Originally Posted by
Mitch
In my opinion there are 5 key things that need to be addressed collectively by all state bodies, endorsed and supported by HRA for harness racing to sustain its rightful place. I have summarised them below.
1. World Class Integrity. This includes but is not limited to;
Comprehensive drug testing regime including out of competition testing.
Introduction of transparent levels for certain substances.
Consistent enforcement of race tactics and driving capability (including the COT rule and how it is applied).
Restricted access to race day stalls to licensed persons and properly identified owners only at all venues Australia wide.
Introduction of relegation rule.
2. Improved Professionalism Across the Industry. This includes but is not limited to;
Introduction of a premium drivers licence for professional drivers only. Limited by state and capability tested.
Introduction of professional drivers only meetings in all states.
Dress code for trainers & drivers at all TAB meetings.
Strict rules re use of mobile phones and other communication devices on course by licensed drivers competing on race day.
Investment in youth development programs.
National Trainer/Driver development centre.
3. Programming & Alignment. This includes but is not limited to;
All states to align to either Friday or Saturday night for feature Metropolitan meeting with 30mins between races at all venues.
Better coordination across all states in programming of feature events, especially juvenile races & mares races.
Ongoing review and adjustment to the balance of conditioning racing based on current horse population.
Improved programming for fillies & mares to prolong racing careers and to earn genuine black type status.
Ownership of the PM time slot. Minimise TAB meetings during the daytime, leave this space for non TAB events.
Introduction of a Sunday grass track racing calendar in eastern states by 2016.
4. National Consolidation of Services. This includes but it not limited to;
Creation of RISA style services centre for Harness Racing to remove state duplication for administration functions such a registration, racing etc.
Complete review of all governing body functions and realign duplicated functions into a national centre
5. New Minimum Standard for Infrastructure & Facilities. This includes but is not limited to;
State by state review of tracks and facilities. Reduction required.
Greater accountability placed on clubs re general standards of all services.
Free entry for owners with horses engaged for all meetings Australia wide.
Free entry to general public for every meeting outside 1 nominated feature meeting per club each year.
There are more things required under each area and plenty of detail to be determined and agreed but hopefully the summary above gives a reasonable insight into my point of view.
If we are able to achieve the above then, and only then, will we have a product that is worth investing in a comprehensive marketing, attraction and recruitment program. Investing without the above is pointless as the product isn't good enough or consistent enough.
I was once taught a very good lesson:
'great execution will always make up for poor marketing but great marketing will never make up for poor execution.'
The above will also create a wagering product that is more desirable to punters, big & small.
Harness racing needs to be rebuilt brick by brick starting with the core fundamentals that make a great product. It requires ruthless intent and application of a clear set of goals collectively by the state bodies, ably supported by HRA.
It can happen.