A new Racing Information Guide will carry Harness Racing Victoria’s programs, including racing and trial information, with the monthly publication to replace the bi-monthly Harness Racer.
Beginning with the release of Victoria’s October programs next month, the Racing Information Guide will be available for free download, while those wanting a hard copy can purchase six-month or 12-month subscriptions.
The change in large part accommodates the introduction of the national Rating Based Handicapping System introduced on July 1, which has required monthly programming.
Harness Racing Victoria General Manager Marketing Andrew English said this was something the traditional Harness Racer couldn’t accommodate, particularly in the face of rising printing and mailing costs.
“The Harness Racer has provided great service to the industry and this is not a decision taken lightly,” Mr English said. “However, for many reasons the moment is right to make change.”
The Racing Information Guide will feature race, trial programs and industry information, but editorial resources will instead be diverted into Harness Racing Victoria’s website www.thetrots.com.au.
“The way the greater public engages with sport has changed significantly, in particular with a move to digital in place of traditional media,” Mr English said.
News and feature articles, Trots Vision and Punters’ Paradise are just a small sample of the offerings at www.thetrots.com.au, which is supported by a range of HRV social media platforms, including the prospering Soundcloud podcast channel.
“These free services are at your fingertips, but their management requires resources from a limited pool, which is central to the transition to digital,” Mr English said.
The Racing Information Guide will be available for free via download at www.thetrots.com.au and www.thetrots.shop in a printable PDF format.
A hard copy version can be subscribed to at www.thetrots.shop, which costs $7.50 fee per program for production and mailing costs.