Strength and quality define Nutrien Equine Melbourne sale catalogue
A bumper selection of 161 yearlings will go under the hammer at the 2026 Melbourne Yearling Sale to be conducted by Nutrien Equine at Oaklands Junction on Sunday, April 12, starting at 11 am.
The star-studded catalogue of yearlings features progeny of 46 individual sires, including Bettors Delight, Sweet Lou, Captaintreacherous, Always B Miki, Art Major, Downbytheseaside, Rock N Roll Heaven, American Ideal, Huntsville, Tall Dark Stranger, Bulldog Hanover, Bettors Wish, Captain Crunch, Poster Boy, Ride High, and the trotters Volstead, Majestic Son, Face Time Bourbon, Father Patrick, Classic Connection, Dancinginthedark M, Six Pack, Tactical Landing, Skyvalley and Orlando Vici.
There is also representation from an exciting crop of eight first-season sires in Australia: Pebble Beach, All Bets Off, Summa Cum Laude, Walner, Calgary Games, King Of The North, Ecurie D and E L Titan.
Graduates of the Melbourne Yearling Sale include the Victoria Derby and Vicbred champion Petracca, the Victoria Oaks and Vicbred champion Sweet Bella, and the Inter Dominion Trotting Grand Final victor The Locomotive.
A total of 61 individual vendors are presenting yearlings, of which 152 of the 161 lots catalogued are Vicbred Platinum or Vicbred Pure, meaning the $5000 Vicbred Owners Voucher Scheme certificates from Harness Racing Victoria can be used towards purchasing these horses.
Volstead stock set to shine at Nutrien Melbourne yearling sale
Keayang Zahara, Derek The Jet, Violet Stanford, Remus Phoenix, Maoris Mac, Enchauffour, Vytis, Maoris Mac, Pinnie, Sam Nien, Ajay Volstead, Empire City, Val Thorens…
The list continues to grow, and so does the influence of Volstead on the Australasian trotting ranks, despite only two full Australian crops making it to the racetrack so far.
Few are better placed to judge than Jason Lee, who partners arguably the best of them all in superstar mare Keayang Zahara.
“I’m a big Volstead fan, which is easy to say considering I’m lucky enough to sit behind Keayang Zahara,” Lee said.
“She’s definitely next level… One out of the box with a great gait, great attitude and a perfect racehorse.”
Strong trotting lineup the cornerstone of Nutrien Melbourne yearling sale
A powerful contingent of superbly bred trotters is the backbone of the Nutrien Equine Melbourne Yearling Sale at Oaklands Junction this Sunday.
Of the 160 lots listed, 78 are trotting-bred yearlings representing 21 sires and 28 vendors.
There is a wide variety of established sires represented, among them Majestic Son, Volstead, Father Patrick, Orlando Vici, Tactical Landing, Trixton, and Skyvalley, as well as exciting, young sires in Face Time Bourbon, Elite Stride, Classic Connection, Dancinginthedark M, On A Streak, Pastor Stephen, and Always Ready.
Stallions with first crop yearlings set to go through the sale ring are headed up by Walner, the leading sire in North America in 2023 and runner-up the last two seasons, and Calgary Games, who enjoyed spectacular success with his first crop as two-year-olds in Sweden last year with progeny earnings of $840,000, including the Group 1 winner and Swedish record holder Cruiser.
Duncan McPherson receives prestigious Gordon Rothacker Medal
An emotional and proud Duncan McPherson was the toast of the Victorian harness racing industry on Sunday evening when he was announced as the 2025 winner of the Gordon Rothacker Medal.
The 65-year-old was presented with the state’s highest individual honour by last year’s recipient Clinton Welsh in front of more than 200 guests at Melton Entertainment Park.
Keayang Zahara named 2025 Victorian Horse of the Year
A squaregaiter destined for harness racing immortality has claimed her first Victorian Horse of the Year award.
Keayang Zahara, the trotter many think will become our greatest ever, was adjudged the standout performer of the 2025 season and acknowledged for her feats during a gala presentation event at Melton Entertainment Park on Sunday night.
