Forum fatigue is real – but silence not an option for Victoria

It would be easy for Victorian Harness Racing participants to compensate for their shoulders on the final round of Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) consultation forums.

After all, there has been no shortage of “talkfests” in recent years, both grassroots led and HRV convened.

And frustration is understandably deeply when HRV seems to be politely listening, then the participants will perceive, anyway. An honest question that is now being asked around the trial is: why would you show up the last series of HRV forums, from tonight (September 15)?

But here is the irony.

For a long time, the industry has complained bitter about not consulted. Now, at least, HRV is first – chairman Bernard Saundry, CEO Matt Isaacs and the board are again on the road for three more road shows.

Participants who go behind it risk handing over the steering wheel to others.

The consultation sessions come in a critical time. HRV confirmed a loss of $ 25.8 million in the financial year 2024, which gave rise to a raid on Victoria’s Futurity Scheme, Vicbred, cuts and a reduction of meetings, causing anger about the grass roots industry. We are waiting for the release of the 2025 HRV year report to discover what progress has been made when tackling the terrible financial state of industry.

HRV says that the forums on Kilmore (September 15), Charlton (September 16) and Terang (September 17) will assess FY2025 and outline plans for the coming year. The Kilmore session is also streamed live at 7 p.m. via pride vision.com.au.

Questions that must be asked

The forums are invoiced as two -way interviews. That makes them the perfect platform for participants to press HRV on key problems:

• Staff and costs: HRV has indicated that the staff numbers trimmed. How far has this disappeared? And how does Victoria’s Cost Base relate to other states?
• Stallion: Introduced as an impost of three years to finance the Eureka, the levy is now rolling in a fourth year. Why has HRV allowed this burden for breeders to continue?
• National Ratings System: Six years later, mistakes remain that disadvantage of young horses and early winners. Why have changes not made?
• Moonee Valley Land: HRV still owns the country that is reserved as the “future fund” of the industry. Where are negotiations with the government and how will the real value be protected?
• Racing calendar: Talk remains of another 50 meetings that are cut. What will the new structure look like and how will country clubs be influenced?

Credit where it owes

For all criticism, HRV deserves the honor for the appearance. This year this will be the third roadshow series, and unlike a large part of the past decade, the sign is now directly confronted with participants. That shift is important.

But the responsibility now lies with the participants in the industry itself. If trainers, breeders, drivers and owners want change, they must attend, watch and contribute. Without strong involvement, HRV can claim that silence is equal to permission.

Harness Racing in Victoria employs 5000 people and contributes $ 670 million to the economy. The survival depends on transparency, responsibility and basic voices that demand it.

Van Harnesslink Media