Four representatives from Parkes Harness Racing Club (PHRC) were in attendance at the Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Harnessing Our Future conference last weekend. President Geoff Cole, Vice President Troy Peteres, Treasurer Les Peters, and Secretary Tony Dumesny were all part of the huge and enthusiastic crowd that gathered to discuss the future of harnes racing in NSW.
The conference drew together some highly qualified speakers to address the crowd on key topics relating to Harness Racing.
Keynote speaker was Lyall Gorman, CEO of the Cronulla Sharks, and his inspirational speech was a great way to get proceedings underway.
Many other topics were discussed throughout the two days including marketing strategies, integrity, breeding issues, clubs infrastructures, equine welfare, and development programs for youth to encourage younger people to become involved in wonderful and exciting industry.
To finalize proceeding to a much informative and entertaining conference HRNSWCEO John Dumesny informed the attending persons on how HRNSW intend to spend the $38 million Tax Parity over the next 5 years. It was received with much praise from the crowd. Clubs have faired very well to help strengthen them for the coming years. Prizemoney for all participants will increase. Breeding Incentives for the smaller breeders will be applied. Integrity and Marketing will be increased so as to inform the public of how our sport is entertaining and beyond reproach when it comes to people trying to gain unfair advantage.
Money will be spent in ways to encourage children to be involved in Harness Racing and the young drivers coming through mini trots will receive benefits to stay involved. Horse Welfare and reprogramming of retired horses will also be a priority within the industry.
The weekend concluded with the Alabar NSW Breeders Challenge Finals being run at Menangle Park on Sunday. Western Districts owner, bred and trained horses performed with distinction on the afternoon.