Harness racing a Victorian regional powerhouse, report finds
Harness racing in Victoria contributed $623.2 million to the state’s economy, 61.8 per cent of it in the regions.
The considerable impact was revealed in the launch of the Victorian Racing Industry’s Size & Scope Report, which measured the harness, thoroughbred and greyhound racing codes’ 2024-25 footprints.
Harness racing had the greatest percentage of regional contribution – 61.8% compared to the 46.1% tri-code average – reflecting the industry’s vast participant, club and fan network.
Harness Racing Victoria chief executive officer Matt Issacs said the industry was proud of its significant contribution to Victorian racing and to the economic and social fabric of communities across the state.
“In 2024-25, more than 600 breeders produced foals that will support the future of an industry in which more than 1,000 trainers and drivers compete in over 3,600 races across 27 Victorian harness racing tracks, supported by more than 20,000 owners, volunteers, members and club staff,” Isaacs said.
“This report reiterates that the thousands of racing participants, clubs, volunteers and fans are the lifeblood of towns and cities, and that a racing industry built on three strong, supported and thriving codes delivers benefits well beyond the racetrack.”
Victorian racing a $5.5 billion boost to the state's
Racing contributes more than $5.5 billion to the Victorian economy and sustains over 33,450 full-time equivalent jobs across the state, an independent report has found.
Prepared by specialist consultancy IER, the 2026 Size and Scope of the Victorian Racing Industry report measures the combined economic, employment and community contribution of the state’s three racing codes – thoroughbred, harness and greyhound – and updates the last study, completed in 2022.
Key findings of the report include:
Racing’s value-added contribution to the Victorian economy has climbed from $4.7 billion in 2018-19 to $5.54 billion, growth of 18 per cent;
46 per cent of that economic impact is in regional Victoria;
The industry sustains 33,456 full-time equivalent jobs – including 15,755 positions within racing itself and over 17,700 in the businesses that supply and support it.
CELEBRATE GREATNESS: VICTORIAN HARNESS RACING HALL OF FAME
Join us for an unforgettable evening on Saturday, August 29, in the Legends Room at Melton Entertainment Park to honour the legends and luminaries of Victorian harness racing.
With over a century of rich history and thrilling achievements, the Hall of Fame celebrates the drivers, trainers, horses, and associates who have shaped the sport. Be part of this prestigious event as we welcome new inductees and unveil the next Legend. It’s a night of stories, legacy, and inspiration – where the past meets the present in a celebration of excellence.
What’s included:
A delicious two-course dinner
Complimentary dessert station
Door prizes to be won!
All beverages will be available for purchase at the bar.
Yabby Dam Farms announces new, rich 2YO Trotters Classic
Yabby Dam Farms has super-powered its support for Victorian harness racing, establishing two $75,000 Yabby Dam Farms 2YO Trotters Classic finals.
The trotting stud has partnered with Harness Racing Victoria to create the series, which will be first staged in 2030 for horses bred to its stallions in the 2026-27 breeding season.
Yabby Dam Farms owner Pat Driscoll said he was driven and excited to reinvest into Victorian trotting.
“I am extremely passionate about the sport and want to contribute prizemoney for owners and breeders to aim at,” Driscoll said.
“It is vital that those involved in the sport can dream of winning nice races. Races like these encourage people to get involved and to chase that dream, and I am hopeful the 2YO Trotters Classics for colts & geldings and fillies will help.”
Licence renewals open with discount until September 1
Harness Racing Victoria licence renewals are open for the 2026-2027 season.
All participants are encouraged to renew their licences via Harnessweb, with $20 off the normal licence fee for any trainer or driver who renews online before 1 September 2026. Drivers: A licence will not be granted unless an appropriately completed Medical Examination and Betting Declaration Form is submitted with the application. Harnessweb has the facility to upload your Medical Examination Form as you complete your renewal, while also declaring your betting account activity online. All participants: A licence will not be valid until full payment is received. Credit card payment facility is available via Harnessweb. If you have any enquiries, please email info@hrv.org.auor call HRV Customer Service 03 8378 0200 from 8:30 am-5 pm Mon-Fri.
Cranbourne's $100-per-starter cash splash a boon for trainers
Win, lose or draw, it is set to be a lucrative 12 months for trainers racing horses at Cranbourne.
Cranbourne Harness Racing Club announced an amazing incentive scheme, which will see trainers paid $100 for each starter they have at the track.
Put simply, if a trainer has four runners engaged at a Cranbourne meeting, they’ll receive $400 regardless of the result and on top of any prizemoney.
Club president David Scott said the organisation was on “really solid financial footing” and hoped the scheme would encourage stables to race in Melbourne’s south-east.
“We obviously have a diverse income profile, given our investment in Trios Sports Club, and our own club affairs are astutely managed. Those circumstances make it possible for us to introduce this starter incentive scheme aimed at rewarding participants for their ongoing support of Cranbourne,” he said.
