Do you think HRV should be trying to return to the Showgrounds?

[Messenger]

Goodbye

[hugdon]

A sad outcome and retort

[Showgrounds]

Hmm. Seems the CGI trot races in the TAB's might be the future for punting on the trots. No need to breed, own, train and drive horses, or feed, care or clean up after them. Just put on your baggiest trakky daks and a pair of unmatched thongs and off to the pub for a great night of equine sport!

Seriously, though, there is little of the Showgrounds left to redevelop into anything the size of a trotting track. The last RASV "masterplan" basically resulted in a smaller sized venue with many historic pavilions demolished and replaced by temporary structures. Missed opportunities in the 1970's to (a) redevelop the Showgrounds; and (b) develop Keysbourough as it was intended have cost the industry dearly in Victoria. Imagine what Keysborough would be valued at now if it where up for sale? Imagine what you could do with the money it would bring if you were to bankroll a new complex at, say (heaven forbid), Melton?

At least the Showgrounds is well served by public transport, with scheduled trams and buses to the gates. And its own train station. Will it ever happen?

I fear not. I must wash my best old trakky daks so I can fit in with the crowd.

[Messenger]

Not very gracious of me l know Jim

[gutwagon]

Showgrounds, I don't think those people wash their tracky dacks too often ! You can throw away your deodorant as well.
Only a matter of time until those animated races are shown on Sky and the real trots get bumped to Sky2.

[Showgrounds]

Showgrounds, I don't think those people wash their tracky dacks too often ! You can throw away your deodorant as well.
Only a matter of time until those animated races are shown on Sky and the real trots get bumped to Sky2.

I forgot to mention the collar and tie! I'd still present better than most, despite the bum crack and some of last week's soup being on show. I have my dignity!

And the pungent aroma of Lynx Africa will mask the B.O. (we, almost!).

[Messenger]

For anybody that believes the Showgrounds is an opportunity that must be investigated, here is a proforma that Ray Chaplin knocked together for people to copy and paste:

Dear Mr Monteith,
As the leader of the harness racing industry in Victoria we are reliant upon your best efforts to ensure
the future viability of our sport
In this regard we would ask that you and your Board undertake to endeavour to work with the Victorian Government
to relocate harness racings showcase venue (currently at Melton) back to the Melbourne showgrounds precinct in order to reposition the Harness Racing Brand
as an exciting, first class, easily accessible value for money entertainment experience
It would be appreciated if you would confirm your commitment to this goal via HRV media and keep the industry updated in regards progress
Thank you
xxxxxxx

Mr Monteith's email is

dmonteith@harnees.org.au