Victorian harness racing’s first-win bonuses will be restored to $7000 for two and three-year-olds after $1.37 million was reallocated into the Vicbred scheme.
Collaboration between Harness Racing Victoria and its stakeholder bodies has boosted the total first-win pool to $3.83 million, with four-year-olds to receive a $5000 bonus and those five-and-over a $2500 bonus.
HRV chief executive officer Matt Isaacs said Vicbred remained critical to harness racing in Victoria’s eco-system, which was reflected in the reallocation.
“The first-win bonus is an important part of Victoria’s breeding industry and we have continued to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the right balance is struck,” Isaacs said.
“There is unanimous agreement that a strong breeding scheme is vital, but there is shared appreciation that there are only limited funds to compensate a broad industry.”
| 2YO | $7000 |
| 3YO | $7000 |
| 4YO | $5000 |
| 5YO+ | $2500 |
To fund the increases, Vicbred scheme fees will be increased, prizemoney will be reallocated from feature races, and processing fees will be restored.
Almost half of the funding will come from doubling the Vicbred scheme fees, which had been unchanged since 2007. Those who pay per year will see their fee increase from $220 to $440 per annum, while the series fee will double from $440 to $880.
A further $400,000 will be reallocated from features races, with the A G Hunter Cup to run for $250,000, in line with the Victoria Cup and Great Southern Star.
The Vicbred Super Series pacing finals will be run for $100,000, down from $150,000, while the trotting finals will be run for $75,000, with finals night worth $1.05 million.
HRV will also restore processing fee charges for leases ($83.60), foals ($220) and transfers ($75) from January 1, which had previously been absorbed but will now indirectly compensate Vicbred. There will remain no naming fee for Vicbred horses.
“HRV has worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the Vicbred scheme rewards participants while remaining viable,” Isaacs said.
“We thank the kindred bodies for their proactive collaboration to reach an outcome that will benefit harness racing in Victoria.
“The breeding season is in full swing, we hope passionate harness racing owners and breeders are excited to pair their broodmares with Victoria’s outstanding stallions and chase on-track success.”
Speaking on behalf of the kindred body presidents, Shane Gloury issued support for the announcement.
“We thank Harness Racing Victoria for listening to the concerns of the industry and for agreeing to increase Vicbred bonuses following the changes previously announced,” Gloury said.
“The Vicbred bonus is a vital component for harness racing participants across the state. While we were hopeful for some tweaks to the funding mechanism, we are grateful and supportive of the announced increases, which will positively impact the industry."
Vicbred payments have been extended to February 28. As per previous years, HRV will proactively invoice eligible horses in December. More details at thetrots.com.au