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HARNESS racing officials say they are bewildered by the incoming Labor government’s plan to investigate all aspects of the industry.
Labor’s pre-election racing policy promised “a full audit of Harness Racing Victoria to examine governance, board expertise, debts and liabilities, infrastructure, income streams, administrative duplication and integrity services, including out-of-competition investigative arrangements, and attraction and retention of stewards”.
HRV chief John Anderson said he was “totally unaware” of any issues but he and the board “looked forward to meeting the new Minister for Racing”, who looks certain to be Martin Pakula.
“We don’t know where that came from. We have no problems. Actually we are in pretty good shape,” Anderson said.
“Nobody from the Labor camp has spoken to us about any of this but we will give complete co-operation because we reckon we are travelling pretty well.”
Anderson said HRV made a $1.5 million profit last year which followed a profit of $2 million.
“We increased prizemoney by $2.7 million last year and a further $1.7 million this year.
“We have $23 million in net assets highlighted by our Melton racetrack, and we had $2 million in wagering growth revenue last year.”
“And we are attracting quality harness people to Victoria. A couple have arrived from New South Wales in the past few years and New Zealand’s top man Anthony Butt has moved here.
“On all fronts I think we are going well, which makes the Labor pre-election comment all the more bewildering.”
The seven-member HRV board reports to the Minister for Racing.
Pakula did not comment on timing of the harness “audit”. Labor’s racing policy included a statement that it had faith in Racing Victoria’s ability to manage the thoroughbred industry while it would work to support greyhound racing.
Labor’s pre-election racing policy promised “a full audit of Harness Racing Victoria to examine governance, board expertise, debts and liabilities, infrastructure, income streams, administrative duplication and integrity services, including out-of-competition investigative arrangements, and attraction and retention of stewards”.
HRV chief John Anderson said he was “totally unaware” of any issues but he and the board “looked forward to meeting the new Minister for Racing”, who looks certain to be Martin Pakula.
“We don’t know where that came from. We have no problems. Actually we are in pretty good shape,” Anderson said.
“Nobody from the Labor camp has spoken to us about any of this but we will give complete co-operation because we reckon we are travelling pretty well.”
Anderson said HRV made a $1.5 million profit last year which followed a profit of $2 million.
“We increased prizemoney by $2.7 million last year and a further $1.7 million this year.
“We have $23 million in net assets highlighted by our Melton racetrack, and we had $2 million in wagering growth revenue last year.”
“And we are attracting quality harness people to Victoria. A couple have arrived from New South Wales in the past few years and New Zealand’s top man Anthony Butt has moved here.
“On all fronts I think we are going well, which makes the Labor pre-election comment all the more bewildering.”
The seven-member HRV board reports to the Minister for Racing.
Pakula did not comment on timing of the harness “audit”. Labor’s racing policy included a statement that it had faith in Racing Victoria’s ability to manage the thoroughbred industry while it would work to support greyhound racing.
Harness Racing Victoria today welcomes the announcement by Victorian Racing Minister the Hon. Martin Pakula of an audit into HRV to be conducted by Mr Dale Monteith.
The audit was part of the Andrews Labor Government’s election commitment to Keep Victorian Racing Strong.
HRV welcomes the opportunity to co-operate in the audit and looks forward to implementing positive recommendations when the audit’s findings are released on March 31.
The Chairman of HRV, Mr Ken Latta, said the HRV board looked forward to supporting Mr Monteith in every way.
"Mr Monteith is highly respected as a leading racing administrator, especially for his leadership at the VRC, Australia’s leading racing club, and for his subsequent reviews of the Tasmanian and Northern Territory racing industries," Mr Latta said.
"The Board is continuously critically reflecting on how we can make harness racing in Victoria stronger.
"Whatever findings and innovations that result from Mr Monteith’s work will provide further ideas for us to pursue.
"Harness racing is an exciting family sport with 18,600 participants and employees involved in the industry in Victoria.
"Harness racing provides an economic benefit of $422 million to the state.
