Harness & Greyhounds - Perth Turf Talk

Penrith

sonny — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:27:29 +0000

R7n5... big drop in grade Think it wins.

G.P TONIGHT

sonny — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:51:17 +0000

R5n10.. Great e/w chance where it is drawn..

GP- 3yo Western Gateway (Gp3) & The Schrader (F&M)

VillageKid — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 23:28:17 +0000

Race 1- Gee Heza Sport, Faster Than Dad, Sugar Street, Rocknroll Elliot

Race 2- Rolling Fire, Skylord, Im The Black Flash, Sorridere

Race 3- Lil Happy Fella, Flying Rumour, Master Publisher, Solesseo Matuca

Race 4- Aardiebytheseaside, Steno, Starlight Dream, Zephyra

Race 5- Christopher Dance, Tualou, Alta Tribute, Waverider

Race 6- Lavra Joe, Alcopony, Tricky Miki, Machnificent

Race 7- Lion Queen, Copy Cat Queen, Irresistible, Soho Honey Rider

Race 8- Chaco Eagle, Chivalry, Sista Sammy, Benji

Race 9- Ideal Muscle, Mikis Pride, Atlantic Gem, Quinton

Race 10- Rocket City, Insta Gator, Galaxy Warrior, Illawong Mustang

Race 11- Unlucky, Major Freeway, Soho Moonraker, Covernote

Origins Of Harness Turnover

JayJay — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:03:38 +0000

Nice piece in The West today by Hayden King on the upcoming Ultimate Driver Championship, an interesting concept. Don't think the selection of Hall Jnr was ever in doubt but with Gingras and Dunn competing, it will be worth a watch. Like all drivers series, a big slice of luck on what horse you end up steering is a critical factor. But good luck to them, they have stumped up the cash and let's hope there is a result.

However, in the same article, Radley's often repeated statement that "90% of wagering on Gloucester Park is from the East Coast" and apparently now inclusive of all WA Harness racing, is something to think about.

I have never seen figures to support this statement, RWWA is not terribly transparent on public release of wagering data, but I have no reason to doubt it's veracity. Nonetheless, it is extremely concerning that the local product is so shunned by Western Australians. Is it consistent across the wagering landscape? If we are to compare "apples with apples", what are the percentages for both thoroughbred and greyhound racing? Are they also equally beholding to Eastern States punters for their prime source of turnover? Basing a case on just one figure represents the heights of specious logic. We need to know the full story before making judgements.

Is our local product across all three codes equally dependent on "Eastern States" puntersor is it just the Western Australian harness product that is so broken and so on the nose that savvy locals have completely lost interest? Is the predictability of our harness product (with last Friday Night a welcome outrider) totally off putting? The absence of almost anything approaching decent patronage on course would suggest so. In spite of very expensive sugar hit promotions like the Nullabor, Westbred Night and the upcoming Italian Fireworks and WA Cup night on November 11, on course crowds are deplorable along with on course turnover.

Does this explain what can only be described as frightening figures like last Saturdays Ascot Quaddie pool size at $448k in comparison to the Friday Night GP Quaddie pool of a mere $22k, a minuscule 5% of the thoroughbreds?

The performance of the Club management in returning GP to some degree of past vibrancy seems to be a complete fail, an acceptance of inevitability. If turnover is so dependent on eastern States turnover, why in an era of daylight saving do we run races at 10pm when over east it is 1.00am and everyone is asleep? Should we be starting at 4pm with horses traveling in the hottest part of the day? Does this become a horse welfare issue? What about building the local base so that we can race when we want to race without being beholding to the East Coast. A conundrum for decision makers to come up with a suitable outcome.

What difference will the spending of $25 million of RWWA funds along with a partial sell off (some say a giveaway) of the farm to retain an outdated 800m track, albeit with new stalls, new lighting and a comfy new pavilion for the few hundred members still on board...what difference will that make to turnover? Will it stem the current free fall to less than 10% share of overall turnover, will it revive flagging on course patronage, will it change the predictability of our product, will it reinvent "vibrancy", will it have punters flocking back to bet on our product or will we remain dependent on a few big syndicates over east betting with the corporates to keep turnover at the slither of what it once used to be?

