Governing Bodies in Australian Harness Racing
Because Australia has a State/Federal political system, each State Controlling Body administers harness racing within its own State jurisdiction, but the common bond among all these controlling bodies is Harness Racing Australia (HRA).
The HRA serves as the forum and co-ordination point between the State Controlling Bodies for uniformity of rules and reciprocity of horsemen's licences, registration of horses and suspensions and disqualifications. In addition, HRA acts as the national body in international harness racing affairs and is a member of the International Trotting Association.Victoria
Harness racing in Victoria is controlled by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV). The state's metropolitan track is Tabcorp Park, Melton. Victorian harness racing meetings are usually held seven days a week, with major provincial tracks including Cranbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat, Kilmore, Shepparton and Mildura. Vicbred, an Australian racing and breeding program with annual prize money and bonuses totalling $4.35 million and HRV's Free to Race policy were designed to encourage more owners into the harness racing industry. In 2009, Harness Racing Victoria opened a new racing complex at Melton, which incorporates a 1,000 metre track as well as a host of amenities such as restaurants, gaming machines, motel accommodation and conference facilities. The new Melton track is being ear-marked as a replacement of the current metropolitan track at Moonee Valley.
New South Wales
Harness racing in New South Wales is controlled by Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW). New South Wales' premier track and metropolitan headquarters is Harold Park, located at Glebe in Sydney. Other TAB tracks in the state include Newcastle, Penrith, Bankstown, Bathurst, Bulli, Dubbo, Parkes, Tamworth, Wagga and Young.
South Australia
Harness racing in South Australia is controlled by Harness Racing South Australia (HRSA). The state's premier track is Globe Derby Park in Adelaide. TAB-covered tracks are also located at Gawler and Port Pirie.
Queensland
Harness Racing in Queensland is governed by Racing Queensland Limited (RQL).
Western Australia
Harness racing in Western Australia is controlled by Racing and Wagering Western Australia. Meanwhile, the Western Australian Harness Racing Association (WAGRA) currently manages three tracks in Western Australia with the first track being established in 1974 at Cannington, the second in 1979 at Mandurah and Northam in 1996.
Tasmania
Tasracing is the controlling body of harness racing in Tasmania. The state's major tracks are located at Hobart and Launceston, with major meetings held in the Sunday twilight timeslot.
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