The Only Way Forward...

I have long held the view that the only way forward for both the Thoroughbred and Harness industry is to establish an Independent national controlling body that has full control all aspect of the respective codes. I am not suggesting a national body to control both, rather a national body for each.

The AFL is head and shoulders above any other sporting/recreation/leisure product in Australia, run by an Independent body. Clubs still have their own boards, management etc but all of the key decisions regarding the league/AFL brand etc are made by the AFL. Sometimes these decisions are made via a consultative process, others times they are not. This has seen the AFL move leaps and bounds ahead of any other football code in Australia and is now one of the most successful brands in the country.

Hong Kong has the most successful racing product anywhere in the world, it is controlled by one body who make all the decisions.

For Harness Racing to survive, a national independent controlling body must be established. There will be con's but they will be out-weighted by the pro's. There will be changes, many of them not popular but they will ultimately benefit participants. Any type of horse racing survives on the punters dollar and in its current format this industry has no chance of growing the punters investment in this sport to a long term sustainable level.

The biggest problem in racing is people with antique thoughts who can't accept change, personal agenda's and lack of collaboration from the state body's. This is rife in harness racing.

Like it or not it [Independent National Control] has to happen, question is will it?

I like the Independent National Control bit (or state co-operation). To co-ordinate rules; race dates; handicapping etc.
But not based on the AFL. The AFL takes the reward for what it controls. The players get a tiny peice of the pie when in reality they are the reason there is a pie. Also, clubs are in competition with each other. We do not want downright competitiveness between clubs. Some clubs have to rely on the AFL for handouts. This could be a product of the AFL taking to much of the pie to begin with but nevertheless we want our clubs standing on their own two feet as much as possible.

Breno, I should have clarified that I don't think we should replicate all of the AFL's system in exactly the same way.

You are right competition between clubs and the sharing of revenue has to be considered and the right measures put in place.

Priority has to be given to
1. The participants
2. Maximising revenue through gambling
3. Evolution of the product so that it stays relevant and attractive

I would like to believe that it will happen one day in either form mentioned.
In Victoria, not so so long ago each harness the racing club would accept the entries for race meetings and draw the positions for the horses in the race. This was changed for good reason.
The control of anything other than the mowing of the lawn is not theirs, even though they may disagree. Clubs do have very limited power.(which is good)Victoria
The issue of who would be on the board and who would be CEO? With the future of the industry in their hands, the benefits to these people should be huge and most definitely all given massive bonuses
based on performance. Only the best need apply and not all from within.please.

Sounds like your're talking about Europe, do whatever Brussels( Tabcorp ) tells you to do, no thanks. we already have a proliferation of mad miles, few staying events and bug%%r all stands--Boring