Harness Racing Victoria
- Founded
- 1947-01-01 in Victoria, Australia
- Headquarters
- 400 Epsom Road, Flemington, Victoria 3031, Australia
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is the principal regulatory and industry development body for harness racing in Victoria, Australia, trading under the consumer brand The Trots. Incorporated on 1 January 1947 as the Trotting Control Board, it now oversees 27 affiliated clubs, manages race programming, participant licensing, integrity enforcement, and wagering systems. Its headquarters are at 400 Epsom Road, Flemington, Victoria 3031. HRV operates as a not-for-profit entity, reinvesting surpluses into prizemoney, infrastructure, and industry development. A notable recent initiative is the relaunch of its TrotsVision OTT streaming platform in 2024, which drove a 52% increase in viewership and a 250% growth in the 18–35 demographic. The organisation is led by Chief Executive Officer Matt Isaacs and Chairman Bernard Saundry, and it is funded through wagering turnover, government grants, and industry levies.
Detailed Review
History & Structure
Harness Racing Victoria traces its origins to 1 January 1947, when it was incorporated as the Trotting Control Board under the Racing Act 1958. It was later renamed Harness Racing Victoria and operates under the oversight of the Victorian Government's Minister for Racing. The board consolidated fragmented local administration into a single body responsible for all aspects of the sport. Today, it coordinates activities across 27 harness racing clubs and is funded through wagering turnover, government grants, and industry levies. HRV's governance structure includes a Board of Directors chaired by Bernard Saundry and an executive management team led by CEO Matt Isaacs.
Key Products & Platforms
HRV's flagship product is TrotsVision, a proprietary OTT streaming platform relaunched in 2024 in partnership with Brightcove. It delivers live and on-demand coverage of all club meetings, including between-race content, driver interviews, and behind-the-scenes features. The platform achieved a 52% increase in viewership and a 250% growth in the 18–35 demographic between 2021 and 2022. The consumer-facing brand The Trots unifies marketing and fan engagement via the website thetrots.com.au. Other key offerings include the Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame (an annual event honouring legends), the Vicbred Program (a breeding incentive scheme with a recent $3 million government injection for yearling vouchers), and an insurance program administered by Gow-Gates covering licensed participants. The central hub harness.org.au provides results, replays, news, and race fields for Australian harness racing.
Recent Developments
In 2024–2025, HRV reorganised its executive team, with former COO Luke Spano ceasing in November 2024. The organisation continues to expand its digital footprint and announced a $3 million state government funding injection in July 2025 for the Vicbred yearling voucher program, aimed at boosting breeding and participation. The TrotsVision relaunch in 2024 marked a significant investment in attracting a younger audience.
Licensing & Integrity
HRV licences all participants—drivers, trainers, stablehands—and enforces strict animal welfare and racing integrity rules. It collaborates with Racing Victoria and the Victorian Government on anti-doping and misconduct matters, ensuring the sport maintains high standards of fairness and safety.
Key Products
TrotsVision
OTT streaming platform for live and on-demand harness racing coverage across all Victorian clubs, including between-race content and driver interviews.
The Trots
Consumer-facing brand of HRV, used for marketing, website (thetrots.com.au), and fan engagement.
Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame
Annual event and heritage collection honouring legends of the sport, with a permanent display at Bendigo's Lord's Raceway.
Vicbred Program
Breeding incentive and yearling purchase voucher scheme for Victorian-bred Standardbreds, including recent $3 million funding injection.
HRV Insurance Program
Tailored insurance cover for licensed trainers, drivers, stablehands, and approved third parties, administered by Gow-Gates.
Harness.org.au
Central Australian harness racing hub providing results, replays, news, and race fields.
Key Persons
- Matt Isaacs
Chief Executive Officer
Notable past members
- Brant Dunshea — Chief Operating Officer