Globe Derby harness racing future in doubt over dispute

Harness racing will be held at Globe Derby for the last time on Monday unless the dispute between the Harness Racing SA and the South Australian Harness Racing Club can be resolved.

Interdominion Heats at Globe Derby. The future of meetings at the track is in doubt.

Harness racing will be held at Globe Derby for the last time on Monday unless the dispute between the Harness Racing SA and the South Australian Harness Racing Club can be resolved.

The SAHRC has defended their position and won’t adhere to the ultimatum issued by Harness Racing SA (HRSA) last week that demanded the current board stand down as of Friday or racing would cease at the state’s premier racetrack.

HRSA said they have lost all confidence in the SAHRC which runs Globe Derby, SA’s home of harness racing since moving from Wayville in 1973, concerned with the direction it’s taken in recent years.

“HRSA on one hand is misrepresenting our financial position in an attempt to take control of SAHRC, and on another hand has significantly impacted out revenue sources by programming 34 less meetings at Globe Derby,’’ SAHRC President Richard Miller said in a statement to members.

“It’s disappointing that HRSA is taking this action when, for the first time in many years, our business plan has given us the opportunity to look forward and create facilities to showcase harness racing at it’s own venue,’’ he said.

The SAHRC has already received the first payments from the sale of the zone south of Globe Derby Drive that will clear substantial debts while helping to establish a new gaming facility and secure the long term financial position of the club following similar moves by several SANFL clubs and the South Australian Jockey Club at Morphettville.

“(The) SAHRC’s immediate focus is on the development of a new Licenced Club Facility adjacent to Port Wakefield Road,’’ Miller added.

“This development is deemed essential to providing the major income streams necessary to secure our ongoing viability and complete a rejuvenated Globe Derby Park.

“The model of locating licensed facilities adjacent to major arterial roads is not new and proven a successful strategy,’’ he said.

HRSA are planning to assist individual SAHRC members in a request for a Special General Meeting to try amend the SAHRC constitution and provide club members with the ability to move a motion of no confidence in the management committee.

“The HRSA Board recognises that there will be disruption caused to a range of industry participants, be it trainers, drivers, owners and many others, however,

if the situation at the SAHRC is not resolved, and resolved quickly, then the industry will suffer further,’’ HRSA Chief Executive Ross Neal said in a statement.

“The board is steadfast in its resolve to drive change at SAHRC and best position both the club, and importantly the greater harness racing industry of South Australia, to meet the challenges of an ever-changing racing environment,’’ he said.

Next Saturday’s meeting scheduled at Globe Derby has been moved to Strathalbyn on Friday, while racing the following Monday will be held at Victor Harbor.

Meetings in April have also been moved to Kapunda and Port Pirie.