New report

[Pacer 2]

New report reveals harness racing’s economic strength
Michael Howard
July 24, 2026
1:57 pm
Written by Michael Howard
Harness racing in Victoria contributed $623.3 million to the state’s economy, 61.8 per cent of it in the regions.

The considerable impact was revealed in Tuesday’s launch of the Victorian Racing Industry’s Size & Scope Report, which measured the harness, thoroughbred and greyhound racing codes’ 2024-25 footprints.

Harness racing had the greatest percentage of regional contribution – 61.8% compared to the 46.1% tri-code average – reflecting the industry’s vast participant, club and fan network.

Harness Racing Victoria chief executive officer Matt Issacs said the industry was proud of its significant contribution to Victorian racing and to the economic and social fabric of communities across the state.

“In 2024-25, more than 600 breeders produced foals that will support the future of an industry in which more than 1,000 trainers and drivers compete in over 3,600 races across 27 Victorian harness racing tracks, supported by more than 20,000 owners, volunteers, members and club staff,” Isaacs said.

“This report reiterates that the thousands of racing participants, clubs, volunteers and fans are the lifeblood of towns and cities, and that a racing industry built on three strong, supported and thriving codes delivers benefits well beyond the racetrack.”

The report showed harness racing:

Was the primary code in the Shepparton district, with its $51.5 million almost half of the total tri-code contribution ($111.8 million)
Had the second biggest economic contribution (behind the thoroughbred industry) in six of the eight country regions
Fostered 9,143 roles in harness racing, including participants, volunteers, and club, breeding and racing staff
Had 1431 broodmares produce 954 foals, generating more than $37.6 million in the production and care of racehorses, primarily in Shepparton (37%), Ballarat (19.9%) and the Outer Melbourne (10.5%) regions
In total, the three racing codes contributed more than $5.5 billion to the Victorian economy and sustained more than 33,450 full-time equivalent jobs across.

[MTP1972]

Pacer2 is so desperate to prove harness racing is THRIVING that he travels to the continent of Australia to prove his point and posts it at 5:27 AM, good job!!

[Kenny]

Pacer2 is so desperate to prove harness racing is THRIVING that he travels to the continent of Australia to prove his point and posts it at 5:27 AM, good job!!

1) Not North America
2) Take that same money and invest it in things like infrastructure and you get an even bigger economic benefit.

[G]

New report reveals harness racing’s economic strength
Michael Howard
July 24, 2026
1:57 pm
Written by Michael Howard
Harness racing in Victoria contributed $623.3 million to the state’s economy, 61.8 per cent of it in the regions.

The considerable impact was revealed in Tuesday’s launch of the Victorian Racing Industry’s Size & Scope Report, which measured the harness, thoroughbred and greyhound racing codes’ 2024-25 footprints.

Harness racing had the greatest percentage of regional contribution – 61.8% compared to the 46.1% tri-code average – reflecting the industry’s vast participant, club and fan network.

Harness Racing Victoria chief executive officer Matt Issacs said the industry was proud of its significant contribution to Victorian racing and to the economic and social fabric of communities across the state.

“In 2024-25, more than 600 breeders produced foals that will support the future of an industry in which more than 1,000 trainers and drivers compete in over 3,600 races across 27 Victorian harness racing tracks, supported by more than 20,000 owners, volunteers, members and club staff,” Isaacs said.

“This report reiterates that the thousands of racing participants, clubs, volunteers and fans are the lifeblood of towns and cities, and that a racing industry built on three strong, supported and thriving codes delivers benefits well beyond the racetrack.”

The report showed harness racing:

Was the primary code in the Shepparton district, with its $51.5 million almost half of the total tri-code contribution ($111.8 million)
Had the second biggest economic contribution (behind the thoroughbred industry) in six of the eight country regions
Fostered 9,143 roles in harness racing, including participants, volunteers, and club, breeding and racing staff
Had 1431 broodmares produce 954 foals, generating more than $37.6 million in the production and care of racehorses, primarily in Shepparton (37%), Ballarat (19.9%) and the Outer Melbourne (10.5%) regions
In total, the three racing codes contributed more than $5.5 billion to the Victorian economy and sustained more than 33,450 full-time equivalent jobs across.

this is all great news! Like I've said if you have a good horse that stays sound you can't help but make money.

[Liberty Bell]

All you have is a mule and a goat.

[Lockedin with Pace]

this is all great news! Like I've said if you have a good horse back stays sound you can't help but make money.

blah blah blah blah, same old shit, different day.

[andrew]

blah blah blah blah, same old shit, different day.

pisser will be back after his nap
followed of course by paintbrush
with more 

[seen2much]

New report reveals harness racing’s economic strength
Michael Howard
July 24, 2026
1:57 pm
Written by Michael Howard
Harness racing in Victoria contributed $623.3 million to the state’s economy, 61.8 per cent of it in the regions.

Maybe they have a chance. It is likely because of no Ford or Faraldo.
Of course this has NOTHING to do with the US harness business...which is dying!