If we are to believe the HRA report published on 12/03/2019 that we had just 3,047 foals born in Australia for this 2018/2019 season (HRA do make the point that the report shouldn’t be considered final as data is still being uploaded by the states), then the big question I have is, why have only 2,011 of these foals been branded as of 19/03/2019.
It’s true that all states have different time frames around branding foals (and I believe NSW who have only branded 623 foals) is running later than normal. What I can confirm is that Queensland will only have 200 odd foals in total branded this season and its alarming to understand just where horses will come from if the level of racing is to be maintained.
Using Qld as an example, it had 501 foals branded in the 2010 season and to see it struggling to reach the 200 mark this year, is horrifying. If we are to maintain these levels of decline the QLD breeding industry looks like it’s going to be added to the extinct species list soon. For those of you thinking it’s just a QLD issue, WA,TAS, and SA collectively have just branded 395 foals so far this season.
I wish to acknowledge the very appealing and exciting announcement from racing Qld, with its Qbred for life campaign. Add that to this the drought bonus for breeders in the state these are both welcome smash hits, but the question remains: will this be enough?. Many good judges are of the view that until Racing Qld can find and develop a site in heart of Australia’s number 1 tour destination (Gold Coast ) I’m afraid the future of harness racing in that state is very questionable at best.
I’m of the view that the real issue (ie much greater than rapidly declining foals number) is that we have serious ownership problem. The ‘experience’ we are dishing up for owners is no longer appealing.
The fundamentals for improving the sport is clear in my mind – lets change the way owners are treated and make them the corner stone of the decisions going forward. If we get this right they will in turn reward the long suffering breeders.
The term Fractional Ownership is the latest word getting used as the way forward for our sport.
Call it Fractional Ownership or Syndications, for those of us that love the harness racing industry who are keen to make our mark on the sport for the better, should consider working towards setting up a structure that can put the buzz back into horse ownership.
If you hold the view that the career administrators will save the sport, I think you’re in for great disappointment. The time has come for individuals to stand up and drive the sport forward. Take the time and review the numbers below and then find your best way of making the ownership experience gratifying again for others.
| 2010 FOALS BRANDED | 2018/19 FOALS BRANDED | |
| 1540 | NSW | 623 |
| 501 | QLD | 200 |
| 227 | SA | 98 |
| 236 | TAS | 45 |
| 2124 | VIC | 793 |
| 656 | WA | 252 |
| 5,284 | 2,011 |
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
