Harness Racing Victoria will implement a trial of two and three-year-old concessions from July 1.

The initiative follows feedback from HRV’s March roadshows and consultation with industry stakeholders, including the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association and the Harness Racing Advisory Council.

The trial, which will be in racing programs from July until at least 1 September, gives two-year-old horses’  10-point concessions and three-year-old horses’ eight-point concessions when they compete outside of their age categories.

The concessions will be applied:

  • Regardless of two and three-year-old horses’ current ratings
  • Automatically down to the base national rating level of 30

The concessions will not be applied:

  • In two and three-year-old races
  • In races where the conditions stipulate otherwise
  • In races outside of Victoria

HRV will continue to consult with stakeholders and seek feedback before considering permanent implementation of the concessions.