August Breeder’s Bulletin

Breeders Bulletin

7 Aug

Written By Harness Breeders Victoria

Our latest newsletter is available now - read below or click HERE to access the version with live links.

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Committee Notes

It is a critical time for the industry in Victoria and breeding is no exception. With rich Vicbred stakes on offer, selecting the right stallion for the best return - whether breeding to race or sell - is crucial, especially with the $12,000 Vicbred Pure First Win Bonus and 10% Vicbred Breeder Bonus. Take a look at the stats later in the email to see just how much benefit breeders are continuing to get from the richest scheme in Australia.

It's imperative too that the official kindred body for breeders is best placed to represented the broad range of participants. There are still currently four casual vacancies on the committee - help the breeders' voice remain strong and step on board. You can assist with decision making, agenda shaping, our engagement with HRA, HRV and Government, and with practical matters like Breed To Succeed and the Stallion Guide. Feel free to chat to any of the committee if you'd like to know more about what involvement looks like, including our meetings which always incorporate online options for those who find it tricky to travel.

HBV Membership

A reminder that HBV membership runs for the calendar year to match the racing season. Renewal of membership for the 2025 season doesn't open until November - any payments received after 1 August from current financial members before then will be credited to 2025 membership unless otherwise directed. New or lapsed members should indicate which season they'd like to be a member for.

New Foal Notification Process

Harness Racing Victoria has introduced a new online foal notification option for 2024 through Harness Web. Read more about this new process, where to get more information or the workflow for microchipping HERE.

Motherhood ahead for star

Ladies In Red is ready to begin life in the barn with time called on the wonder mare's racetrack career. Owner-breeders and HBV members Lauriston Bloodstock have yet to commit to a breeding partner for the mare, but remain excited by the horse’s next chapter. Read more HERE.

Vale to respected breeders

HBV sends regards to the families of Kaye Hartnett (pic) and Hazel Logie, two women who contributed significantly to the Victorian breeding industry. Kaye, with husband Dr Martin, was a prolific and successful breeder, racing the Illawong string of horses, while Hazel was responsible for producing Interdominion winner Jodies Babe.

Breed To Succeed 2024

In partnership with Campbell's Comments, HBV look forward to bringing you a fresh new series of our online breeder education program, Breed To Succeed. Starting with the new breeding season, we'll be able to bring you interviews and expertise in a range of areas - if you have a topic you'd love to learn more about, let us know via email.

UPCOMING SALES INFORMATION

Aldebaran Vera back to her best as breeding barn looms

It seems impeccably bred race mare Aldebaran Vera’s value in the breeding barn may prevent her racing on at the end of the year. The daughter of Trixton enhanced her status as one of Victoria’s best trotting mares when she scored a comfortable win in the Lightfoot Laurels - READ HERE.

Three Nations Success

Congratulations to HBV member Aldebaran Lodge who had a huge night in July. Within 18 hours, they bred four winners across three countries - Aldebaranstilinski & Hammer Son (Australia), For Sure Aldebaran (Sweden) and Generally Speaking (Red Mile, USA).

Gotta Hav a look at this dual-career mare

NZ-bred Sweet Lou mare Gotta Hav Me had her first start at Shepparton this month and won on debut but the mare has already made a start in the breeding barn with a colt (pictured, by Stay Hungry) on the ground and another foal due by surrogate this season - READ HERE.

Breeders Crown Update

As part of Harness Racing Victoria’s pathway to financial sustainability, the 2024 Breeders Crown will transition to a self-funded futurities series. Australasian participant and owner payments for the series have long been in decline, which has required significant reallocation from Victoria’s prizemoney pool to subsidise it. Read more HERE.

Major Hot - Dan Costello Race Photography

Member Group Results

Congratulations to Group 1 & top line race winning member-breeders:

Paul Kahlefeldt - Leap To Fame (GR1 Sunshine Sprint, GR1 Blacks A Fake)

Breckon Farms - Major Hot (pic, GR1 QLD Derby)

Breed To Succeed - Leg Conformation in the Foal

A detailed presentation on foal leg conformation and treatment options from pre-eminent veterinary surgeon, Dr Ian Fulton of Ballarat Veterinary Practice, with a comprehensive Q&A with Paul Campbell of Campbell’s Comments

Harness Breeders Victoria Committee Meetings

The next meeting of the HBV committee is scheduled for Saturday 31 August 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 next meeting, members should email papers or correspondence no later than 20 August.