Promoting GP through the "Gurus" in the Ultimate Drivers Championship utilising the skills of the states leading driver cannot be a bad thing. But the fact that our product is so on the nose that we have become an Industry at the mercy of the whims of Eastern States punters is hugely worrying. If we are to retain our independence as a financially viable industry and address falling numbers of licensed personel, owners, foals and most crucially local interest and turnover, the turn around cannot be achieved unless LOCAL punters and local enthusiasts return to the fray.

Nonetheless, good luck to the 'Gurus', lets hope it produces a huge spike in turnover, one that is without parallel, and one that can be sustained moving forward.

Cam Brown interview.

Frog — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:39:01 +0000

I have a few questions. As I could of said which are the best days that are bet on. (didn't need a year?)

1/ Cost of running meetings per race as a percentage of turnover. (Aldi v/s Coles and Woolworths)

2/ Were and when statement ? (does this mean closing many tracks like Victoria is planning)

3/ Betting agents not taking or reducing bets. (resulting in less turnover, some punters down 20/30%)

Make Tabtouch grow some balls and take on punters like the olden days)

4/ Now Victoria harness is on national handicapping systems and there on life support so why would

we even think of changing before we make changes to ours. (we can do better)

5/ Talking to people over east we look like a very ungoverned sports with weak stewarding. (were punter

wont punt as lawless)

GP- James Brennan Memorial (Gp2)

VillageKid — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:19:43 +0000

Race 1- Rocknroll Elliot, Regal Cheval, Sugar Street, Flying Rumour

Race 2- Star Casino, Dominus Factum, Love On The Rocks, Solesseo Matuca

Race 3- Skylord, Alcopony, To Fast To Serious, Steel The Show

Race 4- Mister Smartee, Pinny Tiger, Minstrel, Tenzing Bromac

Race 5- Rattlin Lilly, Starlight Dream, Castella Dellacqua, Zephyra

Race 6- Galaxy Warrior, Travelban, Soho Bollinger, Tantabiddi

Race 7- Alta Tribute, Golden Lode, Kabochon, Grevis

Race 8- Magnus Victor, Blackrock, Benji, Lamandier

Race 9- Chillin, Gee Smith, Your Grace, Apologize

Race 10- Noble Thorondor, Tricky Trev, Hot Rod, Into The Future

HRV Industry reminder

JayJay — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:29:19 +0000

WHIP USE

All drivers are reminded to familiarise themselves with the
provisions of AHRR 156(2)(a) and 156(3) and the HRV Stewards
interpretation of such.

AHRR 156(2)(a) states:

156. (2)(a) A driver shall only apply the whip and/or the rein in
a wrist only flicking motion whilst holding a rein in each hand with
the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage
the shoulder.

(b) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (a), “wrist only flicking motion” means: -

(i) Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.

(ii) The forearm is not raised beyond forty-five degrees relative to the racing surface.

(iii) Not applying the whip with overt force.

For demonstration of the required whip action please see the below video example:

Link to HRA Video - Whip Rule Implementation and Associated Requirements

Rule 156(3)

AHRR 156(3) states:

156. (3) A driver shall not use a whip in an unapproved manner.

(4) For the purposes of sub-rule (3) a driver shall be deemed to
have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following
circumstances which are not exclusive: -

(a) If the whip is applied excessively, continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.

(b) If the whip is applied when the horse:

(i) is not visibly responding;

(ii) is not in contention;

(ii) cannot maintain or improve its position;

(iv) is clearly winning;

(v) has passed the winning post at the finish of a race.

Please note that in accordance with the provisions of Rule 156(3)
the HRV Stewards will continue to police this rule when drivers utilise
the whip on more than 20 occasions in the final 200m, which is
considered to be using the whip excessively and or continuously.

HRV RACEDAY TREATMENT POLICY

In accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR), HRV Stewards remind licensed participants of the HRV Race Day Treatment Policy.
For further advice or information in relation to the associated
requirements, contact the HRV Integrity Department or consult your
veterinarian.

HORSE PARADE REQUIREMENTS

Trainers are reminded of the requirement to have their respective
horses presented to the parade ring 15 minutes prior to the advertised
start time of a race. This is to ensure that as an industry we can
maximise the impact of the increased television coverage.

PARTICIPANT DRESS STANDARDS

All licensed persons are reminded of the HRV Minimum Dress Standards to ensure the industry is portrayed in a professional manner.