The Marg and Paddy Lee-trained four-year-old needed just seven starts to confirm her status as the state’s best. She won six of them, including the Group 1 Bill Collins Trotters Sprint, Group 1 Vicbred Super Series Final and Group 1 Great Square in Queensland during a campaign that reaped just over $200,000 in prizemoney.
Katrina Fitzpatrick and Patsy Abrahams honoured with Pearl Kelly Awards
Katrina Fitzpatrick and Patsy Abrahams were recognised with Pearl Kelly Awards, the most prestigious honour for female participants in Victorian harness racing.
The award acknowledges outstanding contribution to, or achievement within, the sport by a woman.
Victoria’s harness racing industry has dug deep for the best of causes.
On behalf of the industry, Harness Racing Victoria donated $41,520 as part of the Team Teal fundraiser, which helps WomenCan improve the lives of gynecological cancer patients by raising funds for ANZGOG.
Almost half of the amount was raised through the success of Victoria’s Team Teal drivers, with $200 donated every time they were first past the post between February 1 and March 15.
Ambassadors Ewa Justice (15 wins) and Ellen Tormey (14 wins) were the standout performers, the leaders of 24 women who recorded 96 victories throughout the campaign.
A further $22,320 was donated through the sale of Night at the Trots tickets, with the February 28 celebration again a memorable celebration and part of $72,178.55 raised by the Victorian community.
This helped Victoria again lead the way in both money raised and female victories, in a campaign that took in seven Australasian jurisdictions, which produced 418 winners and raised $215,398.16. Good Friday Appeal
The industry’s generosity also extended to the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.
While the tallies are still being finalised from the big celebration race days at Stawell and Cranbourne, HRV has donated $10,000 to the cause on behalf of the industry.
September Vicbred Super Series to kick off trots' season of spring racing
The Vicbred Super Series will launch a big spring of Victorian harness racing, with the rich two, three and four-year-old series to run from August 28 to September 19.
Harness Racing Victoria CEO Matt Isaacs said the racing team had brought the series forward after working closely with Harness Racing Australia and the other states to maximise racing opportunities for juvenile horses.
“We think Victoria has the country’s best two and three-year-olds and want to make sure they are given the right stage at the right time to shine,” Isaacs said.
“Moving the Vicbred Super Series back to September will put the spotlight on Victoria’s two and three-year-olds first and provide a launching pad into the season’s features.”
The Vicbred Super Series will precede the Need For Speed trotting series (October 10), the Victorian pacing Derby and Oaks (October 17), the Redwood Classic and Trotting Derby (November 1) at Maryborough, and the Breeders Crown finals (December 19).
The Vicbred Super Series finals for two and three-year-olds, which will be on September 12, will be elevated to Group 1 prizemoney, with pacing finals worth $150,000 and trotting finals $100,000. See the table at the bottom of the release for full series details.
This year will mark the final running of the Australasian Breeders Crown, a series that will feature only three-year-olds in December. Declining subscriptions, particularly from interstate and New Zealand, made the futurity series unviable in its present form.
HRV, having worked closely with breeding and participant stakeholder groups, will combine the Breeders Crown and Vicbred Super Series in 2027, forming the Vicbred Breeders Crown, which will keep alive the state’s great traditions while elevating the next generation of superstars.
Club leaders upskill with rewarding governance and education program
Thirteen club leaders and two Harness Racing Victoria staffers gained certificates and invaluable learnings as part of a collaboration to strengthen club governance.
The 10 two-hour seminars, which included regulation, promotion and operations, were initiated by Harness Racing Victoria and Trots Clubs Victoria to provide harness racing-specific inductions and training.
Paul Rowse, president of Trots Clubs Victoria and CEO of the Ballarat and District Trotting Club, said the seminars greatly enhanced officials’ expertise.
HRV's relief rebate helps trainers and drivers meet fuel increase
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has introduced a fuel relief rebate to support participants facing increased travel costs.