"The Minister, the Board and now Mr Monteith all have a common goal; to make Victorian Harness Racing as successful as it can possibly be."
The audit was part of the Andrews Labor Government’s election commitment to Keep Victorian Racing Strong.
HRV welcomes the opportunity to co-operate in the audit and looks forward to implementing positive recommendations when the audit’s findings are released on March 31.
The Chairman of HRV, Mr Ken Latta, said the HRV board looked forward to supporting Mr Monteith in every way.
"Mr Monteith is highly respected as a leading racing administrator, especially for his leadership at the VRC, Australia’s leading racing club, and for his subsequent reviews of the Tasmanian and Northern Territory racing industries," Mr Latta said.
"The Board is continuously critically reflecting on how we can make harness racing in Victoria stronger.
"Whatever findings and innovations that result from Mr Monteith’s work will provide further ideas for us to pursue.
"Harness racing is an exciting family sport with 18,600 participants and employees involved in the industry in Victoria.
"Harness racing provides an economic benefit of $422 million to the state.
"The Minister, the Board and now Mr Monteith all have a common goal; to make Victorian Harness Racing as successful as it can possibly be."
John Anderson in his monthly ramblings about what a great job he is doing, congratulates Hamilton on a big cup crowd and atmosphere. This the same track he shut down some 8yrs earlier for being a cost on the industry
Harness Racing Victoria Chief Operating Officer Brant Dunshea today announced his resignation from HRV to pursue opportunities abroad.
Mr Dunshea will take up a new position with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) as Head of Raceday Operations in London.
HRV CEO John Anderson congratulated Mr Dunshea on his new appointment and wished him well for the future.
“While it is sad for HRV to lose Brant, it is a wonderful opportunity for him to advance his career internationally,” Mr Anderson said.
“Brant has made an excellent contribution to harness racing in a variety of senior executive roles. His knowledge, work ethic and leadership will be very difficult to replace.
“Brant’s legacy will include his leading role in the areas of drug control and the expansion of HRV’s international footprint.
“We wish him well in this exciting new position in London.”
Mr Dunshea commenced his career in racing as a cadet steward with HRV in 1994.
He was Chairman of Stewards between 2004-06, General Manager of Integrity between 2007-10 and Chief Operating Officer from 2010-15.
“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity with the British Horseracing Authority and I feel very privileged to have been appointed to such an important role within one of the great racing jurisdictions in the world,” Mr Dunshea said.
“My journey with Harness Racing Victoria has been an amazing one and this has not been an easy decision for me.
“I leave the organisation having dedicated the most part of 20 years committed to the continuous improvement of a sport which has been my passion since childhood and I’m very proud of the contribution I’ve made.”
Mr Dunshea will take up a new position with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) as Head of Raceday Operations in London.
HRV CEO John Anderson congratulated Mr Dunshea on his new appointment and wished him well for the future.
“While it is sad for HRV to lose Brant, it is a wonderful opportunity for him to advance his career internationally,” Mr Anderson said.
“Brant has made an excellent contribution to harness racing in a variety of senior executive roles. His knowledge, work ethic and leadership will be very difficult to replace.
“Brant’s legacy will include his leading role in the areas of drug control and the expansion of HRV’s international footprint.
“We wish him well in this exciting new position in London.”
Mr Dunshea commenced his career in racing as a cadet steward with HRV in 1994.
He was Chairman of Stewards between 2004-06, General Manager of Integrity between 2007-10 and Chief Operating Officer from 2010-15.
“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity with the British Horseracing Authority and I feel very privileged to have been appointed to such an important role within one of the great racing jurisdictions in the world,” Mr Dunshea said.
“My journey with Harness Racing Victoria has been an amazing one and this has not been an easy decision for me.
“I leave the organisation having dedicated the most part of 20 years committed to the continuous improvement of a sport which has been my passion since childhood and I’m very proud of the contribution I’ve made.”
The late mail is he spent more time touring the world chasing Monte riders.
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