GP- WA Oaks (Gp1)

VillageKid — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:39:44 +0000

Race 1- Magnus Victor, Sugar Shake, Major Jay, Lamandier

Race 2- Sugar Street, Dark Eyes, The Beaudster, Regal Cheval

Race 3- Dominus Factum, Rockmyster, Star Casino, Goodfellaz

Race 4- Lil Happy Fella, Sangue Reale, Soho Dow Jones, Alcopony

Race 5- Water Lou, Lion Queen, Xceptional Arma, Atlantic Gem

Race 6- Louie Dior, Vegas Strip, Rocket City, Soho Firestone

Race 7- Aardiebytheseaside, Steno, Castella Dellacqua, Three Rumours

Race 8- Chambray, Soho Moonraker, Gee Smith, Cloud Nine

Race 9- Soho Santorini, Faster Than Dad, Paul Edward, Infinite Sign

Race 10- Im The Black Flash, Paroquet, The Wildcard, Duty Bound

Natinal Rating Information Sessions

JayJay — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 23:50:14 +0000

I attended the Bunbury Session yesterday run by Cameron Brown and Warren Wishart. The information presented was clear and easily understood. It was a good opportunity for questions and many were asked and well answered. It was well attended.

The back up data/graphs on turnover was alarming. Under HWOE, the proliferation of very short priced favourites was never arrested (a huge fail on one of it's major KPI's) and the damage to turnover was telling (on an all up national basis) when a $1.10 pop went around, with the damage declining rapidly as the price of the favorite edged towards the $1.90 mark. The fall off in turnover as I recall was around a $100,000 per race for the $1.10 favourite, simply unsustainable no matter how much the big punter likes them in order to anchor the multis. There were no figures provided for the turnover on stands where there is inevitably no sign of a favourite anywhere close to the $2.00 mark, almost always above that. I look forward to seeing that data.

The point was made very clearly that in a wagering sense, our product was broken, it was uncompetitive (a point made on this forum for over 6 years) and that the average punter with $20 or $50 in their pocket looking to double their money by backing a $2.00 favourite, will simply trouser their cash when the fave is a $1.14, or throw it on a mystery trifecta at the dogs.

A comparison was also made between the absurd word salad and jargon that has developed over time, with band aid after band aid being applied to the conditions attached to HWOE (with eligibility and non eligibility clauses). It became a complex, un-navigable labyrinth of nonsense for the average punter, versus the simplicity of NR being easily understood.

Unrelated directly, but very much tied into handicapping, was the programming nightmare that emerged over time, both in the ridiculous number of codes put up for each metro meeting and in downright moments of cringe such as the 2 year old programming post the big Westbred races, that resulted in 4 horse fields when blind freddie would know that many horses were immediately spelled after those big money races. Dynamic and flexible programming indeed. That, and the hopeless and successive 5 and 6 horse Free For Alls post the Nullabor throwing $31,000 each Friday night plus $25,000 on the Conditioned Pace, with L 15 horses spread across each one, remain a memorable blight. $31,000 just about funds an entire programme at Collie or Busselton. Also of interest was the sustaining of $L5 races, the programming of some lifetime win Non NR races and discretionary stands for community clubs.

I did hear directly that some Community Clubs put up over $27,000 of club generated funds over their limited season to provide benefits for participants in the form of extra stakes top ups, fuel cards, series prizes, trophies etc. I wonder how much of club funds are provided by the bigger or major clubs for the benefit of participants.

All up, I think it is reassuring that the handicapping will be far more easily understood, that PBD based on NR should produce far more competitive racing, that the programming side of things is being addressed and that suggestions from participants are being genuinely addressed and listened to. It also seems a long stretch to suggest that now the product has finally been identified as broken and uncompetitive, that outer country clubs should be rationalised for being unable to sell a non saleable product.

I am happy to cop suggestions that I am dancing on the dreadful HWOE's grave, not on the personnel,but on the overall concept. Not dancing exactly but maybe a little soft shoe shuffling. I have consistently opposed it from prior to day one nearly 7 years ago, it has met all predictions of gloom without exception. Not for one second do I suggest that NR will solve all our ills but it is national, it is simpler for the punter to understand, if used correctly it will provide more competitive racing and it will give us a fighting chance. If suggestions on concession drivers are taken up, it may well spike a boost in the number of young participants which we desperately need.

One thing I am convinced of is that doing nothing meant the almost certain demise of our industry to just a few all powerful concerns racing themselves until there was nothing left to race for.

