Victorian owners will race for up to $2.75 million in breeding and sales vouchers under a new two-year initiative, which is part of a $3 million industry boost, beginning on September 1.
The Vicbred Vouchers program will see 550 races across the next two seasons carry $5000 vouchers for winning owners, which will give them a head start towards breeding or buying their next winners.
Breeders will also get a direct boost, with the Vicbred Super Series heats, semi-finals, finals, and consolations to award $5000 vouchers to the winning breeder as well as $5000 to the winning owner.
The announcement is part of a $3 million breeding and ownership support initiative through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with money also allocated to compensate owners for changes to microchipping processes.
HRV chief executive officer Matt Isaacs said the two-year commitment would encourage ownership and strengthen breeding in Victoria.
“These vouchers will further reward owners and breeders and encourage them to build on their proud involvements with Victorian harness racing,” Isaacs said.
“Hundreds of owners and breeders over the next two years will be gifted huge incentives to breed in Victoria, which is a win for all involved in the sport.”
The Vicbred vouchers will give owners $5000 towards:
The $2.75 million worth of $5000 vouchers will be apportioned as follows:
In coming weeks, HRV will announce the first races to carry the $5000 Vicbred vouchers.
Harness Breeders Victoria president John Coffey said it was the “perfect announcement with perfect timing”.
“This is absolutely the best news the industry can have in Victoria at the moment,” Coffey said.
“A certificate bonus means it has to be spent back into the industry, maximising the benefit. It is terrific that it comes into effect from September 1 ahead of the breeding season that starts in September, and it will certainly be a positive for yearling sales next year.”
Nutrien Equine manager Mark Barton said the announcement would boost the industry and future sales.
"Nutrien welcomes this exciting scheme, which will directly drive ownership and investment in Victorian breeding,” Barton said.
"The state has an outstanding tradition of quality breeding, which has fuelled buying at Nutrien's sales, and this initiative will only strengthen and build on that success."
Australian Pacing Gold Chairman Robert Marshall said the sales company “welcomed this great initiative.”
“This is a fantastic announcement,” Marshall said. “This will be an excellent opportunity to revitalise breeding.
“We have our sales planned for Hunter Cup weekend, and this initiative complements our sales and the existing bonuses that APG offers.”