Victorian breeders launch new show sponsorship for OTT horses

A new program for Victorian breeders to support local equestrian shows will see thousands of extra dollars in prizemoney on offer for those competing on Off The Track thoroughbreds.

Thoroughbred Breeders (TBV), Racing Victoria’s Off The Track (OTT) Program and the Victorian Agricultural Shows (VAS) Ltd are delighted to announce a new partnership that will see individual Victorian breeders contributing an additional prize for the winner of the OTT Thoroughbred class in the VAS Show Series across Victoria.

Under the new sponsorship arrangement, winners of the OTT Thoroughbred class at shows that have been sponsored by a local breeder, will now receive, in addition to the OTT prizes on offer, an extra $150 plus a fantastic, customised horse rug, courtesy of TBV members.

This joint initiative, which was the brain-child of TBV, reflects the commitment to the welfare of the thoroughbred held by Victorian breeders and the desire to promote greater take-up of horses that have retired from racing.

TBV President, James O’Brien, was thrilled by the announcement and noted that it is an excellent opportunity for Victorian breeders.

“This is a wonderful chance for TBV members to ensure the longevity and demand for their thoroughbreds,” O’Brien said.

“As a breeder, it is immensely satisfying to see your thoroughbred engaged in other pursuits outside of racing. That is what this initiative sets out to reinforce and doing so allows the Victorian breeding community to pay homage to equine welfare.”

“The cooperation we have received from OTT and VAS of this partnership is incredibly heartening. They have embraced the Victorian breeding community and we are tremendously grateful.”

Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager of Integrity Services, Jamie Stier, reinforced RV’s commitment to equine welfare.

“Thoroughbreds are the centrepieces of our industry, and Racing Victoria is committed to ensuring that they’re afforded appropriate care and attention before, during and after their careers on the racetrack,” Stier said.

“As such, we are thrilled to have TBV and, more widely, Victorian breeders on board to enhance the OTT Thoroughbred classes and the VAS Show Series as a whole.”

VAS Ltd Chairperson, Jenny Daffy, is delighted with the newly formed partnership with the thoroughbred breeders, which will further enhance the already successful Off The Track series that is held at the Victorian Agricultural Shows.

“The support is wonderful and the additional prize money and rug at Show level I am sure will be well sought after by the competitors,” Daffy said.

The Victorian showing season runs from August 2018 until March 2019, with the State Finals to be staged in early January next year.

A sponsorship expression of interest process in the 98 shows held annually around Victoria has been sent to TBV breeder members. A full list of sponsored shows will be released in advance of the 2018/2019 show season.

Article courtesy of Racing Victoria - Off The Track