Harness Racing Integrity

JimmyPop — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 04:04:54 +0000

From Gloucester Park Friday night:

Race 4 - Driver A De Campo - $200 - HR231(2) - Misconduct in making an inappropriate comment during pre-race interview

Everyone wonders why there has been a major decline in popularity in harness racing. One of the major reasons for the decline has been the lack of governance from integrity departments Australia wide.

Aiden De Campo made a comment on Friday night which to many, including myself, was funny. It was highly inappropriate for any media platform, television or social media. He was fined, as above, $200.

The stewards in charge of that meeting should all be fined or suspended from their posts for such a ridiculous fine. It was an inappropriate fine and just highlights the poor job they have been doing in harness for the past couple of decades.

Harness racing is poorly governed and the stewards are the major contributors. $200, Wowee.

Stewards, do you job, stop being imbeciles and perform like stewards. You are supposed to be the police of the racing industry, not filthy government puppets.

GP- Daintys Daughter Classic 3yoF (Gp1) & The Kersley

VillageKid — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 23:25:52 +0000

Race 1- Peaceful, Montana Glory, Sovrana, Little Darling

Race 2- Loucid Dreams, Solesseo Matuca, Chivalry, Infinite Sign

Race 3- Talks Up A Storm, Pinny Tiger, To Fast To Serious, Steel The Show

Race 4- Mister Smartee, Louie Dior, Skylou, Star Casino

Race 5- Water Lou, Soho Vesper Lind, Irresistible, Madam Publisher

Race 6- Waratah Lou, Tiger Royal, Bellezza Nera, Carrera Mach

Race 7- Mister Macedon, Rock Me Over, Barbados, Ideal Tomado

Race 8- Atlas The Titan, Gold Horseshoe, Johnny Lombo, Henwood Bay

Race 9- Im The Black Flash, Rock Artist, Franco Mecca, Awaitinginstructions

Race 10- Cyclone Jordy, Last Hard Copy, Paint The Palette, Como El Viento

GP- 2yo Golden Slipper (Gp1) & Past Presidents Cup

VillageKid — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 23:14:17 +0000

Race 1- Alta Tribute, My Silver Spoon, Tualou, Menemsha

Race 2- Frisky Styx, Vegas Strip, Soho Bollinger, Soho Firestone

Race 3- Faster Than Dad, Blaze Coops, Cordero, Rock Me Over

Race 4- Goodfellaz, Chivalry, Skylou, Sugar Street

Race 5- Cyclone Jordy, Captainshavtime, Belly Up, Last Hard Copy

Race 6- Mister Smartee, Sangue Reale, Tricky Miki, To Fast To Serious

Race 7- Carana, Otis, Rattlin Lilly, Solesseo Matuca

Race 8- Peaceful, Pocket The Change, Dame Valour, Starlight Dream

Race 9- Classic Choice, Machs Bettor, Lamandier, Ok Boomer

Race 10- Miss Hepburn, Chilli Punter, World Secret, Bonne Amour

Race 11- Uptown Lad, Nickys Son, Hold That Gold, Thats Not My Gait

Race 12- Velocipede, Benji, Cloud Nine, Soho Gigolo

Kellerberrin

warrenrobinson — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 02:12:22 +0000

I attended the 100 year celebration of harness racing at Kellerberrin yesterday and what a fantastic day, big crowd great atmosphere and the memorabilia from throughout the Eastern District was certainly unbelievable and bought back plenty of memories, congratulations to the committee and volunteers that made it all possible. Harness Racing at it's best.

A Short Bookmaking History in WA

Chariotsonfire — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 01:20:57 +0000

This topic was raised under the Howard Porter Memorial thread and I thought I would give it a life of its own.

When the Greyhounds first introduced Bookmakers in 1976 after trying to go tote only some 12 months earlier, 16 bookmakers plus emergencies were appointed. Three bookmakers came from the Races in Ron Archer, Geoff McPhee and Ian Elliott.. The others were mainly first time operators. Kingsley Sanford was an emergency in the first appointments.

As previously mentioned dual licenses were not allowed until many years later as the Race Bookmakers did not want them. I campaigned with the assistance of the Australian Bookmakers Association (all other states had dual licenses) and the Government eventually approved the transition.

When I obtained my trot license in 1977 I attended country meetings (TAB and Non TAB) all around the state before getting a berth at GP. At that time there were 24 bookmakers at GP and when I handed in my license there was only two left.

