Industry Release - HRSA Racing Office Announcements

HRSA Racing Office Announcements

  1. Additional Prizemoney Added to September Feature Races

Harness Racing SA (HRSA) is pleased to advise that the South Australian Harness Racing Club (SAHRC) has directed additional prizemoney to the following September feature races:

  • SAHRC and Seymour Group Derby – $20,000 (including a $9,000 contribution from SAHRC)
  • Kevin and Kay Seymour Lordship Stakes – $15,000 (including a $4,000 contribution from SAHRC)
  • Kevin and Kay Seymour Ladyship Stakes – $15,000 (including a $4,000 contribution from SAHRC)
  • Kevin and Kay Seymour 4 & 5-Year-Old Championship – $15,000 (including a $7,000 contribution from SAHRC)

The additional prizemoney provided in September marks the final month of the SAHRC’s two-year commitment towards increasing prizemoney for race meetings conducted on Saturday nights at Globe Derby. During this period, the SAHRC has contributed in excess of $1 million to South Australian harness racing.

HRSA sincerely thanks the SAHRC for its outstanding support and significant investment, which has delivered substantial benefits to participants throughout the South Australian harness racing industry.

 

  1. Regional Racing – Port Pirie & Mount Gambier

HRSA wishes to advise that the racing seasons for Port Pirie and Mount Gambier for the 2026/27 financial year will be as follows:

Port Pirie

  • Racing will be conducted over 10 months of the year, with a break during January and February.
  • Meetings will generally be programmed every 2–3 weeks, subject to the overall race meeting schedule, Sky 1 availability and feature race programming.

Mount Gambier

  • Racing will be conducted over 9 months of the year, with a break between July and September.
  • Meetings will generally be programmed every 2–3 weeks, taking into consideration the racing schedules of tracks in western Victoria, Sky 1 availability and feature race programming.

Following consultation with both club committees, HRSA also advises that the $50 unplaced regional rebate will cease from 1 August. This decision has been made to assist in maintaining current prizemoney levels at regional race meetings.

 

  1. Junior Stablehand Licence Fees

As part of its commitment to encouraging young people into the sport, HRSA is pleased to announce that Junior Stablehand Licence application and renewal fees will be waived for participants under 25 years of age for the upcoming racing season.

This initiative aims to reduce barriers to entry and support the ongoing development of the next generation of harness racing participants.

 

  1. Microchipping & DNA Sample Support for Breeders

To further support South Australian breeders, HRSA will cover the cost of Microchipping and DNA sample collection for foals bred in South Australia during the last breeding season.

The subsidy will apply where samples are collected by HRSA-approved veterinarians and are required under the national horse registration framework.

This initiative will be reviewed before a decision is made regarding its continuation for foals born in the 26/27 breeding season.