a) Decide whether you want to be a sole owner, share it with friends (or friends-to-be) or be part of a syndicate.

b) Familiarise yourself with the different trainers and stables that are available to you in Victoria or locally to yourself. It is important you find a trainer that will meet your needs. You can find them in our Trainers Directory or by attending Race Meetings throughout Victoria. Or you can contact local harness racing clubs in your region and ask about trainers and stables available in the area. 

Yes, these regulations aim to ensure the integrity of the sport and the welfare of the horses. HRV is responsible for overseeing the sport and enforcing the rules and regulations. Racing Information - Harness Racing Victoria (thetrots.com.au)

The cost of owning a harness racing horse can vary significantly depending on the horse’s age, pedigree, racing potential and current market conditions. Additional costs may include training fees, vet care, transport and stabling expenses. It’s recommended to consult with industry professionals or existing owners to get a better understanding of the potential costs involved.

Ongoing expenses can include training fees, vet expenses, feed and nutrition, farrier services (hoof care), insurance, stabling or agistment fees and transport costs for racing. These expenses can vary depending on the horse’s needs and the level of competition it participates in. Training fees in Victoria vary between $45-$90 per day, depending on what trainer you use. Find out more. (Trainers Directory - Harness Racing Victoria (thetrots.com.au))

a) Seek guidance from trainers, breeders or industry professionals who have experience in evaluating and selecting racehorses to make sure you find a horse who suits your requirements and has the potential to perform well in harness racing.

b) Industry professionals can help you select the right horses, considering factors such as pedigree and bloodline, confirmation and physical attributes, performance and racing history, and soundness history if purchasing an already started horse.

a) Once you have identified a horse you are interested in, negotiate the price, and complete the necessary paperwork to buy it and become an owner. (Participant Forms - Harness Racing Victoria (thetrots.com.au))

b) You and your trainer may often engage a veterinarian to perform a comprehensive health examination of the horse to ensure it is in good condition. https://www.thetrots.com.au/for-participants/forms/

c) Create a HarnessWeb login to track your horse’s journey from trials to races, and gain access to the necessary forms required as an owner. Welcome to HarnessWeb - HarnessWeb

a) Attend harness racing sales and auctions where horses are bought and sold. This is an opportunity to connect with trainers, breeders, owners and find potential horses to buy. The two main sales in Victoria are Nutrien Equine Standardbred (Yearling24 Sale Details – Nutrien Equine) sale on the 12-14 April and the APG Gold sale on the 4th of February (Australian Pacing Gold - Standardbred Yearling Sales Company (apgold.com.au))

b) Contact agents or search online on various trading platforms to find an older horse that is already competing. This presents a valuable opportunity to evaluate the horse’s racing pattern and ability prior to making a purchase.

In harness racing, a futurity refers to a type of race or series specifically designed for young horses. These races are restricted to horses of a certain age, typically two or three-year-olds, and offer substantial prize money or prestige for the participants. Futurities are significant events in the harness racing calendar because they not only promote the development of young horses but also attract attention from breeders, owners, trainers, and fans alike. Winning a futurity can greatly enhance a horse's reputation and increase its value for breeding or potential sales.

The concept of futurities is not unique to Harness Racing Victoria; it is a prevalent and well-established practice in harness racing across different regions and governing bodies. These races play an essential role in nurturing the future stars of the sport and ensuring its continued growth and competitiveness.

To be eligible for Vicbred and Vicbred Platinum, breeders must ensure that their mare is bred and foaled in Victoria. This guarantees a First Win Bonus of at least $9,000. If the mare is bred to an Australasian stallion physically standing in Victoria, they qualify for the Vicbred Pure First Win Bonus of $12,000. Consider relocating mares based outside Victoria to a Victorian stud or breeding farm to access all the lucrative benefits of the Vicbred program.

Booking a Vicbred Pure stallion offers the $12,000 Bonus. If the mare isn't brought to Victoria for breeding and foaling, the foal won't be Vicbred Platinum eligible, only receiving an $8,000 First Win Bonus.

Consult the Australasian Standardbred Stallion Guide, a Victorian Stud, Victorian breeding farm, or HBV for assistance with arranging Victoria-based breeding and accessing full Vicbred benefits.

If your horse is VicBred eligible, HRV will proactively send you an invoice well in advance of the due date. For Breeders Crown, click here to make your payment. For Need for Speed, click here to make your payment. 

The types of races and events in harness racing can include 

a) Pacing races, where horses move with a lateral gait known as pacing and both legs on the same side move forward together.

b) Trotting races, which involve horses moving with a diagonal gait, where the front left leg and the back right leg move forward together, followed by the front right leg and the back left leg.

c) Group races, which are prestigious races and offer higher prize money, attracting top-quality horses and trainers.

d) Various handicap races often based on the horse’s national rating (NR), age, sex or other race conditions that often level the playing field.

e) Feature races, which are major races that can carry significant price money and attract top horses.

f) Futurities, which are races specifically designed for young horses. These races are typically restricted to horses of a certain age group, providing an opportunity for them compete against their own age/gait/sex and to showcase their talent and potential. 

Competition can vary depending on the horse’s age, fitness level and racing schedule. Harness racing horses typically race on a regular basis, with some participating in weekly races. The trainer, owners and the horses’ individual circumstances will determine the specific racing schedule.

Once a horse is no longer competitive or if you as the owner decide to end their racing careers they can be retired to a more leisurely life. It’s never too early to think about post-race life or the future wellbeing of your horse, even before their racing career begins! If you are struggling to rehome your horse, the HRV Hero team can guide you through options for your horse’s second career. 

a) You can follow, engage and learn about harness racing in Victoria through our website thetrots.com.au, which includes our terrific TrotsVision broadcast channel. We are very lucky that TrotsVision broadcasts every Victorian trots race live and free as well as having extended, wall-to-wall coverage on Saturday nights. You can also watch your horse trial via thetrots.com.au’s trials network. See HRV’s website for more.  (Harness Racing Victoria (thetrots.com.au))

b) You should also follow Harness Racing Victoria on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so you can enjoy all the great trots moments and latest information.

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