Trainers and drivers will receive temporary rebates from tomorrow (April 1) through May 31 to partly offset the increase in petrol and diesel prices.
HRV CEO Matt Isaacs said the rebate was recognition of the additional costs that participants faced.
“The petrol and diesel spike has placed a significant cost burden on participants, and these measures will go some way to compensating our trainers and drivers,” Isaacs said.
“Along with yesterday’s Federal Government’s fuel excise reduction, this announcement provides needed support to participants during the cost instability.”
The rebate will deliver:
$10 per starter for trainers who travel less than 100km
$20 per starter for trainers who travel more than 100km
Drivers will receive a $10 ex-gratia payment per drive
HRV secures exclusive miStable access for Victorian trainers
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with miStable, providing Victorian harness trainers with access to a leading communication and stable management platform designed specifically for the racing industry.
This initiative is focused on strengthening trainer–owner engagement, improving administrative efficiency, and supporting modern stable operations.
Ellie Edwards from miStable said the collaboration with HRV was “about empowering trainers and owners with smarter tools for today’s racing environment”.
“We’re delighted to offer a three-month free trial of miStable to help stables operate more efficiently and strengthen owner engagement,” she said.
Emmett Brosnan, President of the Victorian Drivers and Trainers Association, said the VDTA appreciated HRV’s proactive effort in securing an extended trial for trainers.
“In today’s environment, clear and consistent communication with owners is critical, and tools that make stable management more efficient are welcome,” Brosnan said.
Zahara ready to raise the bar again in New Zealand
If the Kiwis liked what they say of Aussie trotting queen Keayang Zahara the last time she raced there, they will see an even better version on Friday night.
That’s the warning from driver Jason Lee ahead of Friday night’s $NZ530,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge in NZ’s North Island.
Keayang Zahara romped to three feature race wins from as many starts when she crossed the ditch to race at Addington in NZ’s South Island in November/December, 2024.
“She was a bit of a raw talent then,” Lee said. “Her ability has always been super since day dot, but it’s her manners and ringcraft which have improved. She’s a complete package now.”
Bulletproof Boy ready for The Nullabor after Melton success
The cult figure of Victorian harness racing, Bulletproof Boy, tuned up for the $1.25m The Nullarbor with an all-the-way win in the Hip Pocket Free For All at Melton on Saturday night.
Sent out the $1.85 favourite, Bulletproof Boy speared straight to the front and James Herbertson was able to ease the tempo in a leisurely 62.4 first half before throwing a 26.7 last 400 metres at his rivals.
On the line, Bulletproof Boy held a neck margin over the fast-finishing Fighter Command, with Bay Of Biscay four metres away in third.
Herbertson said the rising 12-year-old felt sharper this week after finishing runner-up behind Fighter Command last Saturday night.
“He was feeling a lot better about himself this week, I think you saw that when he was pretty upbeat walking around before the race,” Herbertson said.
“I think he was playing a little bit down the straight, I think he had a bit left,” he said.
Two qualifying heats of Victorian harness racing’s iconic country cup, the CA Fitness Mildura Pacing Cup, delivered their trademark twist last night.
Local hope My Ultimate Jimmy stole the show, turning the form on its head and setting up a wider-open and less predictable final than anyone expected this Saturday night (April 11).
My Ultimate Jimmy scored a brilliant all-the-way victory in the opening heat, giving Mildura horseman Andrew Vozlic and owner Dale Hazel a night to remember.
The four-year-old showed speed from the outset and never looked in danger, running a sharp 1:56.7 mile rate and sprinting home in 57 seconds flat.
The first horse owned by Red Cliffs horticulturist Dale Hazel is proving a fruitful investment.
“We’re just so happy, over the moon!” an elated Hazel said of his four-year old’s ninth win from 20 starts – all at the Mildura circuit.
“It’s a bit surreal to tell you the truth. He went super – people have come up to me before and told me what a good horse we’ve got, but I think the penny’s only dropped tonight how good he is.”
