues its growth with 21,000 sessions in the month of May, up 25% on May 2015.
For the harness.org.au website, 165,000 unique visitors (8% increase on May 2015) accessed the site for 1 million sessions and 11 million page views. 'Fields' remains the most accessed area of the site.
The most accessed video in Australia in the last month was the Victoria Trotters Oaks on June 3 at Melton with 4,206 hits.
HERO Agricultural Show Series
We really appreciate the support of Alabar Farms, which is assisting the latest animal welfare initiative from HRV, the Alabar HERO Series, an unprecedented showing opportunity for retired standardbreds.
The series will run in conjunction with the highly popular Victorian Agricultural Shows.
Alabar Bloodstock has secured naming rights to the prestigious series, and the Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association of Victoria (SPPHAV) are also on board to support the event.
Prominent industry breeders/owners the Abrahams family (Robert, Carol and Peter) have made a generous cash donation in support of the Series.
The Alabar HERO Series is open to all freeze-branded standardbreds and will comprise qualifiers at agricultural shows throughout Victoria, leading into a $1000 final at Bendigo on January 8, 2017.
In further great news for the HERO program, former top trotter Armed Guard has been accredited with Colac RDA. The work Tanya McDermott and others are doing for retired standardbreds is fantastic and we also appreciate the State Government's support through the VRIF program.
Vale John Wilson
Many in the industry would have been saddened to learn of the passing of former HRV employee John Wilson.
John commenced as a Patrol Steward with the Trotting Control Board in 1976 and served with distinction until his retirement from HRV as a Senior Stipendiary Steward in 2002.
Prior to his stewarding career, John was a well-regarded jockey and, later, thoroughbred trainer. He was known for the meticulous condition in which his horses were presented to the races and the manner in which his stables were maintained.
HRV sends its sincere condolences to his wife Marion, children Susan and David, and his extended family.
Did You Know
Adelaide Crows forward Josh Jenkins is having a breakout season on the field, but is also involved in our sport as an owner and keen follower. He races his horses with trainer Mick Stanley.
Josh has had winners in Koree Jayne and most recently Zanibar Babe at Penrith. He also has a close association with star three-year-old and Jewels winner Heaven Rocks.
For the record, Josh has kicked 37 goals in season 2016, only six behind leader Buddy Franklin on 43.
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