HARNESS BREEDERS VICTORIA RESPONSE TO VICBRED ANNOUNCEMENT

Harness Breeders Victoria (HBV) on behalf of Victorian studmasters and breeders expresses its bitter disappointment in the announcements made by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) today in relation to the state’s premier, mare-based futurity scheme, Vicbred.

Read Harness Racing Victoria’s announced changes here.

It appears little regard has been given by HRV as to the timing of this announcement and the significant impact of such on the 2024 breeding season in Victoria. The failure to consider issues of grandfathering as they apply to the Vicbred scheme are also concerning from both a practical and governance perspective.

HBV are disappointed in the lack of genuine and transparent consultation, and of a robust, detailed assessment of the implications of this decision on the Victorian breeding sector, the broader industry economy, and Victoria’s competitiveness relative to other states. HBV remain open to productive discussions with HRV regarding restructuring of the Vicbred program.

HBV request that HRV immediately release further vital detail regarding the announced changes to the Vicbred scheme, namely how they will be rolled out and who they will effect, what outcomes are expected by HRV as a result of these changes and what plans are in place to mitigate them in a way that serves both Victorian breeders and the future viability of the industry.

While HBV acknowledges the challenges faced by HRV in reaching a position of sustainability, it is deeply concerned in the apparent lack of long-term strategy in decisions such as those announced today. HBV request a statement from HRV to the effect that as the positive impacts of the various savings initiatives taken this season begin to become apparent, these cuts to the Vicbred scheme will be the first to be reversed.