“At this stage it is envisaged that the scheme will return over $130,000 in 2026-27. Coupled with our significant stakemoney contributions to racing at Cranbourne – including the Summer Of Glory Carnival – the club’s returns to the industry in the coming season are projected to exceed over a quarter of a million dollars.
“We are immensely proud of that achievement and hope that our contribution has a positive impact in these challenging times.”
The scheme is set to launch at the club’s next meeting on Sunday, July 19, and run across all Cranbourne cards until the end of the 2026-27 financial year.
Harness Racing Victoria participant fuel relief rebate returned $189,730
Harness Racing Victoria's fuel relief rebate paid $189,730 to participants from April 1 to June 30, helping to temporarily offset higher petrol and diesel costs.
The rebate directly compensated trainers and drivers for each start or drive, which HRV CEO Matt Isaacs said had been appreciated and well received by participants in the face of spiking cost pressures.
The temporary rebate concluded on 30 June, 2026.
Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety Castlemaine's growing harness racing role
Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety Castlemaine has carved out its place in harness racing, helping everyone from trainers and drivers to stable hands and volunteers present a professional image through quality uniforms and workwear to showcase their professionalism.
Family-owned by Darren and Trudy Gundy, the business has become a familiar supporter of Victorian harness racing through its partnership with Harness Racing Victoria and a growing presence at Melton Entertainment Park.
For Darren, the connection to the sport came through a chance introduction to harness racing owner Roy Brosco, which led to Hip Pocket Castlemaine supplying uniforms to HRV.
What started as a business relationship has since developed into a genuine appreciation for the industry and the people within it.
“We specialise in uniforms and garment decoration, and I can see a real opportunity to help owners, trainers and drivers create team apparel that makes them stand out and become recognisable wherever they race,” Gundy said.
Mielicki, Rowse among those recognised with HRA Merit Awards
Harness Racing Australia has recognised five outstanding contributors to its industry through its prestigious Merit Awards.
The Merit Awards recognise decades of dedication, leadership and service including administration, training and media, celebrating those who have helped shape and strengthen Australian harness racing.
At its Annual General Meeting prior of the Inter Dominion Championships, the HRA membership voted to recognise the following Merit Award recipients. They are:
Distinguished Service Award – Robert Marshall (NSW);
Distinguished Service Award – Paul Rowse (VIC);
Meritorious Service Award – Greg and Skye Bond (WA); and
Joseph Coulter Meritorious Service Award – Dan Mielicki (VIC).
HRA Chief Executive Richard Goodbody said each recipient had made an enduring impact on the industry.
Life has been busy for prominent Victorian trainer Alex Ashwood.
Based near Bendigo, Ashwood campaigned a number of his stable stars at the recent Brisbane Inter Dominion series.
“Just hours after that amazing Grand Final night at Albion Park (last Saturday week) I was down in Launceston driving. I flew out first thing the next morning,” he said.
The frantic travel schedule paid dividends, albeit just, when Ashwood’s exciting four-year-old pacer Hungry Hippo just did enough to win the $75,000 Group 2 Raider Stakes.
Still juggling horses racing in Queensland and Victoria, Ashwood returns to Launceston for an even bigger target on Saturday night with Hungry Hippo, the $100,000 Beautide, Tasmania’s second-richest harness race.
Fate and a lifelong passion for harness racing is why Ron Anderson is still chasing feature races as he nears his 94th birthday.
Anderson, who had long-serving roles on the Harness Racing Victoria board and at the Geelong Harness Racing Club and was awarded an OAM, said a flat no when New Zealand agent Peter Larkin rang him more than three years ago saying he should buy a lightly raced three-year-old pacer.
“I told Peter ‘look, I’m 90 years old and not buying any more horses,” Anderson said.
“Peter kept going, saying I was getting him cheap and he’d do a great job and I really should take him.
“I still said no until he said what his name was … Hes From Heaven.”
That’s where fate came in.
“That call from Peter was on the Sunday and just three days earlier I’d had a good chat on the phone with a lifelong friend, Len Chalkley. It was a great catch-up, but you wouldn’t believe it, at 8am the next morning Len passed away,” Anderson recalled.
“So, when Peter told me the horse’s name, I thought it was fate. I looked to the sky and said ‘Len, maybe this is meant to be’, and I bought the horse.”
Hes From Heaven has since taken his record to 12 wins and 10 placings from 40 starts, with prize money of $169,384, and is one of the emerging free-for-all pacers in Victoria.
The race dubbed the Cox Plate of harness racing, the Group 1 Victoria Cup, is the next major target for newly crowned Inter Dominion champion Captains Mistress.
It will cap an Australian racing extravaganza on October 17, coming just hours after the huge Everest and Caulfield Cup thoroughbred meetings.