Vicbred Vouchers flood the state with $5k owner and breeder incentives
The Vicbred Voucher is a $2.75 million ownership and breeding celebration, which awards $5000 vouchers on select races from September 2025 until November 2026, thanks to the State Government's Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
The vouchers can go towards your next stallion service or APG or Nutrien sales purchase. Details here.
The map below shows how the vouchers have quickly filtered to owners and breeders throughout the state:
There will be plenty of $5000 Vicbred Vouchers to be won through to November 2026, including in the following races.
Pacers: Apr 9 @ Ballarat: Mares up to 55
Apr 11 @ Mildura: Maiden
Apr 13 @ Hamilton: Maiden
Apr 15 @ Bendigo: 3YO Maiden
Apr 18 @ Melton: 78-89
Apr 19 @ Charlton: 53-58
Apr 25 @ Melton: Mares up to 75
Apr 27 @ Ararat: Maiden
May 1 @ Melton: 50-53
May 2 @ Melton: 70-85
May 5 @ Shepparton: 54-58
May 6 @ Bendigo: Up to 39
May 9 @ Melton: 58-66
May 10 @ Ouyen: Maiden
May 14 @ Ballarat: 4YO+ Maiden
May 18 @ Terang: 56-64
May 22 @ Geelong: 75-88
May 25 @ Horsham: 1 LTW
May 28 @ Ballarat: 58-64
Trotters: Apr 10 @ Maryborough: Mares up to 55
Apr 17 @ Geelong: 52-56
Apr 22 @ Bendigo: 56-64
Apr 28 @ Shepparton: 30+ SS
May 1 @ Melton: 3YO Maiden
May 5 @ Terang: 46-51
May 5 @ Shepparton: NMW
May 8 @ Geelong: 3YO Maiden
May 15 @ Melton: 2YO Maiden
May 20 @ Bendigo: 56-64
May 23 @ Melton: 60-75
May 30 @ Melton: 74-87
For a full list of Vicbred Voucher race dates CLICK HERE.
From HRV's Racing Office:
HRV ENHANCES RACING WITH PREFERENTIAL BARRIER DRAW VARIATION
Harness Racing Victoria has announced a new preferential barrier draw (PBD) variation, effective from 1 April, which is designed to encourage more even, competitive racing.
Following industry feedback, the HRV Racing Office will introduce a revised approach in selected races, where horses are drawn in rating-based groups, with each group drawn randomly.
PBD example: NR 41–45 PBD / NR - NR (41–43) / NR (44–45)
In this example, horses rated 41–43 are drawn randomly as a group, followed by horses rated 44–45. This approach helps balance competitiveness within a race while maintaining the integrity of a random barrier draw.
HRV remains committed to innovating its racing product and working collaboratively with industry stakeholders.
The update builds on preferential barrier draw capabilities already applied in South Australian programs and has been implemented and tested within RISE (Racing Information Sports Enterprise).
ADDITIONAL MARES-ONLY RACES ADDED TO THE CALENDAR IN 2026
HRV will continue its big program of mares-restricted races after the success of the concept thus far in 2026.
In collaboration with Harness Breeders Victoria, the racing department trialled additional mares’ races in high horse population areas, reinforcing Victoria’s commitment to mares in their racing and breeding careers.
