Government legislation initiates HRV's transition to a company
The Victorian Government introduced a Bill into Parliament on Tuesday that will transition Harness Racing Victoria from a statutory authority to a company limited by guarantee.
Amending the Racing Act 1958, the Racing Legislation Amendment (Entity Governance and Other Matters) Bill 2026 will move HRV out of the public sector.
HRV has worked with the Government to formalise the legislation, which will provide greater flexibility for it to innovate, commercialise, and drive the future of harness racing in Victoria. First steps Following its introduction to Parliament, the Bill must be approved by the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council and presented to the Governor of Victoria for Royal Assent. Once that’s received, it becomes an Act of Parliament and a law of Victoria. What does this mean for harness racing in Victoria? HRV will have greater flexibility to innovate and commercialise without being bound by government policies, including those that regulate media strategy, finance and borrowings.
A not-for-profit company, HRV will reinvest all profits back into the harness racing industry. It will be governed by a Board of Directors, which is appointed by the Minister for Racing. When does this take effect? The Minister for Racing will certify the new HRV company as the controlling body of Victorian harness racing, a process that will be completed no later than 1 July 2028.
The current HRV statutory authority will continue operations as usual until then. What now? The Department of Justice and Community Safety will work with HRV to develop a transition implementation plan while the Bill progresses through parliament.
Harness Racing Victoria releases Venue Network White Paper
Harness Racing Victoria released its Venue Network White Paper, a long-term framework designed to strengthen the sustainability, relevance and future viability of harness racing in Victoria.
The White Paper, which was presented to Trots Clubs Victoria (TCV) and club representatives earlier this month, sets out a structured and evidence-based approach to how HRV plans to manage and support the state’s racing venue network into the future.
HRV CEO Matt Isaacs said the White Paper represented an important milestone in the industry’s broader sustainability journey.
“This is about ensuring harness racing in Victoria remains sustainable, relevant and investable for the long term,” Isaacs said.
“The industry is operating in very different conditions to those that existed when much of the venue network was established. Wagering conditions are more challenging, horse numbers have declined, and the cost of maintaining a large network of ageing infrastructure continues to rise.
“The White Paper is about planning ahead rather than waiting for circumstances to force reactive decisions upon the industry.”
Plenty to cheer about at Trots Clubs Victoria awards night
Clubs, employees, and volunteers were celebrated at the Trots Clubs Victoria 2025 awards function last month.
Essendon champion Terry Daniher was guest speaker at the event, which brought club members from across the state to Rich River Golf Club.
The presentations followed the TCV Networking Conference, which included a large representation of Harness Racing Victoria staff and board members. Awards
Best presented track/venue: Charlton
Best traditional and social media: Horsham
Country Cup of the Year: Echuca
Country Club of the Year: Cranbourne
Frank Ryan Memorial Employee of the Year: Georgina Shean (Swan Hill)
Paul James Volunteer Service Awards: Wally and Heather Newton (Marong), Danny Revell (Bacchus Marsh), Jeff Hargreaves (Stawell), Kevin and Lesley Lane (Horsham)
Harness Racing Victoria extends participant fuel relief rebate
Harness Racing Victoria has extended its fuel relief rebate to 30 June to help participants manage ongoing travel costs.
HRV has paid $129,000 to participants since introducing the rebate on 1 April, a temporary measure to partially offset higher petrol and diesel prices.
HRV CEO Matt Isaacs said the rebate provided modest relief to participants in response to cost pressures.
“I am pleased that we have been able to extend the rebate, knowing that it has been appreciated and well received by participants,” Isaacs said.
“It is good that fuel prices have fallen from the highs of April and May, but cost pressures remain, and I hope these rebates provide some relief.”
The rebate delivers:
$10 per starter for trainers who travel less than 100km
$20 per starter for trainers who travel more than 100km
Drivers receive a $10 ex-gratia payment per drive
No application is required; rebates are paid through the existing stake payment system as part of the usual payment cycle. The temporary rebate will conclude on 30 June, 2026.
Adam Hamilton: Moonee Valley harness dream is officially over
The dream of a return for harness racing at Moonee Valley is over.
After more than 18 months of negotiations, the Moonee Valley Racing Club and Harness Racing Victoria closed the door on the possibility.
A harness racing track will not be part of the huge redevelopment of the Moonee Valley site currently well underway.
HRV CEO Matt Isaacs admitted the sentimental and emotional connection of harness racing to Moonee Valley made the decision very hard.
“I can officially confirm now that a return to The Valley won’t happen,” he said. “We’d have loved nothing more than to have harness racing back at The Valley and this is a decision we haven’t taken lightly.