When telephone betting on course was introduced it was hoped that it would be the savior of bookmakers but in actually fact it hastened their demise along with the opening of the Casino. The Casino had a much greater affect on the trots than the races due to the night time attraction and we lost a large number of Asian punters.

Prior to obtaining my Greyhound license I worked in the Bank of New South Wales and also ran a restricted TAB Agency at Lancelin. I had to divest the TAB Agency before I could apply for a bookmaker's license. I was still in the Bank when a story appeared in the West listing the newly appointed Greyhound Bookmakers. I thought it was appropriate to resign from the Bank before being forced to do so.

2YO Programming

JayJay — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:48:54 +0000

Looking through current and recent noms, it looks like about 17 or 18 two year olds are in the racing window, not an exact figure granted, but in that ball park. A few more are qualifying each week or so at trials.

Then, looking at the programming coming up, noting that it is "flexible, dynamic" and in keeping with the horse population, this is what comes up:

Sept 27th Golden Slipper Open 2yo RBD GP

Sept 27th 2YO Fillies Open PBD HWOE (Same night as Slipper) GP

Sept 29th 2YO Westbred L1/2 NE HWOE $1500 RBD Kellerberrin

Sept 30th 2YO Westbred Maiden HWOE $0 RBD Pinjarra

Oct 1st 2YO Fillies L1/3 NE HWOE $6,000+ PBD HWOE GP

Oct 4th 2YO Open PBD MW GP

Oct 5th 2YO Westbred Fillies Maiden HWOE $0 RBD Northam

Oct 6th 2YO Westbred Maiden HWOE $0 RBD Collie

Oct 7th 2YO L1/2 PBD HWOE Pinjarra

Oct 8th 2YO L1/3 NE HWOE $6,000+ PBD HWOE GP

And so it goes on. Now realistically., how many of these will hold up, how many will have 5 or 6 runners and how could anyone possibly programme so many races for so few horses.

Yes, we should have ample opportunity to race 2 year olds, and as an incentive Westbred 2yo's but the Industry can't afford to just give away stakes and bonuses hand over fist with the added insult of negligible turnover to add salt to the wound.

People would rightly be screaming from the rooftops if there wasn't sufficient opportunities but this is astounding...and it doesn't stop on October 8th, it carries on and on. Is it just "cut and paste" programming with no regard to actual horse numbers, posting more codes each week than will actually have a snowflakes chance in hell of getting up or are we about to get a big influx of 2 year olds into the racing pool?

Programming has been as big an issue as handicapping the last few years, things like the FFA and the Conditioned pace on the same night when all the Open Class horse aren't racing, but this is next level, and hopefully moving forward from January 1st, some renewed common sense will manifest itself going forward.

Barrier draws - trainers drawing next to each othet

lick — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:31:20 +0000

I’m no statistician - but does anyone else notice the “out of kilter” how many times trainers draw alongside with their runners. Surely there is a glitch in the system (hello!?). Almost every meeting!

It has been apparent for years - the information going into the computerised draws and the algorithms must be examined - shouldn’t the input be just numbers?

For a trainer in a twelve horse field to have their three runners drawn together is 11 x 10 = 110/1 - but you see it regularly. Even two runners to draw together is 11/1 - and then to see it multiple times in a race the odds are astronomical.

Just saying - there are three types of people in this world - those who can count and those who can’t ????

GP- Howard Porter Memorial (L)

VillageKid — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 23:18:54 +0000

Race 1- Dark Eyes, Barbados, Rock Me Over, Amazing American

Race 2- Faster Than Dad, Wonderful To Fly, Star Casino, Solesseo Matuca

Race 3- Vegas Strip, Rock Artist, Soho Firestone, Chillin

Race 4- Goodfellaz, Sugar Street, Eton Rock, Franco Mecca

Race 5- Talks Up A Storm, Sangue Reale, Soho Dow Jones, Arma Einstein

Race 6- Arma Xfactor, Carana, Otis, Miki Jet

Race 7- Montana Glory, Sovrana, Castella Dellacqua, Sister Cherie

Race 8- Alta Tribute, Mikis Pride, Prince Of Pain, Blaze Away

Race 9- Major Freeway, Hengheng, Beyond Bling, Recover Lover

Race 10- Captainshavtime, Kinky, Ruia, Ruby Lou

Wagin

R1- Rox The World

R2- Betterthan Secret

R3- Hez Special

R4- Majic Bay

R5- Follow The Ark

R6- Luhrsy

R7- Joe With The Flow

Programming Master Class

JayJay — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:08:49 +0000

Sometimes, it is so obvious it slaps you in the face. I am sometimes left wondering why Harness is where it is at (insolvent) and then at other times, I am not left wondering at all.

