HBV Breeder Advocacy - May Update

The HBV committee have been busy in the last quarter representing breeders on a number of fronts.

VICTORIAN PRIZE MONEY AND FEATURE RACES

HBV have recently provided a submission to Harness Racing Victoria on stake money and how it should be distributed for feature races. With a particular focus on juvenile and mares races, our submission addressed key races that need an increase in prize money, or the addition of new races to fill current gaps in the programming.

We analysed each age group, mares, and open class racing, and found that the four-year-olds and mares were the most underrepresented in suitable feature races. Looking at the results through the eyes of breeders, HBV were able to make a number of recommendations across the spectrum that seek to overcome the issues that presented in the analysis. We look forward to HRV’s ongoing programming announcements for the current and upcoming racing seasons.

HARNESS RACING AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONAL STALLION LEVY PROPOSAL

The announcement by Harness Racing Australia of their proposed Stallion Levy meant the committee has had another significant matter to consider on behalf of members. To reach that point we've sought members' views so that they may be reviewed by the Committee and subsequently formulate a submission to HRA.

There are a number of layers to the proposal, including whether the proposal should actually proceed and if so, at what percentage, and beyond that, how should the money be spent. One matter that caught our eye were the first few words of the HRA press release, which stated that Australian breeders are set to benefit before going on to explain the levy. It strikes your committee that if this proposal is to be voted into existence then it's imperative that any money raised by this levy provides direct benefit to breeders. We will be in discussions with our fellow breeding organisations around the country and HRV (as the Victorian HRA delegate) during the consultation period.

ALTRENOGEST

HBV has been actively working over the last twelve months to increase the dialogue around resuming the use of Altrenogest in racing mares and fillies. Otherwise known as products Ovumate or Regumate, it is used to regulate the oestrus cycle of mares and fillies, minimising undesirable and often dangerous behaviour and allowing mares and fillies to be trained and race to the maximum of their athletic potential.

For the future of the industry we need to think broadly and boldly, and encompass all areas of the industry to ensure we remain progressive. The Altrenogest issue not only assists the racing sector but the breeding sector too. The proposal and discussion put to HRV and the Integrity department is to resume allowing the use of Altrenogest in racing mares and fillies, whereby giving them more opportunity to be retained for breeding later, minimising wastage from the industry, and maximising longevity and field numbers. The flow on effect is to enhance the value of fillies in the weanling and yearling sales arena so that they are not discriminated against in the sale ring as well as in racing. This culminates in a meeting in May where a decision will be made on this topic.

Brief Backgrounder on Altrenogest

In June 2018, two thoroughbred mares tested positive to banned anabolic agents. These were found to be in the product Altrenogest (ovumate/regumate) – specifically, one of the injectable forms. These anabolic agents are banned substances, but Altrenogest is not. Thus began one of the most difficult issues for all codes of racing to address. These banned products are impurities that are produced in the manufacturing process of Altrenogest, a permitted product. The weekly injections are much more concentrated than the daily oral doses, and hence these impurities, that are found at incredibly minute levels, were detected. Currently both codes of racing in New Zealand, NSW Thoroughbreds, and Western Australia allow the use of oral Altrenogest one clear day from racing. This means that the levels of these impurities are at such low amounts that they do not confer any performance enhancing ability and have thus far been undetected in these horses. Being able to use Altrenogest to manage the reproductive cycles of mares and fillies in races reduces the Occupational Health and Safety issues associated with dangerous hormonal behaviour. Additionally, without it mares and fillies may be unable to train and race to their full athletic potential and therefore provide a quality and consistent racing product for the punter. The follow on effect is that the fillies are undervalued in the sales ring and their ability to earn the right to be in the broodmare barn or attain longevity in the sport is greatly curtailed. From a commercial export perspective, the use of Altrenogest does not affect the perception of Australian horses being traded to NZ or the US.

ANIMAL WELFARE LAND TRANSPORT STANDARDS

Agriculture Victoria have proposed several changes to the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines - Land Transport of Livestock (Horses). Harness Breeders Victoria, with the assistance of associated experts, completed a 21-page submission with feedback for the project lead regarding the proposed changes and refinement of regulations based on the impact the proposals would have on Victorian breeders and studs. Harness Racing Victoria, through Harness Racing Australia, have similarly provided submissions and we hope to soon bring members an update of the next steps by the Government in this area.