The upcoming mares’ races, venues, and grades are listed below:
Pacers
Apr 9 @ Ballarat: Up to 55
Apr 10 @ Maryborough: Maiden
Apr 14 @ Shepparton: Up to 50
Apr 15 @ Bendigo: 2-4 LTW
Apr 16 @ Kilmore: Maiden
Apr 17 @ Mildura: Up to 50
Apr 20 @ Maryborough: Up to 42
Apr 23 @ Ballarat: Up to 50
Apr 24 @ Melton: 1 LTW
Apr 30 @ Ballarat: Up to 40
May 6 @ Bendigo: Up to 50
May 7 @ Kilmore: Up to 42
May 10 @ Ouyen: Up to 50
May 11 @ Maryborough: Up to 55
May 14 @ Ballarat: Up to 42
May 20 @ Bendigo: Up to 55
May 26 @ Shepparton: Up to 50
May 27 @ Bendigo: Maiden
May 29 @ Melton: Up to 55
Trotters
Apr 10 @ Maryborough: Up to 55
Apr 16 @ Kilmore: Up to 50
Apr 20 @ Maryborough: Maiden
Apr 22 @ Bendigo: Up to 45
Apr 29 @ Bendigo: Up to 55
May 6 @ Bendigo: Up to 45
May 14 @ Melton: Up to 44
May 21 @ Kilmore: Up to 50
May 27 @ Bendigo: Up to 42
May 28 @ Ballarat: Up to 55
May 31 @ Maryborough: Up to 50
HRV AMENDS ITS RACING GUIDELINES TO MAXIMISE STARTERS
Harness Racing Victoria has amended its racing guidelines regarding horses that are stood down in an effort to maximise starters.
Based on industry feedback, horses that have been stood down can nominate and accept into another race if they trial successfully before the race day.
Horses currently stood down will only gain a start if the field hasn’t been filled by horses not stood down at acceptance time.
Accordingly, the guidelines below have been updated and are effective immediately.
11.4.1 – Where a horse is barred from racing, it may be included in acceptances for a race meeting if the trainer notifies HRV Racing Department where the horse will be trialling prior to race meeting.
11.4.2 If the requirements of Clause 11.4.1 are not satisfied, the horse shall be withdrawn and shall be ineligible to race at that meeting.
11.4.3 – At the time of acceptances, any horse subject to a bar under Clause 11.4.1 cannot gain a start ahead of any other horse not currently stood down.
11.7 – At the time of nomination, any horse subject to Clause 11.4.1 may, at the discretion of the HRV Racing Department, be excluded from the calculation of the minimum or required number of horses necessary for a race or race meeting to proceed in accordance with Clauses 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 of the Racing Guidelines.
HRV INTRODUCES KINDERGARTEN AND GRADUATION AUTUMN SERIES
Harness Racing Victoria has introduced two autumn race series for two and three-year-olds.
To provide eligible Victorian horses a prelude into May’s Nutrien Equine Classic Race Series and encourage juvenile racing early in the season, HRV’s racing office will run heats into finals at Maryborough, Bendigo, and Melton.
The graduation series, for horses who have won no more than $10,000 in their lifetimes, will run for three-year-olds of both gaits, and began with the pacers on March 16.
Three-year-old trotters, along with a kindergarten series for two-year-old pacers and trotters, will start on April 10 and run until April 29. All heats will be for $8000, with $14,000 finals.
See below for the details of each series:
To contact the Racing office, call 03 8378 0291 from 7.30 am-3.30 pm on weekdays or 8-9 am on weekends and public holidays, or email racing@hrv.org.au. For late scratchings or driver changes out of hours, leave a message on 03 9214 0650.
From HRV's customer service, futurities, and licensing:
FUTURITIES:
VICBRED: Should you still want to make your horse Vicbred eligible, please call HRV Customer Service 03 8378 0200 or email info@hrv.org.au. Payment is required upfront with no invoicing, and fees will increase as the year progresses. Further information can be found at Vicbred - The Trots.
NEED FOR SPEED:
Foal nominations, yearling fees, and series fees for current 1YOs and 3YO age acceptances close on August 1, 2026. All nominations/acceptances can be completed via Harnessweb. Select My Futurities – ‘Need For Speed’ and ‘Nominate’ or email needforspeed@hrv.org.au. Automatic invoicing will occur in early June for 3YOs and payment will be due by August 2. Further information is available at Breeders Barn - Harness Racing Victoria.