Friday Night, we have a 7 horse $35,000 RBD Free For All with only 5 of the 7 starters Level 15 (Open class horses), immediately followed by a 7 horse $25,000 RBD Conditioned Pace with 3 of the 7 starters graded at Level 15. So, with a bottom line that makes for horrific reading ($12.4 million of revenue generated against a $59 million dollar expense for operating the code), we are prepared to throw $60,000 at 14 horses on a no third place dividend basis, that will in all likelihood hardly be a "turnover bonanza".

Now, I appreciate that programming is done months ahead but if it is "dynamic and responsive" to horse populations as we got told ad nauseam, common sense would dictate that over two months out from the Pacing Cup, there would be a paucity of top liners in the middle of September, so why on earth would you programme this meeting in this manner, unless of course you are just cutting and pasting from the past.

With NR being introduced on January 1st, for better or for worse ( and I accept that opinions are very divergent on this), surely it is an opportunity to get someone to redo the programming in such a way that we are not simply throwing money we don't have at horses that have already returned a handsome stipend for their owners. To continue what we are doing is shambolic and terminal for the Industry.

The Eureka

lick — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 01:28:12 +0000

The slow pace did not suit our local hope. 528 did a tremendous coverage.

GP- 2yo's (Gp1) & 3yo's (Gp2) Westbred Classic's

VillageKid — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 23:16:37 +0000

Race 1- Follow Rocknroll, Rock Me Over, Longreach Bay, Lombo Mitchinson

Race 2- Rattlin Lilly, Wonderful To Fly, Sovrana, Zephyra

Race 3- The Miki Taker, Arma Xfactor, Otis, Arma Einstein

Race 4- Water Lou, Lion Queen, Copy Cat Queen, Xceptional Arma

Race 5- Bet The House, Waverider, Ideal Muscle, Blaze Away

Race 6- Copper Head Lady, Bull Shark Betty, Ruby Lovera, Reinette

Race 7- Last Hard Copy, Paint The Palette, Captain Stirling, Noble Thorondor

Race 8- Skylord, Crowd Control, Goodfellaz, All Is Well

Race 9- Louie Dior, Loucid Dreams, Tantabiddi, Major Freeway

Race 10- Relatively Arma, Control Queen, Copy Of Paris, Bazaar Package

Narrogin

R1- Star Of The Galaxy

R2- Johnny Lombo

R3- Majic Bay

R4- Luhrsy

R5- Bonnie Sweetapple

R6- Nevertellmetheodds

Link To Harness Industry Discussion Paper

JayJay — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 03:43:07 +0000

Below is the link to the data sent out under Harness Industry Discussion Paper. It clearly shows the perilous state of the Industry as has been highlighted on this forum for several years.

There is no doubt that no matter where we race, what time we race or when we race, we are not even remotely generating sufficient revenue to survive. The sad reality is that the product is broken, punters do not want to know about it and although there is a downturn in wagering across all all codes, harness in particular is at the crossroads.

https://corporatecommunications.cmail20.com/t/t-l-snbc-jduttdkijj-j/

Industry Feedback is open until October 13th via industryfeedback@rwwa.com.au

3 Year Old $100k Race Friday GP

JayJay — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 02:56:42 +0000

Thought someone might have queried the field selection for this race.

Rocket's horse On The Back Foot is Level 5, 5 wins, LTE of 33k, won 2 of its last 3 at Pinjarra and GP but is only the 1st emergency???

Ahead of it are:

Jocelyn's horse Miki Made Monty, Level 3, 2 wins, LTE of $13.5k with 1 placing in it's last 4 runs.

Peter Anderson's Allwood horse Rox the World, Level 3, 4 wins, LTE of $27k, won 1 of it's last 4 at Kellerberrin.

Chris Voak's Allwood horse Maximum Rock, Level 4, 3 wins, LTE $28k, won two of last 4 at Narrogin and GP

Rocket's Trotsynd horse Blaze Away, Level 2, 1 win, just two placings from last 4.

