Committee Notes
There has been some good news in that HRV will oppose the continuation of the HRA stallion levy in its current form. HRV are concerned about the falling foal numbers in Victoria, and acknowledge that the levy may be contributing to the decline. However as a HRA impost, this doesn't mean that broodmare owners in Victoria are exempt from paying the levy in the upcoming season. HBV are also working with the breeding bodies in NSW and WA to assist in gaining opposition to the levy from their State authorities.
Some interesting breeding news in Victoria coming from the Nutrien Classic 2YO C&G run at Melton. The winner, Howdy Mate, is part-owned by two high profile USA horsewomen in Nancy Takter and Michelle Crawford. They were introduced to harness racing in Australia by Queensland horsewoman Brittany Graham, after she purchased the Elite Stride colt for $25,000 at the 2024 Melbourne Nutrien Sale.
We wish everyone all the very best with their new foals on the ground and mating plans.
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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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Group winners
Congratulations to members on top flight results in August:
Tracy The Jet (Yabby Dam Farms - Group 3 The Holmfield)
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Vicbred vouchers deliver
HRV's $2.75m Vicbred Vouchers program kicked off at Terang and has already earned high praise from industry participants. Lexton breeder-owner trainer Ashleigh Herbertson, who brought out Maxy Bomber to win the first of 150 maiden races carrying a $5,000 Vicbred voucher over the next 14 months, said the new scheme is ‘magnificent’. Read about it HERE.
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Eureka moment for Bay
Eureka winner Bay of Biscay's story began when Alabar bought his dam Nike Franco and another mare, My Mackenzie, from North America in 2019. After being imported to Australia, Nike Franco produced Bay Of Biscay as her first foal via the frozen semen of the deceased champion sire Somebeachsomewhere. Read about it HERE.
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The Long Trot 2025
HRV's Long Trot for Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia is on again - find out more or make a donation HERE.
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Vale Les Chapman
Former Maryborough Harness Racing Club Secretary-Manager, Les Chapman, well known to many industry participants, passed away suddenly in August. Les was a long term member of HRV and has been instrumental in the running of Humbletonian Day for many, many years. Read a full obituary HERE.
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Drought relief in Victoria
Did you know there is government funding available to help farmers prepare for dry conditions and future-proof their properties? The State Government’s On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program offers up to $5,000 in matched funding for eligible primary producers across the state, and up to $10,000 for those located in eligible parts of south-west Victoria. 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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$2.75m Vicbred investment
The Vicbred Vouchers program will see 550 races across the next two seasons carry $5000 vouchers for owners for breeding or buying Vicbred stock. 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 too. Read the full release HERE and the upcoming race list HERE.
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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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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 2025
Membership for season 2025 close this month.
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 - Foal Handling
Be prepared to give your new arrival the very best start with Dr Hugh Cathels chatting about starting foals with Paul Campbell of Campbell’s Comments.
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Harness Breeders Victoria Committee Meetings
The next meeting of the HBV committee is scheduled for October 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 2023 filly by Lather Up out of Aces N Sevens mare Black Ace Betty, bred by Rebecca Brewer
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