Trots management in talks over meeting calendar

By Owen Sinclair

Apr 28, 2025

Talks are under way between the Cobram Harness Racing Club committee and the statutory body Harness Racing Victoria over the club’s meeting calendar for the next financial year.

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The club has gone from having 11 meetings a year in 2023 to six last year.

Now, the club is concerned over what a potential drop to one meeting each year might mean for its sustainability.

Cobram Harness Club manager and secretary Adam Rudd said the club was working hard to secure more meetings.

“The club is currently in negotiations with Harness Racing Victoria to secure more meetings,” he said.

“We’re doing our best to stay relevant, viable and to secure our future in the racing industry.”

Harness Racing Victoria chief commercial officer Glenn Lee said HRV was developing its FY26 Race Calendar, with consultation across the industry ongoing.

“As with last year, the primary objectives of the calendar are to enhance participant welfare, drive higher wagering turnover and improve operational efficiency,” Mr Lee said.

“In December, a set of guiding principles was circulated to stakeholders for feedback. These principles, combined with horse population data and wagering performance insights, will help shape where and when HRV will schedule races in FY26.

“There will be a reduction in race meetings HRV conducts across the year, up to approximately 50 meetings deleted, and how this impacts specific clubs will be worked through on a case-by-case basis.”