“It’s been a long negotiation process and our team worked tirelessly to explore all the possibilities, but the return on what would have been a huge investment just wasn’t going to be there. In the end, the commercial constraints and required timelines made it a bridge too far. I want to stress how hard we all tried to make it work and how fantastic Adam Lennen (MVRC chairman), his committee and CEO Michael Browell were as we went through the process.”
The stunning emergence of young Kiwi star Got The Chocolates over the past month has set tongues wagging.
As we take a break from feature open-class racing after a hectic start to 2026, it is an ideal time to ponder how the pecking order looks across Australasia.
For long the Aussies have dominated, but Got The Chocolates, The Lazarus Effect and Marketplace have and will continue to change that.
Here’s my crack at how the top 10 looks now.
In compiling the list, I’ve put an emphasis on who is best placed right now should they all clash in a race.
That means assessing horses like Kingman, and to a lesser extent Swayzee, is a bit tricky.
The start of the Brisbane Inter Dominion is just over a month away.
The question most are asking is whether a third crown is there for the taking for Leap To Fame.?
The all-time great won his first title in December 2023, missed the 2024 series with a health setback (Don Hugo won that) and returned to land his second title at Albion Park in July, last year.
Leap To Fame is $1.70 favourite to become just the fourth pacer to win at least three Inter Dominion pacing finals – Blacks A Fake (four wins), Im Themightyquinn (three) and Our Sir Vancelot (three) are the others – when this year’s $1 million final comes around on July 18.
On what we saw in the Miracle Mile on March 14 and Cambridge’s Race by Sport Nation on April 10, those odds look about right.
Throw in the fact the series is on his home deck and it suits him even better.
But, as great as Leap To Fame is, it is folly to say he looks a good thing.
Clearly the one to beat? An absolute stand-out? A deserved hot favourite?
Yes to them all, but unbeatable? Well, that’s a no.
At just 22, Olivia Jardine is carving out her path in Victoria’s harness racing ranks, driven by a genuine love of the horse that began long before she stepped into a sulky.
Growing up around the sport through family ties, Olivia’s journey has been shaped by a deep connection with horses across multiple disciplines. From competitive dressage to western riding, her progression into harness racing feels like a natural evolution, built on years of hands-on experience and a clear passion for working with horses.
She reached a milestone moment last year when she drove her first winner aboard the Nick Youngson-trained Champagnes, a result that only strengthened her drive to keep improving.
Bronte Nieuwenburg caught up with Olivia to learn more about her journey, her passion for horses, and where she hopes the sport can take her next. Click the image above to watch her story.
Victoria's rising stars deliver in Nutrien Finals at Wagga
Victorians dominated Saturday’s stellar Wagga meeting. Eight listed classics were conducted at the provincial circuit, with those south of the border triumphant in seven.
Premier horsewoman Emma Stewart kick-started proceedings with Kahula, which completed an effortless 14-and-a-half-metre win with Mark Pitt in the cart.
Courtney Barton and Jason Lee were then triumphant with Smack Bang Bart before Chris Lang reined two-year-old trotter Verbici to glory. “It’s a privilege to jump on and win a race like that for such a great family that’s been close with our family for years,” Lee said after the victory.
Click below to watch Victoria's Nutrien Finals blitz
Wharton: Victorian-bred stars shine bright at Wagga
The Victorian breeding industry continues to be the market leader in the country and the proof in the pudding was there for all to see on the $1 million Nutrien Sales Classic night at Wagga on Saturday.
Six of the eight final winners – including all four trotting deciders – were bred by breeders from south of the border.
Kahula, a filly owned by Ballarat breeders Bruce and Vicki Edward, started the ball rolling when she soundly trounced her rivals in the $200,000 final for two-year-old fillies. By the siring colossus Bettor’s Delight, she is the second foal of the dual Vicbred champion Kualoa.
King Saint and Maxnjax deliver Laugher driving double
In-form reinsman Jack Laugher took the driving honours with a winning double on Saturday night at Melton.
The John Tormey-trained King Saint provided Laugher with the first leg of his double, taking out the Hygain Edge Pace.
Sent out a $3.10 equal favourite, King Saint was sent forward by Laugher and subsequently wrested the lead off co-favourite Insider Trading with a lap to travel over the 1720-metre sprint trip.
Insider Trading appeared set for victory along the sprint lane when it drew level with the leader halfway down the home straight. However, King Saint refused to yield and fought back to get the verdict by a head in a mile rate of 1:55.8.
Laugher was impressed by the winner’s will to win.
“I thought Insider Trading was going straight on by up the sprint lane, to be honest, but to his credit I could feel him kicking on and, on the line, it was never going to let the other one get past him,” Laugher said.
