Harness Racing Victoria’s HERO Program has secured naming rights sponsorship of the prestigious 2019 Top Teams Trophy Navigation Ride.
The July 21 event, run under the auspices of the Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria, will be hosted by Yackandandah Riding Club.
HRCAV has 252 member clubs and 6300 individual members spread across Victoria and parts of New South Wales and South Australia.
The association caters for those who enjoy the social aspect of club membership as well as riders with an interest in competitive equestrian pursuits.
The Navigation Ride is one of six TTT competitions hosted annually, complementing events in dressage, showing, show jumping, horse trials and combined training.
HERO is Australia’s most progressive and dynamic standardbred life after racing project.
HERO develops positive pathways for standardbred horses exiting the competitive environment by delivering a professional and responsible retraining and rehoming service and encouraging harness racing industry participants to factor retirement into their day to day equine welfare programs.
The program is funded jointly by HRV and the State Government via the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
Program Manager Tanya McDermott said a key component of HERO’s charter was the promotion of standardbreds for recreational pursuits and development of new opportunities for retired pacers and trotters in their second career.
“HERO graduate horses are suited to a wide and varied range of ridden pursuits, and HRCAV competitions. Navigation rides are a dynamic event which covers a variety of terrains including urban and bush trails,” she said.
“They test endurance and temperament, which makes the standardbred an ideal choice for this sport. Therefore, sponsorship of the TTT Navigation Ride is an excellent fit for the program.
“We are delighted to support the Yackandandah Club and look forward to being a part of a very successful event.”
