Committee Notes
Your HBV Committee have recently been focused on several matters on behalf of breeders and been in ongoing conversation with HRV.
In the 2025 season, there are only three Group 1 races for mares across Australia (based on the $150,000 threshold). None of these were conducted in Victoria. Our suggestion to drop the threshold for these races to $125,000 has been well received by HRV who will raise the matter to HRA. Racing opportunities for mares more generally require addressing, given the need to leverage the reducing racing pool and that around half of every foal crop is female. We have subsequently submitted a proposal based on making it easier and more lucrative to race mares against their own sex.
A request for further detail around the delivery of the HRV HERO program has also been made, and we continue to investigate the new processes for microchipping foals in Victoria, as introduced in July, and to this end, would appreciate any feedback breeders might have - positive or negative - about how this program is working this season.
Our best wishes to those breeders represented in the rich Vicbred Super Series, and still awaiting the 2025 foal drop.
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Larrakeyah Lady's Impact
You could describe harness racing as Peter Gleeson’s passion, but by his own admission, it’s his obsession. Having become hooked on the sport as a teenager, Gleeson owns an ever-growing band of pacers, which are constantly among Australia’s best.
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Strangles reported in Victoria
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is urging veterinarians and horse owners to remain vigilant following reports of the highly contagious respiratory disease, Strangles, being detected in animals across New South Wales and Victoria. Read more HERE.
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TRAINERS + OWNERS - MARK THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARIES
Got a Vicbred maiden yet to claim their Bonus? There's time to get ready for HBV's sponsored all-maiden, all-Vicbred day at Maryborough where all races will carry $8,000 in stakes - keep an eye out HarnessWeb for the full program soon.
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Vicbred First Win Bonus changes for breeders
More money will be directed to breeders under a change to Vicbred first-win bonus allocations, which will take effect in Victoria from October 13. Foal nominators will be allocated 15 per cent of any first-win bonus, up from 5 per cent. The increase will gift breeders an extra $700 each time their maidens break through and win $7000 Vicbred bonuses.
Read more HERE.
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October member highlights
Mick Harvey (Kingman, pic, GR1 Victoria Cup)
Robert Watson (Soho Americano, GR1 Victoria Oaks)
Mataranka Park (Hollywood Strip, GR1 Nutrien 2YO C&G Classic)
Benstud Standardbreds (Catch A Wave, LC Casey Classic)
Yabby Dam Farms (Commodus, GR1 Need For Speed Prince; Tracy The Jet, GR1 Need For Speed Princess & Victoria Trotters Oaks)
Mal & the late Joan Shaw and Louise Pangrazio (Jilliby Ballerini, GR3 Australasian Trotting Championship)
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SAVE THE DATE - HBV ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting of Harness Breeders Victoria to present the 2025 season Annual Report and appoint 2026 committee members will take place online HERE. All financial members are invited to attend. An agenda and the Annual Report will be circulated in the new season.
7PM MONDAY 16 MARCH 2026
A full committee is critical to the functioning of a highly effective kindred body - please consider nominating for a position of the 2026 committee by completing and returning a Nomination Form HERE.
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Redemption for Derby winner
The gallant win of Mecarno in the Group 1 $60,000 Victoria Trotters Derby at Maryborough was some redemption for his dam Sundon’s Pride, who ran second in the same race 18 years ago.
Read more HERE.
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Foal Notifications
Breeders can now submit foal notifications online via HarnessWeb from August 1 rather than waiting until September. It provides more flexibility for managing breeding records and you can watch a step-by-step tutorial via YouTube above.
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Changes to mircrochipping
HRV will introduce a flexible, breeder-friendly approach to microchipping Victorian-registered foals, which has been designed to support participants while streamlining processes and reducing industry costs. Owners will have two microchipping options for the 2025 season to comply with HRA rules for horse identification, which are each supported by one-off $250 rebates per foal. Read more HERE.
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Mircale Redwood gelding
To be alive, let alone winning a race, is a feat in itself for Notanotha Naughty. Given “about 20 per cent” chance of survival just hours after birth, Notanotha Naughty not only beat the odds, he is now the toast of harness racing following the 2025 Redwood Classi. Read more HERE.
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Traceability Rule Updates
A recent change has been made to the options available when selecting the option of “Industry Retirement Program” from the drop down menu when retiring your Standardbred in HarnessWeb. The retirement category labelled “Industry Retirement Program” specifically refers to retrainers/rehomers or retirement organisations recognised by State Controlling Bodies (SCB) and, once selected, will only allow you to choose from a pre-determined list of options. Read more HERE.
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HBV Membership 2026
Membership for season 2026 are now open and reminders will be posted out soon.
Membership in this coming season is more important than ever to ensure the breeders' collective voice is truly being heard - support your very active kindred body in continuing to lobby government, HRA and HRV on behalf of Victorian breeders and commit to representation to the Harness Racing Advisory Council.
Membership benefits will remain the same, including awards eligibility and a hard copy of the 2026 Australasian Standardbred Stallion Guide delivered straight to your door.
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Breed To Succeed - The Madigan Foal Technique
Paul Campbell of Campbell’s Comments talks to Dr Kath McIntosh from Northern Rivers Equine Veterinary Clinic about dummy foals, the Madigan Foal technique and how to avoid sleepless nights! . You can find all the interviews HERE.
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Harness Breeders Victoria Committee Meetings
The next meeting of the HBV committee is scheduled for mid-December and a summary of proceedings will be posted on our website shortly after. We invite members and interested parties to submit papers or correspondence for consideration by the Committee by post or email. Please refer to previously summaries on our website to ensure the issue has not previously been addressed by the Committee. For consideration at the each meeting, members should email papers or correspondence to contact@hbv.org.au. |
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Headline image: A 2025 colt by Poster Boy out of Art Major mare Rogers Joy, bred by Harshell Investments
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2025 IRT Australasian Standardbred Stallion Guide
The 30th anniversary edition of the IRT Australasian Standardbred Stallion Guide is now available digitally by clicking above. If you aren't a member and would like a hard copy, you can order yours HERE. |
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