Standardbred Breeding and Utilization Report What is the future of our industry/sport
Despite the title this does not belong in just the breeding forum.
I have continued to have contact with Ray Chaplin whom many contacted after reading the thread
Why has HRA not supported a National Owners forum to discuss major issues
http://www.harnessracingforum.com/sh...s-major-issues
Ray has sent me another report on 'Standardbred Breeding and Utilization'.
I find it staggering that this report was also forwarded to HRA but Ray never even received acknowledgement of receipt
I have copied some closing paragraphs from the report but for those that are interested in a good read I am sure Ray would once again be happy to email you the whole report if you contact him at
contact@equineexcellence.biz
and ask for his report on Standardbred Breeding and Utilization
Study Conclusions
There is a serious and ongoing decline trend in the number of live foals being bred in the USA; Canada; New Zealand and Australia
The underlying reason for this is a lack of demand for Standardbred yearlings as a result of a serious decline in the numbers of “high value” customers who wish to remain in or become involved in harness racing at owner and breeder level
This situation is worsening and if left unresolved will result in the ultimate demise of the harness racing industry as a viable professional sport in these countries
......
Likely Outcome
This report suggests that the future prosperity of harness racing in North America, New Zealand and Australia is inherently linked to the ability of the industry leaders in each country to be able to significantly increase the awareness, attendance, interest and commitment to becoming involved in the sport at an owner and breeder level (“high value customers”)
If this strategic objective cannot be achieved other initiatives related to better utilization of the foal crop, stimulus measures to increase wagering and associated revenues and new revenue streams (Racinos) will not be sufficient to halt the decline of the sport which has been evident for the past three decades
The single most important factor the industry must address
Harness Racing in North America, New Zealand and Australia has historically been managed from an “inward industry” perspective with industry “wants” and not customer “needs” being at the centre of executive decision making
The most important factor the industry must immediately address is to become genuinely “customer focussed”