BREEDERS CROWN:
This year will mark the final running of the Australasian Breeders Crown, a series that will feature only 3YOs in December. Declining subscriptions, particularly from interstate and New Zealand, made the futurity series unviable in its present form. Age acceptances for Series 28 (3YO) of the Breeders Crown finals are open, with automatic invoicing to occur early in June and payment due by August 2. All acceptances/withdrawals can be completed via Harnessweb. Select My Futurities – ‘Breeders Crown and ‘Nominate’ or email breederscrown@hrv.org.au. Further information is available at Breeders Barn - Harness Racing Victoria.
LICENSING:
RENEWALS
The renewal period is now closed for unlicensed participants from last season. A new application is required via the licence portal in Harnessweb. HRV's online compliance courses in the Safetrac Portal are required if applying. The portal enables licensees to apply for upgrades/downgrades, submit new applications with all required documents (uploaded), answer questions, and complete declaration forms. Communications have been sent regarding the new process. For more details, see Licensing - The Trots.
REGISTRATIONS:
SERVICE RESULTS: There are outstanding service results for the '24/25 breeding season to Victorian stallions not notified yet through a state controlling body. This can be completed online through HarnessWeb. Late penalties may now be imposed for live foals, so please submit the result as soon as it is identified.
Note: HRV Customer Service will communicate monthly with participants who have mares to Victorian stallions but have not notified HRV of the service result. All services must be submitted regardless of the outcome. We are asking for your help with this. More details can be found at Foal Notifications & Microchipping - The Trots, including a downloadable foal notification form.
MICROCHIPPING:
Microchipping packs will be dispersed within days of the live foal notification submission. The packs will be sent to the foal's location. Please ensure that if you are engaging your own vet, they scan the code found on the microchipping guidelines to register as an HRV-approved vet. This code is sent with the package or via HRV's website at Foal Notifications & Microchipping - The Trots. This must be done prior to visiting your property to microchip your foal.
Note: HRV will send microchip rebates ($250) once a month to breeders. DNA verification and foal notification through Victoria is required to receive a rebate. More details and all FAQ’s can be found at Foal Notifications & Microchipping - The Trots.
ACCOUNTS:
SPLIT PRIZEMONEY PAYMENTS: Managing owners can set up split prizemoney payments through HarnessWeb, with stake money distribution to then be split among owners, including futurity win and participant incentive bonuses. To be eligible, owners must have active HarnessWeb accounts populated with up-to-date emails and Australian/International bank account details. For more details, see Split Prizemoney Payments - The Trots.
Have a query? Contact HRV's Customer Service Team on 03 8378 0200, 8.30 am-5 pm on weekdays, or email info@hrv.org.au.
From Pony Trots Victoria:
SEASON'S BEST CELEBRATED AT VICTORIAN HARNESS RACING AWARDS NIGHT
For the first time, Pony Trots Victoria participants were celebrated as part of the Victorian Harness Racing Awards night, when the 2026 Metropolitan Series placegetters were presented with their trophies. Congratulations to Amelia Hodgson and Burnaholeinmybucket (first place), Madeline Welch and Minnie (second place), and Arabella Maxwell-Dedini and Twinkle Toes Ollie (third place), who are pictured with Jenni Lewis, manager of Pony Trots Victoria.
HRV EXTENDS FUEL REBATE TO PONY TROTS PARTICIPANTS
Pony Trots Victoria is offering a $10 fuel rebate to pony trots participants at each race day from April 14 until the end of the season (May 16). The rebates, which have also been introduced for all harness racing starters, compensate families for some of the rising fuels costs and will be paid through stake runs.
Pony Trots Victoria results:
MELTON PONY OF THE YEAR (NIGHT 9)
Race 1: 1st - Minnie, driven by Madeline Welch; 2nd - Casper, driven by Shaniya Darmanin; 3rd - Twinkle Toes Ollie, driven by Arabella Maxwell-Dedini.
Race 2: 1st - Casper, driven by Shaniya Darmanin; 2nd - Minnie, driven by Madeline Welch; 3rd - Twinkle Toes Ollie, driven by Arabella Maxwell-Dedini.
