International Wagering
I was delighted to be at the presentation by Tabcorp of a cheque to HRV for $1,161,130 being for the fees earned on the export of Victorian harness racing product to international jurisdictions.
2014/15 is the first financial year that fees on export of our product have exceeded $1 million.
Historically the major source of international revenue has come from New Zealand, however we are now exporting our product to several other jurisdictions.
Highest incremental growth came from the export of selected trotting races to Europe, in particular France which was worth approximately $300,000 to HRV for the year and is expected to grow in coming years.
Strategic Plan – Consultation
The HRV Strategic Plan 2020 Consultation Paper has been finalised and ready for an industry consultation process.
The Consultation Paper is the document to be discussed with the industry prior to the finalisation of the 2020 Strategic Plan.
It is proposed that the industry consultation, open to all participants, will take place at the following venues:
*September 15 at Bendigo
*September 22 at Shepparton
*September 23 at Tabcorp Park Melton
At each of these sessions, HRV will make a presentation and seek feedback from participants in attendance.
The Consultation Paper will also be available on the harness.org.au website from late August including a section where feedback can be forwarded to HRV.
Full details regarding the industry consultation sessions will be released shortly.
Wagering Consultation
On the subject of consultation, HRV met with a number of high volume harness racing punters recently to discuss a variety of matters with respect to wagering on harness racing.
Tabcorp Executives were also in attendance and it was a very useful exchange of views and ideas.
I am sure the punters who attended are more informed of issues facing HRV and equally we are more aware of matters of interest to the punting sector.
More of these sessions are contemplated in the future.
HERO Program
HRV is proud to have launched this formal horse welfare program under the banner of 'HERO' (Harness Education and Re-homing Opportunities).
HRV had a soft launch of the project via the media release recently and details of a formal launch will be advised in due course. Our appreciation is extended to the Andrews Government for its financial contribution to HERO through the VRIF program.
Year End Financials
The HRV Board is expected to sign off on the annual financial accounts at its meeting in late August.
The Annual Report is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament in September.
The Annual Report is expected to disclose a profit for the year of $4.054 million on the back of revenue growth of 6% and most specifically an increase in wagering revenue of 7%.
Swabs
One of the areas of expenditure which saw an increase during the year was on analytical testing of swab samples.
The spend on swabs in financial year 2014/15 was $501,000 a 15.7% increase on the previous year of $433,000.
The budget for the current year is a further 6.7% increase to $534,000.
Stakemoney
As recently advised to the industry, the profit result for the year has enabled HRV to announce further increases in stakemoney such that total stakes for 2015/16 will amount to $40.3 million.
The adjacent graph indicates consistent stakes growth from $33 million in 2013 to $40 million in 2016, following a static three year period.
Wagering Statistics
With the wagering data received from all operators for 2014/15, we can review a couple of the year's highlights:
Highest wagering meeting:
*Hunter Cup Night $5.5 million
*2nd highest wagering meeting: Breeders Crown $4.8 million
Highest wagering race:
*Victoria Cup $1.1 million
*2nd highest wagering race: Hunter Cup $1.0 million
*3rd highest wagering race: Victoria Derby $775,000
Highest country race:
*Shepparton Cup $665,000
Note – Despite having the highest turnover race, Victoria Cup night ranked 4th highest meeting behind the 3rd highest, Vicbred semi-final night. Metro Premiership
With 34 metro class races remaining for the season, Gavin Lang leads Chris Alford by one and Greg Sugars by four.
On the national scene, Greg Sugars is locked in a neck and neck battle with Queensland's Shane Graham for driving honours.
As at August 17, only one winner separates the pair.
Milestones
Greg Sugars achieved 2,000 career wins when he steered Fake Smile to victory at Melton on July 30.
He is one of the youngest ever to achieve the feat. Century seasons have been achieved for the first time by Kate Gath and Anthony Butt.
Surprising for Anthony not to have achieved this previously, which highlights the opportunities presented by driving in Victoria.
Welcome Brent Fisher
HRV is fortunate to have added to its Integrity Department Brent Fisher in the role of Investigations and Compliance Manager.
General Manager Integrity, Andy Rogers is quoted as saying Brent is an incredibly well credentialed and experienced criminal investigator who has good understanding of the sport of harness racing.
Brent's appointment is a boost for the Integrity Department and for the future protection of the integrity of the industry. He is a welcome addition.
Farewell Brett Boyd
Brett Boyd departs HRV this Friday August 21 after serving as General Manager Marketing for two years.
Brett has been responsible for several initiatives during his time with HRV, in particular the rebranding of the Summer of Glory.
Brett has accepted a position with the Melbourne Racing Club and we wish him well.
Stawell Race Fall
As many are aware, there was a nasty fall at the Stawell meeting on July 22.
Serious injuries were sustained by Tony Xiriha and Anthony O'Connor.
Both drivers are recovering after stints in hospital and we hope they return to racing very soon.
Tony recently reported his neck brace has been removed and still has the plaster on his wrist. He is still quite sore.
I would like to pass on my thanks to the industry participants who were at the meeting, the Stawell Club and Chairman of Stewards at the meeting, Brett Day with his panel, for the co-operation displayed during a difficult time.
Vale Heathcote based trainer Terry French sadly lost his daughter, Georgia, in a tragic road accident in Queensland.
The industry has rallied behind Terry and his family and a number of fundraising activities were organised to support the family, such as a function at Bendigo on August 13 and an online auction which closed on August 17.
Thank you to all those who have supported the industry's efforts.
Industry stalwart Rob Auber lost his father after a long battle with illness on the weekend just past.
Our thoughts are with Rob and his family at this sad time.
Did You Know?
Greg Moy resigned as President of the Ballarat Club and has been replaced by David Young.
I would like to thank Greg for the contribution he has made to the Ballarat Club and for his co-operation with HRV.
I am pleased to see that despite his work commitments, he is remaining on the Committee.
HRV is currently working on developing resources accessible for breeders in an attempt to reduce the loss of 700 foals annually between positive test and live foals
John Anderson – Harness Racing Victoria