It is a coup for Harness Racing Victoria to have Captains Mistress returning for one of the state’s marquee races and trying to protect her unbeaten record in Victoria after winning two races by a staggering aggregate of 42.9 metres early this year, including the Group 1 Queen of the Pacific.
Bulletproof Boy gearing up for another shot at greatness
Most 11-year-old pacers are long since enjoying retirement – but not Bulletproof Boy, who is preparing for another crack at some of Australasian harness racing’s biggest races.
And if anyone is enjoying the ride, it’s popular Cranbourne trainer Scott Ewen.
The ever-optimistic horseman is counting down to the return of his beloved veteran pacer Bulletproof Boy – a “People’s Horse” whose courage, longevity and never-say-die performances have earned him a cult following across Australian harness racing.
The son of Art Official is being prepared for another assault on some of Australia’s biggest sprint races, with the Len Smith Mile at Menangle, the Smoken Up Sprint at Melton and another crack at the Miracle Mile firmly in Ewen’s sights.
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 on 03 8378 0200 or email info@hrv.org.au. Payment will be 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, or series fees for one-year-olds and three-year-old age acceptances close on 2 August. Non-payment of three-year-old invoiced fees will result in automatic cancellation after 2 August. All nominations/acceptances can be completed via Harnessweb. Select My Futurities – ‘Need For Speed’ and ‘Nominate’ or email needforspeed@hrv.org.au. Further information can be found at Breeders Barn - Harness Racing Victoria.
BREEDERS CROWN:
Age acceptances for Series 28 (3YO) of the Breeders Crown finals are open.Non-payment for 3yo invoiced fees will result in automatic cancellation after 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 can be found at Breeders Barn - Harness Racing Victoria.
LICENSING:
RENEWALS
Licence renewals are open for the 2026/2027 racing season, which starts 1 September. Licensees are to renew online through Harnessweb, where they can pay and upload their medical and declare betting (drivers) forms. More details can be found at Licensing – The Trots
LICENCE PORTAL
A new licence portal is at Harnessweb. The portal enables licensees to apply for upgrades and downgrades, submit new applications, and upload all required documents, questions, and declarations that form part of the process. Communications have been sent regarding the new process. More details can be found at Licensing - The Trots
REGISTRATIONS:
SERVICE RESULTS
Foal notification results for the 25/26 breeding seasonwill open via Harnessweb from August 1.
MICROCHIPPING
As we count down to the end of the season, there are still outstanding, non-microchipped foals who need to be finalised. If you have decided to use your own vet to microchip, please complete the process as soon as possible. More details and all FAQs can be found atFoal Notifications & Microchipping - The Trots.
ACCOUNTS:
SPLIT PRIZEMONEY PAYMENTS:
Split Prizemoney Payments are available for managing owners of partnerships to setup via HarnessWeb, enabling stake money distribution split to everyone, including futurity win bonuses 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. More details can be found at 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 HRV's Racing Office:
HRV CONFIRMS KEY FY27 RACING SEASON CHANGES
Harness Racing Victoria will implement the following racing changes for the 2026-27 season to strengthen participation, enhance its feature racing, and optimise prizemoney distribution.
The season will again include a six-week Summer of Glory carnival, prizemoney will be boosted at the grassroots level, and first-win bonuses will be more targeted.
HRV’s racing department has consulted with the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association and Harness Breeders Victoria to deliver stronger participant, racing and industry benefits, which take effect from 1 July 2026.
The FY27 calendar will host 388 race meetings, down from 400 in FY26, with reduced Sunday and Monday night meetings, when participation and wagering are lower.
Prizemoney changes to boost grassroots returns
HRV increased the minimum prize money for NR40-49 races from $4,000 to $5,000 from 1 July.
The NR40-49 band accounts for a significant share of Victoria’s active horse population, with the change to benefit a large cross-section of owners, trainers and horses across the state. The initiative is expected to cost approximately $699,000 a year.
To compensate for the NR40-49 increase, 12 Saturday night metropolitan meetings will have total pools of $97,000, down from the $145,000 average. These will primarily be scheduled for nights that have interstate features, such as Queensland’s Inter Dominion and New South Wales’ Miracle Mile, which regularly draw Victoria’s leading participants and horses.
First-win bonuses focused on rewarding younger Victorian-bred horses
HRV’s first-win bonus model will change from 1 January next year to better reward younger Victorian-bred horses and encourage breeding in Victoria.
Bonuses for Vicbred Platinum and Vicbred Pure two, three and four-year-olds will increase. To compensate for the change, standard Vicbred bonuses will be reduced, and horses aged five years and older will no longer be eligible.
The changes, developed with Harness Breeders Victoria and the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association, strengthen breeding and ownership incentives earlier in a horse’s career and direct more support to Victorian breeding.