SHEPPARTON PONY OF THE YEAR (NIGHT 9)
Race 1: 1st - Shatahn, driven by Emma Thomson; 2nd - Freaky Fran, driven by Katie Thomson; 3rd - Pretty Cool, driven by Tywin Quinlan.
Race 2: 1st - Shatahn, driven by Emma Thomson; 2nd - Pretty Cool, driven by Tywin Quinlan; 3rd - Jam Packed, driven by Alekxander Quinlan.
HYGAIN ECHUCA PONY TROTS CUP
Final: 1st - Pride of Petite, driven by Arabella Maxwell-Dedini; 2nd - She's Bulletproof, driven by Charlie Walters; 3rd - Shatahn, driven by Emma Thomson.
Preulde: 1st - Twinkle Toes Ollie, driven by Arabella Maxwell-Dedini; 2nd - Shatahn, driven by Emma Thomson; 3rd - The Brawler, driven by Charlie Walters.
The next young driver training session will run on May 11 at Bendigo and will be repeated on May 25 at Ballarat. Young drivers under 25 will be required to attend in person to one of the sessions. The sessions focus on Business Basics and will be led by long-time harness racing administrator and business coach Tim Scala. The program educates participants on business requirements, helping them feel at ease with business basics and giving them the know-how of when to get professional advice. If you have any questions email jlewis@hrv.org.au
From HRV Hero:
Enquiries and nominations are being received for Harness Racing Victoria's life after racing program, HRV Hero, with a steady number of horses being rehomed, both through our valued retrainers and the direct off-the-track avenues.
Following a proposal and lengthy consultation with representatives from the Victorian Trainers & Drivers Association (VTDA), Stewards advise that the Push Out Position at Melton will be temporarily relocated under a controlled trial. This change will take effect from the race meeting on Friday, 24 April 2026, and is planned to continue for a minimum of three months.
The Push Out Position will move from its current location on the entry to the back straight to the 400-metre position, with red discs placed at both the inside and outside of the track to indicate the new position (applicable only when 400 metres remain in the race).
Following the trial, a decision will be made on whether to adopt this initiative across all tracks in Victoria, based on the outcomes observed during the trial period, and whether the trial period should be extended or the change made permanent.
VTDA President Emmett Brosnan said, “this trial is one of a number that have been requested by the association for some time to assist in a change of the racing pattern and provide more competitive racing.”
“Drivers can move forward prior to the 400-metre mark knowing they will be able to do so without fear of being moved four and five wide, whilst those in the running will need to make a decision to come out or stay in their position,” Mr Brosnan said. “It should provide for more exciting racing and assist in stimulating turnover.”
Relevant rules
Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR)
AHRR 163 (1) A driver shall not –
(b) subject to 164
(i) make another horse cover more ground than necessary
(ii) impede the forward progress of another horse
AHRR 164 The Controlling Body may determine the circumstances in which a driver who does not have a clear passage in the course of a race may take action to secure a passage.
Victorian Local Rule (VLR)
VLR 164A A driver may ease his or her horse out after passing the candy pole situated in the back straight on the final occasion, or at another location designated by an appropriate marker, provided that such move does not cause or contribute to interference.
Stewards advise all participants to familiarise themselves with the new Push Out Position and markers, and to ensure compliance with all relevant rules to maintain safe and fair racing ahead of its introduction at the Melton race meeting on Friday, 24 April 2026.
PRODUCTS CONTAINING COBALT SALTS NOT TO BE POSSESSED OR ADMINISTERED TO A HORSE BY INJECTION
Harness Racing Victoria stewards remind licensed trainers that it is an offence under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) to possess, administer, cause to administer, attempt to administer or be a party to the administration or attempted administration of a product containing cobalt salts to a horse by injection.
AHRR 194B and 196E state the following:
Injectable product containing cobalt salts
AHRR 194B.
A person must not have in his or her possession or on his or her premises any injectable product which contains cobalt salts.
A person who fails to comply with sub-rule (1) is guilty of an offence.
Administering substances
AHRR 196E.
