Accommodating Market Change -

Harness into the FutureRWWA Racing Symposium

Friday 15 April 2011John Anderson – CEO HRV

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Change

Good examples:

• AFL - Expansion teams- Rules to ‘quicken’ the game

• Cricket - ODI’s- 20/20

• Self Service - Bank Teller (ATM)- Petrol - Supermarket checkout- Airline check in- What next?

• Gambling - On Line

What’s Changed in Victorian Harness Racing?

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• A.I. - Access to international stallions- Better breed- Investment in breeding schemes, eg, Vicbred

• Investment in Tracks - Now have 14 x 1000m tracks in Victoria Swan Hill will make 15

• Reduction in number of - From 25 to 18 (“V3”)tracks - Race more at better tracks

- Politics?

• Shift from Moonee Valley - Predicted benefits to Melton have been realised

• Betting Opportunities - Internet- Choice of wagering operators

• Communication - Email- Social Media

• Sale of Harold Park - Stakes increases in NSW- Impact on Victoria?

Assessment of Competition• Strengths

Thoroughbreds: CarnivalsSocial/Fashion

Greyhounds: SpeedModern product

Sport; eg, AFL, Rugby Union, Cricket Free to Air TV exposure

Gaming/Internet Poker: Comfort/SocialQuick result

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Harness Positives/PerceptionsWhat have we got going for us? • Tradition – everyone “used to go”

• Close to action - atmosphere

• Affordability of ownership

• Female participation

Perceptions of harness racing• Ageing demographic

• Races too long

• “Old and dated” product

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What Can We Change?

• The Product– Shorter races– Standing starts?– Colours/identify horses– Heroes

• The Vision – Innovation– Camera in mobile– Virtual vision– Camera in helmet

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What Can We Change? (cont)

• On Course Experience:– Loyalty programs – “frequent flyer”– Entertainment– Wagering discounts

• Connect with People:– Syndication– Social Media – utilise effectively– Phone Apps– Internet TV– Positive messages

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Thank you for your attention