The Andrews Labor Government is helping to grow the harness racing industry by boosting the number of owners and breeders.
Through the Labor Government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund $1.42 million will enable Harness Racing Victoria’s (HRV) VicBred Platinum Scheme to encourage breeding, racing and ownership of Victorian horses, with HRV matching the investment.
There are currently more than 4,700 owners in Victoria, with that number growing by around 3.8 per cent a year over the past decade.
The funding will also provide additional prizemoney and bonuses to eligible owners of Victorian bred horses that are registered with HRV.
The Government has also invested $960,000 through the Fund towards a new Owners Room at Tabcorp Park in Melton, with construction already underway. HRV is contributing more than $320,000.
The investment will see a premium new room for owners developed under the grandstand with capacity for 70 people seated or 120 standing, a private bar and exceptional trackside viewing through a tinted frameless glass wall.
It will be used by owners and their nominated guests for all 80 race meetings held at Tabcorp Park each year. At other times it will be available to hire for events and corporate functions, generating a new source of revenue for the facility.
Since December 2014, the Government has invested more than $3.9 million to support infrastructure projects and events at Tabcorp Park and has invested more than $3.8 million to support the VicBred Platinum Scheme.
The harness racing industry in Victoria generates $613.5 million for the economy and helps sustain more than 4,400 jobs.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
“We’re supporting Harness Racing Victoria in its three-year plan to consolidate, strengthen and grow the industry, and the VicBred Platinum Scheme provides a strong incentive to boost breeding and racing in Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“This investment is ensuring Tabcorp Park remains the top venue for harness racing in the state, with outstanding facilities for owners, trainers, horses and the patrons who attend meetings during the year.”
Quote attributable to Harness Racing Victoria Chair Dale Monteith
“We're grateful for the government's support to provide top-class facilities for an important stakeholder group when their horse races at our metropolitan venue, as well as the ongoing support for the VicBred program, which encourages breeders to support the Victorian breeding sector and take a stake in our exciting and growing industry.”
Quote attributable to President, Harness Racing Victoria President Emmy Mazzetti
“The Victorian Harness Racing Club is extremely thankful for the Victorian Government and HRV’s investment in this wonderful space which will provide owners a special experience when their horse races at Melton.”
Reviewed 08 September 2022