Mares only races increased next season

HARNESS Racing Victoria will increase the volume of mares-restricted races from January next year.

In collaboration with Harness Breeders Victoria, the changes reinforce Victoria’s commitment to mares in their racing and breeding careers.

Under the changes, HRV will trial additional mares’ races in January, prioritising venues where horse populations are at their highest.

More mares’ races will also be programmed in February and March, which will give owners and trainers greater choice and racing administrators more data to evaluate the appropriate balance going forward.

Six of the January races will carry $5000 Vicbred Voucher bonuses for winning owners, all part of Victoria’s new $2.75 million ownership and breeding scheme that was launched in September. Winners can redeem their vouchers on stallion services or at select sales.

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The list of upcoming mares’ races, venues and grades are listed below:

PACERS

• 2 January (Melton) Maiden*

• 4 January (Maryborough) Up to 50

• 9 January (Melton) Up to 59*

• 9 January (Melton) Maiden

• 13 January (Swan Hill) Up to 50*

• 15 January (Kilmore) Up to 45

• 19 January (Charlton) Up to 50*

• 22 January (Kilmore) Up to 52

• 23 January (Melton) Up to 65*

• 28 January (Maryborough) Up to 42

TROTTERS

• 4 January (Maryborough) Up to 45

• 12 January (Maryborough) Up to 50

• 14 January (Bendigo) Maiden

• 21 January (Bendigo) Up to 50

• 28 January (Maryborough) Up to 44*

• 29 January (Ballarat) Up to 55

* Includes $5000 Vicbred Voucher

• HRV Media