GP- The Binshaw

VillageKid — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 23:06:18 +0000

Race 1- Major Overs, Major Freeway, Seven No Trumps, Strike Master

Race 2- Star Casino, Machs Bettor, Flying Rumour, Dontbesillychilli

Race 3- Skylord, Louie Dior, Chillin, Serious Moonlite

Race 4- Crowd Control, Loucid Dreams, Regal Cheval, Eldaytona

Race 5- All Is Well, Miki Jet, Rockmyster, Tiger Royal

Race 6- The Miki Taker, Talks Up A Storm, Steel The Show, Arma Einstein

Race 7- Montana Glory, Champagne Everyone, Castella Dellacqua, La Vista

Race 8- Hold That Gold, Luvaflair, Uptown Lad, Line The Starzzz

Race 9- Lombo Mitchinson, Sugar Street, Benji, Dark Eyes

Race 10- Goodfellaz, Tartan Robyn, Gee Smith, Classic Choice

Bunbury August 31st

JayJay — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 11:56:19 +0000

Jodie Hallow's filly Queenies Daisy, who has been a bit of a "Facebook Star" from birth with Jodie posting a series of photos along her journey to the racetrack, very impressive first up tonight. Was a stunner of a filly, strong and athletic prior to breaking in and a great advert for Rocknroll World as a sire prior to his demise.

If you haven't watched race 3, call it up. Trigwell Road, out the back early, got checked again, was standing the classy Fat Louie up a huge start but just kept coming and coming....enormous, granted Louie might have switched off when 5 in front turning in but a serious chase from Voak's horse.

HRV Under Attack

Chariotsonfire — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 04:53:40 +0000

Demanding action following catastrophic $24m loss

August 16, 2024 National Trotguide

WE, the Presidents of the Victorian Harness Racing Kindred Bodies, are issuing this urgent and united statement to express our profound concern over the future of Harness Racing in Victoria.

A meeting we requested last week with Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has confirmed a series of devastating developments that threaten the very existence of our beloved Industry:

• HRV has incurred a catastrophic $24 million loss for the 2024 financial year, following heavy losses in 2022 and 2023.

• There will be additional cuts to stakemoney of between $10 million (22 per cent) and $18 million (40 per cent) over the next three years that will devastate participants and the sport.

• HRV’s financial mismanagement has rendered it virtually insolvent and unable to meet its debt obligations.

• It’s loan borrowings from government using our vacant land asset at Melton as collateral has all but forfeited a vital industry asset valued at $100million.

• HRV’s contract with SKY Channel is nearing its end, with a very real risk of Victorian harness racing being relegated to SKY2.

Since 2018, HRV has engaged in reckless spending, dramatically inflating administrative staff and employment costs. Despite this, the industry has seen little benefit, with HRV funnelling vast sums into marketing, integrity, and costly consultancies.

Instead, stakemoney was cut 12 months ago and low-stakes races have proliferated.

Over the past five years, HRV’s employment costs have ballooned by an astonishing 71 per cent.

These disastrous strategies have failed, and now it is the hardworking participants in our industry who will bear the brunt of further drastic cuts to stakemoney and the provision of services. An anticipated reduction in stakes of about 33 per cent over the next three years could mean:

• Current $4500 races in the country reducing to $3000.

• Current $6000 races in the country reducing to $4000.

• Current $15,000 races at Melton reducing to $10,000.

This represents a monumental failure of governance at HRV, compounded by its secrecy in keeping industry stakeholders in the dark. HRV has put the future prospects of harness racing in Victoria plus the livelihoods of around 5000 industry workers in grave jeopardy.

In so doing, HRV has also undermined the $670million economic contribution provided by our industry to the State.

We find it inconceivable that the Board of Harness Racing Victoria could have been so irresponsible and failed so profoundly in their governance responsibilities that they may have effectively forfeited the industry’s $100 million vacant land asset at Melton.

The 93-hectare land parcel at Melton, purchased by the industry for $3million two decades ago, was intended to be a future fund for harness racing; a valuable asset that would generate ongoing returns, much like the sale of Harold Park in Sydney. Experts now value the Melton land at over $100million.

Yet, due to HRV’s poor policy decisions and escalating debt, it is now doubtful that our industry will be able to capitalize on that shrewd investment in our future.

