October 2009 - News From HRV Headquarters

New Board Member

EXPERIENCED Melbourne lawyer Paul Horvath is the newest Harness Racing Victoria Board Member.

He has been appointed for a three-year term, filling the vacancy left following John Doherty’s resignation earlier this year.

Horvath is the principal of a boutique law practice specialising in the areas of commercial, employment, sports and criminal law.

He holds a Masters of Laws Degree from the University of Melbourne and has had numerous academic papers published on a range of sporting issues.

In addition, he heads the Law Institute Of Victoria’s Sports Law Committee.

“Paul’s strong legal and academic background combined with his passion for sport and helping people augurs well for the future of harness racing,” Deputy Premier and Minister For Racing Rob Hulls said.

“His legal expertise, particularly in the areas of corporate governance and integrity-related matters will complement the HRV Board’s existing skills,” he added.

Christmas Functions

ONE of the best ways to celebrate the upcoming festive season will be a function at the exciting Tabcorp Park complex at Melton.

HRV has just put the finishing touches on a Christmas functions brochure which outlines the many dining and entertainment options available at Victoria’s new home of harness racing.

Themed Christmas dining is available on four separate race nights at Tabcorp Park – November 27, December 4 and 11 (coinciding with the

SEW-Eurodrive Victoria Cup Carnival) and December 18.

The brochure outlines prices in the main dining room, private mini-marquees, and a multi-level home straight marquee.

Larger groups looking for an optimum entertainment experience can also take advantage of home straight and VIP corporate suite options.

For further information, or to book a Christmas dining package, contact Tabcorp Park direct on (03) 8746-0634.

Alternately visit www.viccup.com.au  for all the latest information about all aspects of the 2009 SEW-Eurodrive Victoria Cup Carnival including hospitality options for December 4 and 11.

Shaun Kelly

HARNESS Racing Victoria recently farewelled one of its longest serving employees.

Communications Manager Shaun Kelly resigned after 14 ½ years in the Marketing Department to take up a similar role with Racing Victoria Limited.

“It was a very difficult decision to leave after so long with the organisation and one I thought long and hard about.

“But I was presented with an opportunity to further my career and move in a new direction which I was keen to embrace,” Kelly said.

“I’ll always look back on my time at HRV fondly. I met some fantastic people, both within and outside the office.

“In particular the industry participants, they’re a great group, and I’ll cherish the association I had with them for many years to come.”

Form Analyst

WHILE on the subject of staff changes, a new face has taken up residence in HRV’s Flemington offices.

Michael Polster commenced in a newly-created full-time form analyst role on September 21.

He previously worked as a co-ordinator/on-air presenter with Radio Sport 927 but is no stranger to harness racing enthusiasts who are subscribers to HRV’s H-News electronic newsletter.

Polster has earned a healthy reputation as a tipster since he started presenting a video form preview of the feature Victorian meeting each weekend.

Rothacker Medal

TICKETS are expected to sell quickly for Harness Racing Victoria’s glittering Gordon Rothacker Medal dinner at Tabcorp Park on Saturday night, November 14.

The State’s highest honour will be presented at a gala awards function, also featuring acknowledgement of Victoria’s most outstanding Country Clubs, Country Club administrators and staff for the 2008/09 season.

For the first time this year, the Rothacker Medal dinner has been separated from the Victorian Horse Of The Year function, scheduled for Tabcorp Park on Friday night, October 23.

Booking numbers for both functions are strictly limited so anyone interested in attending is advised to secure a ticket early.

Contact Miriam Gandolfo at HRV on (03) 8378-0212 or email mgandolfo@hrv.org.au to ensure you are a part of the celebrations