After the dilemma that has evolved in the last 12 hours in South Australian Harness Racing one thing is for sure both parties need to come to the negotiation table and quickly.
Harness racing is at the crossroads and it can’t survive outside of headquarters Globe Derby Park.
HRSA needs Globe Derby and SAHRC needs Harness Racing to be conducted at their venue, so what’s the answer instead of playing power games that threaten to bring the sport to its knees. The answer is simple communicate.
HRSA have offered to take over the full running of the product.however are they prepared to do things that need to be done to maintain the venue such things as upgrade the parade ring, car park, the jubilee room etc.
The club is protective of its assets but as stated needs Harness Racing to make ends meet.
And where does the Racing Minister sit in all of this the government has never been proactive in the racing industry maybe it’s time to show some muscle.
One thing is for sure South Australia which is just starting to take baby strides on the road to recovery this issue has put it back to a crawl again.
Yes there are positives in SA
- Increase in Prizemoney recently
- Breeding numbers are up in SA while other states are in decline
- 170 plus people attend social function at venue while thoroughbred cousins cancel similar events.
- Integrity and OH&S improvements.
- A strong BOTRA committee and membership which addes bonuses to Breeders Owners Trainers and Drivers each month state wide.
- A positive return of a yearling sale.
- New stallions standing this season in South Australia.
Just to mention a few.
Come on both parties (HRSA & SAHRC) in this dispute come to the negation table and come now to sort this mess out before it gets totally out of hand.
Gary Newton
SA BOTRA Magazine Editor & SA Harness.com SA Correspondent for harnessbred.com
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
