Think we are already in big trouble Rick. Perhaps Owners can be incentivised quickly but there is an inevitable lag in breeding. Once the broodmare population declines that needs to be restored first ( generally from racing stock) before any increase in racing stock can occur a minimum of three years later and the broodmare population is currently in steady decline.

The recent initiatives from HRV, removal of registration fees for one season for foals already in utero when announced and increase in prizemoney for and volume of restricted races in the new season does nothing to inspire my confidence for the future as breeder or owner. Already my trainer has forwarned of a change in training fee structure for their business to remain viable in the new season. I've little doubt that translates to increased costs for owners, and no chance a win in restricted class, if indeed it occurs, could cover the bill for a months training.

It appears to me that HRVs board and management don't understand that they need to manage the entire harness racing ecosystem for the long term and not just direct all their focus on cheap restricted class races maximising profitability for HRV from wagering in the shortest possible time frame. Not a lot of point in being able to announce substantial increases in prizemoney in a few years time if the horse and trainer population has been decimated by what's on offer now.

I'm afraid I have to ask the question now, is this board and CEO in the industry for the long haul? Or is our "turn around" specialist CEO seeking the best outcome on paper in the short term to enhance his resume for the next position?

Over to you David, I've missed your contributions to the forum as I'm sure others have as well. I'm sorry if my question or remarks offends you, but some of us mere mortals do have knowledge of the competitiveness and transient nature of corporate CEO's, particularly those who come in to turn a business around, and to be fair as you've come to the position from outside the industry it's not like, as they say, you have any skin in the game.