Harness Racing Research Project

[Patrick.H]

Hi, my name is Patrick, over the last few months i have been working on my research project which is related to harness racing. my research question is 'To what extent can the major issues within the harness racing industry be addressed to insure its longevity?'
As part of my research project I have created a survey on the issues of harness racing.
If you would like to complete my survey, please copy the url below into your url bar at the top of your browser or click on the url. The survey is only 7 or so questions long, and should only take up to 5 minutes of your time. It is also largely opinion based.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3KSX3BX

Thank you to anyone who completes the survey for me, you will have been a great help!

[Messenger]

Thanks Patrick, luckily I have a couple of hours left to unwind before bed (I'm a night owl) as that survey certainly got me wound up. I hope you end up one of our saviours

[allanjg]

we would all like to know how your survey went patrick.

[Danno]

Thanks Patrick, I'm sure you will see some common denominators in the results.

[gutwagon]

I've done the survey Patrick, was a bit disappointed "breeder" was not an option in the "whats your involvement" question. The most important people in my opinion !
I honestly think the old board was to focused on raising turnover and let on course attendances drop so we now have a shortage of owners and breeders.

[Messenger]

I've done the survey Patrick, was a bit disappointed "breeder" was not an option in the "whats your involvement" question. The most important people in my opinion !
I honestly think the old board was to focused on raising turnover and let on course attendances drop so we now have a shortage of owners and breeders.

Rest assured Rick, you were not the only one that made the point about attendance being the forerunner to ownership

[gutwagon]

There have not been to many positive initiatives in the past 10 to 15 years, the one that stands out the most to me are the pony trots. I think they are brilliant and are providing many future trainers and drivers. Just a pity there is nobody on course to see them besides trainers, owners and drivers.
Also the reeducation programs for retired horses like" Raising The Standards" and "Hero" are a good thing for the industry.

[Fan of Jate]

I completed the survey Patrick, I thought it was a bit broad but well done for that and hope it provides enough worthwhile information. I also agree with the posts regarding the course attendance drops having a major impact.

[gutwagon]

I also think the OHS/WHS bans on the public entering the stable area has made it harder to get new people involved. Nowadays you can't take potential new owners and their kids down to the stables to pat your horse and meet the trainer and driver. Truth is you are a million times more likely to be injured on the drive to the track than in the stabling area.
I know it was hands on contact with the horses and meeting some of the characters involved in the sport that got me hooked.
The lack of any undercover spectator seating at Melton and a shortage of inside sitting areas also ads to the issue.

[Messenger]

I used to take notice of those signs Rick