For the season so far, breeders of Vicbred eligible horses have received $620,000 in bonuses over and above the stake.
That is also in addition to the $2.5m paid to owners of Vicbred eligible horses for their first win. The Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series starts in June.
It pays to be Vicbred!
Country Clubs Meeting
I was joined by Vaughn Lynch and Nick Murray at a general meeting of the 25 Clubs, hosted by the Association of Victorian Country Harness Racing Clubs at Ballarat on Sunday (May 17).
Some of the topics covered in the HRV presentation to Clubs were:
HRV Business Indicators:
Anticipated profit for 2014/15 – $3m Wagering revenue $61.2m (6%)
Wagering turnover on Victorian Product – $800m (up from $750m)
Stakes up to $38.6m (6%)
Explanation of debt strategy Debt reduced from $32m to $25.4m this year
Feedback from consultation groups on where increased stakes should apply in 2015/16
Minister's Audit: Response sent to Minister on May 8 Ballarat Cup Inquiry:
Racing Integrity Commissioner has responded to Minister 2020 Strategic Plan consultation to commence in a month
Review of Club funding model to take place in 2015/16 Consultation on revised whip rules to commence soon Animal Welfare
At the Country Clubs meeting, Vaughn Lynch outlined a proposed plan to co-ordinate the standardbred re-training and re-homing programs around the State.
A formal announcement on the extent of the program is expected within a fortnight. It will be a very good news story for the industry and an important step in the enhancement of horse welfare in Victoria. Clarification – Craig Demmler
I wish to clarify some confusion within the industry regarding the case involving Craig Demmler, which was before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on May 6.
Mr Demmler remains the subject of an investigation following an analytical report that a horse trained by him returned a cobalt reading above the threshold allowed under the Rules.
HRV Stewards originally stood down Mr Demmler while the investigation takes place. HRV's position was reaffirmed by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board. VCAT overturned that decision, which means Mr Demmler is now free to train.
The VCAT decision does not stop the overall investigation into Mr Demmler's case continuing. Minister's Audit
The HRV Board provided a comprehensive response to the Recommendations contained in the Dale Monteith Report on May 8.
The Board also took the opportunity to provide detailed information to the Minister responding to several material errors in the body of the Report. Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF)
HRV was pleased to hear the Andrew's Government will continue the VRIF grants program for the term of the government.
This is excellent news for the industry for several reasons.
VRIF allows HRV to continue with infrastructure spending on a shared basis with government.
Two Victorian clubs will benefit almost immediately with soon to be announced enhancements to their respective venues.
The lucrative Vicbred Platinum series will continue as an important scheme that provides additional stakes for Victorian bred horses.
It has already created opportunities for many horses, with owners and breeders alike happy to hear the scheme is continuing.
Last Friday night at Melton was a case in point where we conducted two $50,000 races for 2yo Vicbred Platinum eligible colts and fillies as well as a $30,000 Vicbred Platinum Trot Final. Vicbred Sponsorship
While on the subject of Vicbred, Empire Stallions have once again signed on as naming rights sponsor for the 2015 Vicbred Super Series and Platinum races.
Empire Stallions is going from strength to strength in Victoria.
David James, Donna Egan, Les Joslin and staff do a wonderful job promoting their stallions, and harness racing generally.
On the subject of Vicbred, in a new initiative this year, the reigning Vicbred champions from last year will carry the specially designed Vicbred silks in the lead up to the Vicbred Finals on July 3 and 4.
Endsino was the first winner to carry the Vicbred colours to victory last week, followed by Lennytheshark on Friday at Melton in the Golden Reign FFA. Eljaykay Phoenix is going for 3 from 3 at Menangle on Tuesday May 19.
Neal Conder
I would like to wish Neal Conder all the best in his next career stage following his resignation from the Chairman of Stewards position with HRV, effective May 29.
Neal is a quality person and will do well in whatever he wishes to pursue. He has been with HRV since 2008 and took on the role as Chairman of Stewards in January 2014.
Nick Murray will be Acting Chairman of Stewards until a permanent replacement is engaged. Arrival
Congratulations go to Tabcorp Park CEO Shane Gloury and his partner Rowan who gave birth to a baby girl on May 13. Everyone at HRV is delighted for Shane, who is now father to Madeline Jane. The family is all well.
Vale
HRV was saddened to hear of the passing of Brian Hansen. Brian was well known to many as a prolific author and newspaper contributor.
Brian had strong links to harness racing both as a breeder and an administrator back in the 1980s.
Brian Hansen's funeral will be held on Thursday 21 May in the W. D. Rose Chapel, 139 Marriage Rd, Brighton commencing at 2.30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Motor Neurone Association would be appreciated.
Did you know?
Whirily School – winner of the $50,000 Vicbred Platinum 2yo filllies' final – is named so because it is where owner/breeder Shannon Nixon's mum went to school!
Whirily is just north of Birchip, now famous for the ownership of Victoria Derby winner Menin Gate.
Harness Racing Victoria