Following today’s announcement by the Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Chairman Dale Monteith released this statement:
“On behalf of the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Board and indeed all within the harness racing industry in Victoria, I thank Minister Pakula for his ongoing commitment to the racing industry in this state.
“Martin’s passion and advocacy for all racing codes has been immense, and we have especially appreciated his vast commitment to helping grow and improve harness racing during his tenure.
“Right to the end, Martin has continued to support harness racing through commitments to the development of our Melton metropolitan venue and major capital infrastructure works through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) across our ecosystem – especially in regional areas of Victoria.
“During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin helped ensure harness racing could continue at our clubs with important funding allowing participants to continue earning prizemoney, and safeguarding jobs during a difficult period. Indeed, such support has seen harness racing emerge stronger.
“Thank you, Minister, for your contribution and all the very best in your next chapter. I am sure we will see you at the track in the future.”
