Two and three-year-old national ratings concessions, grassroots and feature racing revamps, and further forums are among planned changes out of Harness Racing Victoria’s roadshows.

Almost 300 participants and supporters attended forums at Mildura, Melton, Ballarat, and Shepparton, and more than 1500 watched the live stream when HRV Chair Bernard Saundry and CEO Matt Isaacs led an industry conversation.

“We wanted to make sure the industry had a clear understanding of where we’re at and where we’re going, and we wanted to hear from them about the challenges they face and opportunities they see,” Saundry said.

“We were thrilled with their initiatives and passion. These discussions will drive direct and immediate change in our industry.”

Following the roadshows, Harness Racing Victoria will:

  • Introduce national ratings’ concessions for two and three-year-olds from July 1
  • Re-purpose prizemoney allocations to avoid all-$4000 meetings from July 1
  • Finalise the calendar to run 390 race meetings in FY26, with $35 million in participant returns
  • Continue to consult with industry about opportunities to return to Moonee Valley
  • Co-host national rating forums this winter to help shape changes from January 1
  • Return the Mildura Pacing Cup to a Saturday night in 2026

Isaacs said HRV would also innovate the racing calendar to maximise participant returns and drive growth.

“We are eager to revamp the summer carnival, with rich country cups at Kilmore, Cranbourne, and Ballarat to feed into the A G Hunter Cup and Great Southern Star,” Isaacs said.

“We also want to reaffirm our commitment to juvenile racing and put money back into owners’ pockets early in their horse’s careers, including Group 1 level stakes in a revamped Breeders Crown and, in conjunction with Harness Racing Australia, bring the Australian Derby and Oaks to Victoria.”

Isaacs said HRV would work with the industry to finalise the racing formats and best dates, likely late in 2026, with an announcement expected by July 1 this year.

“Through the likes of Sunday’s Nutrien Equine sales, passionate owners stand ready to invest in harness racing in Victoria, and we want to give them every reason to get involved,” Isaacs said.

“That includes working with the State Government to draw on the Victorian Racing Industry Fund for a significant, seven-figure investment that supports ownership and breeding. I look forward to sharing further details soon.”

The Melbourne Nutrien Equine sale is at William Inglis Stables, Oaklands Junction, on Sunday from 11am. Click here for the sales catalogue.