The trainer and any other person in charge of a horse must not: (a) Administer; (b) Cause to be administered; (c) Attempt to administer; or (d) Be a party to the administration or attempted administration of, a product containing cobalt salts by injection.
Where the stewards are satisfied that a horse has or may have been administered a product containing cobalt salts by injection contrary to sub-rule (1) the horse shall either be withdrawn or disqualified from the race.
A person who fails to comply with sub-rule (1) is guilty of an offence.
There are a number of injectable veterinary products that have been either previously or currently registered and/or available for use in horses that contain cobalt salts, including:
Troy Hemoplex Injection;
Hemo-15 Vitamin-Amino Acid Injection;
NV Haemo Injection.
(This list is not exhaustive.)
Possession and/or administration of these products (and any other registered or unregistered injectable products that contain cobalt salts) are prohibited under the AHRR.
The current formulation of NV VAM. Injection does not contain cobalt salts (as displayed on the product packaging) and the possession and use of this product is not prohibited. Whilst the current formulation of NV V.A.M. Injection does not contain cobalt salts (previously labelled on the older formulation as cobalt sulfate), the current formulation still contains Vitamin B12 (listed as Cyanocobalamin) which can elevate cobalt levels in a horse’s system.
Trainers are advised to check the ingredients of all injectable veterinary supplements in their stable and seek the advice of their registered veterinarian in relation to products that contain cobalt salts and alternative products that do not contain cobalt salts.
Further, trainers are also advised to carefully check the ingredients of any injectable veterinary supplements at the time of purchase to ensure that no injectable products are purchased or held that would be an offence under the AHRR.
BAN ON ROLLING POLE BURR
Harness Racing Victoria has been advised by Harness Racing Australia (HRA) that it has been determined, following a national review involving stewards from all six states, that the following item of equipment is to be placed on the banned list.
The item is marketed under several different names, but is commonly described as a rolling pole burr fitted with copper points. This item of equipment has been deemed inappropriate and inconsistent with equine welfare standards of the Australian harness racing industry.
The banning of this item of equipment took effect as of January 27, 2026 and a link to the full HRA article can be found here.
HRV Stewards remind all participants of the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 213, which reads:
AHRR 213. A person shall not:
(a) by use of harness, gear, equipment, device, substance or any other thing inflict suffering on a horse;
(b) have in his possession any harness, gear, equipment, device, substance or any other thing capable of inflicting suffering on a horse.
All trainers are also reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that any item fitted to a horse, including newly purchased items, is not capable of causing suffering.
PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS REMINDER
Harness Racing Victoria understands that licensed participants may be required to consume prescribed medication to treat an illness, condition or ailment, which may contain a specified banned substance(s) under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR).
As such, HRV Stewards remind all licensed participants that it is a requirement under AHRR 252B and 252BB that an application must be made to HRV Stewards for permission to perform licensed activities with a specified banned substance (prescribed medication) in their system.
In addition, any application for exemption to consume such prescribed medication is renewed on each occasion on which participants apply for the renewal of their licence.
ONGOING MEDICAL AND BETTING DECLARATION OBLIGATIONS
Harness Racing Victoria Stewards remind all licensed participants that, in addition to the requirements set out in the HRV Licensing and Registration Policy, participants who hold a driver's licence in any category must, in each licence renewal period, provide a compulsory Drivers Medical Examination form completed by a medical practitioner.
In addition, all licensed drivers are also reminded of their ongoing obligation under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) that HRV shall be immediately notified of any change that occurs within a licensing period with respect to any medical condition after a Drivers Medical Examination form has been submitted.
In addition, all licensed participants who are required to provide a compulsory Betting Account Declaration form, such declaration also includes an acknowledgement to immediately make and submit a further declaration if a participant opens a new betting account in their name after submitting a betting declaration. This acknowledgement also includes an understanding that if a participant fails to update (by way of providing a further declaration as soon as practicable) any changes to the information provided in a betting declaration, it may result in action being taken against them under the AHRR.
