Victorian harness racing to receive a $3 million funding injection from September 1

In a boon for participants, Victorian harness racing will receive a $3 million funding injection from September 1.

The Victorian harness racing industry is set for a major funding boost from September 1 Picture: Stuart McCormick

VICTORIAN harness racing has received a much-needed boost with a new $3 million injection of funding from September 1.

In partnership with the Victorian State Government’s Victoria Racing Industry Fund, the new funding will be delivered so it will be directly invested back into the industry to bolster ownership and breeding.

The bulk of the $3 million will come through $2.76 million of $5000 vouchers across 552 Victorian races.

Importantly, the vouchers can be spent on purchasing a Vicbred Pure or Platinum yearling at the Australian Pacing Gold or Nutrien sales or by compensating a Victorian-registered stallion to a Victorian-based mare.

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Nutrien Equine Manager Mark Barton lauded the initiative and said the timing was critical.

“This is terrific. Not only does it mean this extra money will be invested directly back into the sport, but I’ve got no doubt it will see a significant increase in the sheer volume of bids on yearlings,” he said.

“The top end of the market remains quite strong, but it’s that second tier we’ve been struggling for competitive bidding and this initiative plays directly to that space.

“When you roll that into the direct benefits, I think each $5000 voucher will have an actual value well beyond that, maybe another 50 per cent or so on top.

Harness Racing Victoria boss Matt Isaacs

“We will be able to tangibly see this money working for the industry.”

Harness Racing Victoria chief executive Matt Isaacs said the initiative was locked in for two years.

“These vouchers will further reward owners and breeders and encourage them to build on their proud involvements with Victorian harness racing,” he said.

“Hundreds of owners and breeders over the next two years will be gifted huge incentives to breed in Victoria, which is a win for all involved in the sport.”

The vouchers will be distributed in three key ways:

· $750,000 across 150 maiden race winners from September 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026

· $750,000 across 150 open-age race winners from September 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026

· $1.25 million across 250 winning owners and breeders of the 2025 and 2026 Vicbred Super Series heats, semi-finals, finals and consolations

Harness Racing at Melton Picture: Stuart McCormick

Harness Breeders Victoria president John Coffey said the timing was “perfect”.

“This is absolutely the best news Victoria can have at the moment,” he said.

“It will certainly be very positive for the yearling sales (early) next year.”

The remaining $240,000 of the Government support will supplement costs of the crucial microchipping of all foals born in Victoria through a $250 rebate to owners.

Originally published as Victorian harness racing to receive a $3 million funding injection from September 1