In 2020, HRV’s loan balance with the Government stood at $13.7million. By 2023, this amount had surged to $42.3million and with a projected $24million loss in 2024, the loan balance is now expected to be in the region of $66million.

We believe it is vital that Harness Racing retains equity in this land, or at least a portion of it, to assist the industry’s recovery through future revenue streams from its ongoing development and appreciation.

This abject failure in governance and financial bungling by the Board and senior management has worsened the situation year on year. And HRV’s glaring lack of transparency and reluctance to communicate with industry participants must be strongly condemned.

At no time has HRV advised the Industry that the Melton land asset was under threat or could be lost. This is a betrayal of every individual in this State who depends on the harness racing industry for a livelihood.

We have no confidence in the Board of Harness Racing Victoria. It is irrational to expect the same individuals who led us into this crisis can now navigate us out of it.

We believe that Harness Racing in Victoria can recover from the confronting situation it currently faces. However, this requires urgent intervention from the Minister, including the appointment of a new, capable, and competent Board and ensuring Harness Racing retains an equity interest in the Melton land for a critical future revenue stream for the Industry.

Emmy Mazzetti – President Victorian Harness Racing Club
Paul Rowse – President Trots Clubs Victoria
Anthony Butt – President Victorian Harness Racing Trainers and Drivers Association
Anne Maree Conroy – President Victorian Square Trotters Association
John Coffey – President Harness Breeders Victoria

Pinny Trots

sonny — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:12:41 +0000

R10n6...r11n11..My bets for today..

NORTHAM

sonny — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 09:53:33 +0000

R3n10,better suited here...r4n2 a bit stiff last start..r5n7 was not a bad run 2 starts ago at G.P

GP- August Cup (Gp3)

VillageKid — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 23:17:32 +0000

Race 1- Prime Mover, Chillin, Seven No Trumps, Major Overs

Race 2- Montana Glory, Rattlin Lilly, Bellezza Nera, Illawong Mustang

Race 3- Beyond The Sea, Tiger Royal, Ideal Tomado, Rocknroll Spirit

Race 4- Coney Island Lou, Paul Edward, Sovrana, Elwaddell

Race 5- Aardiebytheseaside, The Miki Taker, Talks Up A Storm, Jett Star

Race 6- Im Eugene, Marbeechsam, Get Ya Bets On, Wall Street Girl

Race 7- Mandown, Serious Moonlite, La Vista, Franco Mecca

Race 8- Hold That Gold, Luvaflair, Dreambigaimhigh, Sellune

Race 9- Luci Kane, Soho Honey Rider, More Sass, Lenora Jane

Wagin

R1- Allwoods Chevron

R2- Northview Dance

R3- Disco Under Fire

R4- Veeforvictory

R5- Ellucifer

R6- Rodger James

R7- Ginnivan

Syndication? Yes Please.

JayJay — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:40:45 +0000

The word "syndication" has many powerful connotations, from the nasty associated with old Mafia Racketeering, down to the more benign work colleagues Lotto Ticket purchase.

I have always been hesitant about all these "5% or 10% share" deals with training fees paid up for a period and have heard face to face testimony from some shareholders who have been fortunate enough to snag a good performer, watched it earn substantial stakes and received a payout upon the horses retirement that may buy you a regular flat white from a mobile vendor. Others with ones that could not get warm, have upon the expiry of their "honeymoon, all fees paid" period, been slugged absurd amounts to find even a comfortable retirement home for their trusty steed, never mind a trip to the knackery for "rehoming" purposes.

A classic posted on social media today involves a thoroughbred 4yo Gelding bought online for $14k, being syndicated out $7,280 for a 10% share, (valuing the horse at $72,840) for 12 months starting from last March.

From next March, the fees to be charged will include annual predicted training, agistment and floating fees of $54,000, Annual Syndicate Management Fee of $21,384, and Insurance of $4,043 (valuing the horse at $75,000 for a $14,000 purchase, looking at around $8,000 per 10% shareholder. Lets hope he doesn't get sick, no mention of "predicted" vet fees.

Sounds like a snip to me, can't wait to sign up in the hope he can snag a maiden at Whykickamoocow and fellow syndicate members can celebrate by buying a pie and a can of coke. Winners all round.

Pinny Trots

sonny — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 03:26:42 +0000

Hope these go better...r4n8,,,r5n8...r8n4.. my best