The first set of Off The Track shows to be sponsored by Victorian breeders have been locked in with 12 Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV) members signed up.
In June, TBV, together with Racing Victoria's Off The Track (OTT) program and Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd (VAS), announced a new partnership, giving Victorian breeders the opportunity to support local equestrian shows.
This first set of 14 local shows announced stretch right across Victoria – from Swan Hill to Bushy Park (near Sale) and Wodonga through to Warrnambool. This provides lots of opportunities to Off The Track horses in all regions of Victoria.
"Victorian breeders are really excited about these show sponsorships with more breeder sponsored shows for the 2018/2019 show season to be announced over coming weeks and months," O'Brien said.
"Victorian breeders are tremendously passionate about equine welfare, and this initiative ticks a lot of boxes.
"The new partnership gives breeders a chance to not only champion equine welfare, but there's a huge added benefit that TBV members can give back to their local community through their support of equestrian shows."
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 trophy horse rug, courtesy of TBV members.
In the six weeks since the opening of expressions of interest, already 20 Victorian breeders have taken up sponsorship of 35 individual OTT shows across the state, injecting an additional $5,400 in prizemoney for participants.
Ahead of the beginning of the 2018/19 VAS Show Series, TBV, OTT and VAS are delighted to share an initial list of OTT qualifiers sponsored by TBV breeder members from August through to the end of October 2018.
| Date | Location | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Aug-18 | Pakenham District A & H Society Inc. | Balius Farm |
| 15 Sept-18 | Bushy Park | Ampulla Lodge |
| 6 Oct-18 | Seymour A & P Society Inc. | Yarran |
| 6 Oct-18 | Swan Hill & District A & P Society Inc. | North Star Park Thoroughbreds |
| 12 Oct-18 | Wangaratta Agricultural Society Inc. | Willaroon Thoroughbreds |
| 13 Oct-18 | Shepparton Agricultural Society Inc. | Swettenham Stud |
| 13 Oct-18 | Sunbury Agricultural Society Inc. | Sheamus Mills Bloodstock |
| 19 Oct-18 | Benalla A & P Society Inc. | Riverbank Farm |
| 20 Oct-18 | Royal Geelong A & P Society Inc. | Rosemont Stud |
| 20 Oct-18 | Kyabram A H & P Society Inc. | Rushton Park |
| TBC | Lancefield Agricultural Society Inc. | Hesket Bloodstock |
| 27 Oct-18 | Warrnambool Agricultural Society Inc. | Illowra Stud |
| 27 Oct-18 | Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc. | Illowra Stud |
| 28 Oct-18 | Euroa Agricultural Society Inc. | Illowra Stud |
The VAS Show Series runs from August 2018 until March 2019, with the State Finals to be staged in early January next year.
TBV members and Victorian breeders interested in sponsoring a local show this coming season should contacttbvmedia@racingvictoria.net.auor(03) 9258 4233for further information.