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.
Summer of Glory locked in as six-week flagship carnival
HRV will retain the six-Saturday Summer of Glory in 2027. The carnival will again connect the Bendigo, Shepparton, Ballarat, Cranbourne and Kilmore cups with the state’s premier night, the A G Hunter Cup and Great Southern Star, at Melton.
The decision follows a strong 2026 campaign, which elevated the Summer of Glory brand, reinforced its standing as a flagship national series and delivered positive wagering outcomes. Turnover from the country cup races was up 3 per cent on 2025 and 23 per cent on 2024.
Prizemoney changes to boost grassroots returns
HRV will increase 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.
Field-size settings updated for non-metro racing
HRV will reduce the maximum field size from 12 runners to 10 at non-metro meetings to maintain sustainable and competitive racing programs.
The change applies only to tracks with a circumference of 900 metres or more. Metropolitan Saturday night meetings and all Vicbred Super Series races will continue to have a maximum field size of 12.
HRV will target a minimum of seven starters for two-year-old, three-year-old, and free-for-all races, and eight starters for all other races, while retaining discretion where required to ensure meetings proceed.
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
As announced in April, 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 HRV's customer service, futurities, and licensing:
FUTURITIES:
VICBRED:
Should you still want to make your horse Vicbred-eligible, 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-old and three-year-old age acceptances close on2 August 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 mid-June for three-year-olds, and payment will be due by August 2. 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 now open.All acceptances/withdrawals can be completed via Harnessweb. Select My Futurities – ‘Breeders Crown and ‘Nominate’ or email breederscrown@hrv.org.au. Automatic invoicing will occur in mid-June for 3YOs, and payment will be due by August 2. Further information can be found at Breeders Barn - Harness Racing Victoria.
LICENSING:
RENEWALS:
Last season's renewal period is now closed, and unlicensed participants now need to resubmit. The new licence portal is in Harnessweb to enable completion of new applications. HRV will only be accept applications through the portal. HRV online Compliance Courses through the Safetrac Portal are required as part of the application.
Communications regarding 2026/27 renewals will be sent at the end of June.
LICENCE PORTAL:
A new license portal on Harnessweb. The portal enables licensees to apply for upgrades/downgrades and submit new applications. All required documents can be uploaded, and declarations resolved. Communications have been sent regarding the new process. More details can be found at Licensing - The Trots.
REGISTRATIONS:
SERVICE RESULTS:
A small number of outstanding service results from the '24/25 breeding season to Victorian stallions have still not been notified to the state controlling body. This can be completed online throughHarnessWeb. Late penalties may now be imposed for any live foals, so please submit the result as soon as it is identified. More details can be found at Foal Notifications & Microchipping - The Trots, including a Foal notification form if required to download.
MICROCHIPPING:
There are still outstanding non-microchipped foals. If you have chosen your own vet to complete microchipping, please do so as soon as possible. Microchip packs are dispersed within days of the live foal notification submission. The packs will be sent to the foal's residence. 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 website at Foal Notifications & Microchipping - The Trots. This must be done prior to visiting your property to microchip your foal. HRV will send microchipping rebates ($250) once a month in bulk to breeders. DNA verification is required to be eligible for the rebate. More details and all FAQ’s 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 Pony Trots Victoria:
A SEASON TO REMEMBER!
Pony Trots Victoria's season ended 16 May at Melton with the crowning of Burnaholeinmybucket as the Melton Pony of the Year and a celebration of drivers (pictured above from left) Madeline Welch (2nd), Amelia Hodgson (1st), and Arabella Maxwell-Dedini (3rd).
Earlier in the month, Pretty Cool, driven by Tywin Quinlan (pictured below), took out the Shepparton Pony of the Year.
The program will now enter its winter recess, with activities scheduled to recommence in late August.
PONY TROTS SUPPORTS A GREAT CAUSE
The Shepparton Pacing for Pink event was a strong success, with 10 ponies competing. The Senior Drivers Race was particularly well-received and raised more than $800 for the associated cause.
FINGERS CROSSED FOR OUR INTER DOM HOPEFULS
Five Victorian ponies have accepted invitations to represent the state at Mini Trot ID26 in July as part of the Interdominion Carnival. Good luck to them all!
Young drivers attended a 'Business Basics' session at Bendigo and Ballarat in May, which was delivered by former Trots Clubs Victoria president Tim Scala from Action Coach.
Topics covered included ABN, BAS, and GST requirements, and all participants received DISC profiles.
From HRV Hero:
The 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.
HRV Hero invites anyone who has had contact with the program in the last two years to fill in the feedback form by clicking here.
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.
