Racing Victoria Limited today released its Specialist Racing Strategy.

The Specialist Racing Strategy sets in place a range of initiatives designed to enhance the future of Picnic and Point-To-Point Racing as an important entry for the Racing Industry and as a proven tourism product, which complements the professional racing circuit.

RVL assumed direct responsibility in 2003 for what is now collectively called Specialist Racing (Picnic and Point-To-Point Racing) as part of its charter to augment the entire Thoroughbred Racing Industry.

The Specialist Racing Strategy was formulated as a result of a very successful collaborative process of consultation with the Specialist Racing Clubs and participants.

The Strategy aims to grow and support the strong link that Specialist Clubs have with their communities and acknowledges the role of the volunteer, which keeps Picnic Racing viable.

Racing Victoria Limited Chief Executive Officer Robert Nason said:

“Racing Victoria Limited is delighted to release the Specialist Racing Strategy as part of our responsibility to promote the widest possible participation in Thoroughbred Racing.

“The Strategy maintains the independence and integrity of the Clubs, addresses risk management issues and allows Clubs to use racing as a catalyst for greater community involvement.”

The Specialist Racing Strategy contains 20 recommendations addressing many development and operational issues. Key initiatives include:

n The selected introduction of ‘selling’ races aimed at providing prospective owners with the opportunity to purchase a ready-to-race racehorse for the Picnic season.

n Subsidies to offset the cost of participation for riders ($35 per initial ride and $20 per subsequent ride at a meeting) and owners ($30 float allowance to assist in meeting the costs of transportation of horses to Picnic Races). This is in recognition of the personal expenses incurred by participants in a non-professional environment.

n The introduction of the ‘Community Racing Scheme’ which will assist clubs in meeting the cost of providing customer infrastructure, enhancing the appeal of destinations and the visitor experience to race meetings.

n The introduction of minimum training levels for Picnic riders.
n The provision of operational assistance by RVL in areas such as OH&S, development, purchasing and compliance.

The Minister for Racing, John Pandazopoulos, today welcomed RVL's Specialist Racing Strategy, which he said would provide a terrific boost for picnic race clubs.

"Picnic racing clubs provide an avenue for direct participation in racing, by volunteers who are dedicated to Victorian racing and provide valuable pathways for trainers and riders into the ranks of the professionals, should they so choose," Mr Pandazopoulos said.

"The strategy will be instrumental in ensuring the future of picnic racing, which makes a significant contribution to Victoria's tourism appeal.

"Last year, more than 7,000 international and interstate visitors to Victoria during the Spring Racing Carnival attended country spring racing meetings, with country spring race events contributing in excess of $6.3 million to the State's economy.

"Picnic races play a major part in this success."

The Easter long weekend is a significant one on the Picnic Racing calendar with popular meetings being held at Healesville (Saturday 10 April) and Balnarring (Monday 12 April).

On Easter Saturday, the place to be is the Yarra Valley – home to some of Australia’s greatest wineries and the picturesque Healesville Racecourse. Free children’s activities and an Easter egg hunt are part of the 2004 CUB Carlton Draught Healesville Cup action.

On Easter Monday you can head to the Mornington Peninsula with the Balnarring Picnic races and enjoy Picnic racing at its unique best.

Visit www.racingvictoria.net.au for a copy of RVL’s Specialist Racing Strategic Plan.

Racing Victoria Media Release Published 08/04/04