The Vicbred Platinum race series will receive a $6.15 million boost over four years, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Launched by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) in 2012, Vicbred Platinum supports pacers and trotters that are bred and raced in Victoria.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula announced the funding while visiting Empire Stallions in Avenel.
Under the scheme, $1.45 million in prize money and bonuses will be available during each of the four years, with horses competing in 105 VicBred Platinum races run annually across the state.
The government is providing $2.31 million towards the scheme, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with HRV providing a further $3.5 million.
As part of the scheme, the government will also contribute $37,500 each year to support the Australasian Premier Trotting Sale and to establish a new sale to assist breeders and owners to sell their weanlings, yearlings, broodmares, stallions and racing stock. HRV will also provide almost $50,000 each year to support the sales.
The funding will help promote the sales throughout Australia and overseas and provide further infrastructure investment that includes raising the auctioneer’s stage, providing a big screen to track the day’s sales and extra seating around the sales ring.
There are more than 3000 harness racing breeders in Victoria, employing around 1900 people.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to supporting a strong and viable future for Victoria’s harness racing breeding industry.”
“Vicbred Platinum continues to increase opportunities for Victorian bred stock, particularly fillies and mares, boosting the Victorian breeding sector.”
“The Australasian Premier Trotting Sale also places Victorian bred horses at the forefront for international buyers.”
Quotes attributable to Harness Racing Victoria CEO John Anderson
“We are pleased to be joining forces with the Victorian Government to support the breeding of pacers and trotters in this state.”
“Since its introduction in 2012, the Vicbred Platinum scheme has provided over $4 million to support local breeders and raise the profile of Australian bred horses on the international market.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020