Almost 75 per cent of first-win bonus recipients fall into the increasing categories. About 70 horses that received $2,500 bonuses last year would not receive payments under the new model. To enable participants to adjust to the changes, they will not be introduced until 1 January, 2027.
Vicbred Super Series to anchor spring
The APG Vicbred Super Series will launch Victorian harness racing’s spring, the rich two, three and four-year-old series brought forward to run from 28 August to 19 September.
The Vicbred Super Series will precede the Need For Speed trotting series on 10 October, the Victorian pacing Derby and Oaks on 17 October, the Redwood Classic and Trotting Derby at Maryborough on 1 November, and the Breeders Crown finals on 19 December.
This year will mark the final running of the Australasian Breeders Crown in its current form, with the December series to feature only three-year-olds. The Breeders Crown and Vicbred Super Series will be merged in 2027 to form the Vicbred Breeders Crown, preserving the strongest elements of both series in a single Victorian hallmark event.
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 Pony Trots Victoria:
A MASSIVE WEEKEND FOR OUR MINI BRIGADE
Pony Trots Victoria representative did the state proud when they venture north to contest the Mini Trot Inter Dominion at Albion Park. While they did bring home the silverware, the pony trotters had a wondeful time building friendships with mini trot drivers from other states, spending time with their families, and experiecing the incredible atmosphere of an Inter Dominion Final night.
Pictured are (from left) Evie Williams, Arabella Maxwell-Dedini with Lilly-Rose Walters (front), Madeline Welch, Charlie Walters and Josie Williams.
A review of the HRV Hero program is underway, focusing on program structure, delivery model, and opportunities to strengthen rehoming pathways and industry outcomes. The consultation process will seek input from key stakeholders to ensure the program remains fit for purpose, aligns with welfare objectives, and continues to deliver sustainable rehoming outcomes for standardbreds transitioning out of racing.
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) are committed to upholding the Equine Welfare and Traceability Strategy of Harness Racing Australia (HRA), thus trainers and owners are reminded of their obligations regarding the notification of the death of a registered horse and the disposal of any deceased registered horse.
Trainers and owners are reminded that it is an offence under the Australian Trotting Stud Book Regulations (ATSBR) for the Stewards to not be immediately notified by the owner or trainer of a death of a registered horse if a horse dies whilst in the care of a licensed trainer. It is also an offence if HRA, HRV or the Stewards are not notified of the death of a registered horse by the owner or trainer within 24 hours of its occurrence in any other case.
Trainers and owners are also reminded that it is an offence under the ATSBR to dispose of the carcass of a horse whose death has been notified, or which should have been notified, without the permission of the Stewards or HRV.
Owners are also reminded that when a registered horse has been retired from racing or a decision has been made to not race the horse (including retaining the horse for the purposes of breeding), it is an offence under the ATSBR if HRV are not notified within seven days of the horse’s retirement.
UNLICENSED PERSONS CARRYING OUT LICENSED ACTIVITIES
There have been some recent instances during race meetings and inspections conducted at registered stables where Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have become aware that persons carrying on activities regulated by licence have not been the holder of a current licence.
It is an offence under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) for a person to carry on an activity regulated by licence if that person is not the holder of a current licence or if that person’s licence is suspended.
In addition, it is also an offence under the AHRR for licensed trainers who fail to ensure that all persons carrying out activities of a stable hand with respect to their registered stables, are licensed as stable hands.
Trainers are reminded that, at all times, they are responsible for the administration and conduct of their stables. Trainers are further reminded of their obligations under the AHRR to ensure that all persons carrying out activities regulated by licence at their stables, are holders of a current licence.
WEARING OF HELMETS & PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DURING TRACKWORK
There have been some recent instances, especially during inspections conducted at registered stables, where Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have observed and taken action against persons driving a horse in sulky, particularly during trackwork, who have not been wearing a properly affixed helmet, a properly affixed protective vest, and/or adequate footwear offering a sufficient level of bodily protection.
It is an offence under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) for a person to drive or ride a horse not wearing a properly affixed helmet that is of a make and model of which has been approved by Harness Racing Australia (HRA) and entered in the Register of Helmets. The list of helmets approved by HRA can be found here.
It is also an offence under the AHRR for a person to drive or ride a horse not wearing a properly affixed protective vest that is of a make and model of which has been approved by HRA. The list of protective vests approved by HRA can be found here.
In addition, it is also required under the AHRR that helmets and protective vests are in a satisfactory condition, not be modified in any way (except for any art or decorative work with respect to helmets), and have attached to them a manufacturer’s label that states the date of manufacture and that they comply with a standard approved by HRA.
Along with being offence provisions under the AHRR, there are also potential consequences and repercussions from an insurance standpoint should a person fail to wear such protective equipment and clothing in the event of an accident, especially at a private registered training establishment.
