After the success of last year's Off The Track partnership with the Victorian Agricultural Shows (VAS) and Racing Victoria (RV) and Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV), the program will continue for another year.
The program, allows Victorian breeders to support local equestrian shows which will see thousands of extra dollars in prizemoney on offer for those competing on Off The Track thoroughbreds.
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 with the success of last year's program and was delighted with the support of Victorian Breeders.
"It was fantastic to see the Victorian industry show their support for this program and the great Off The Track horses that were involved." O'Brien said.
"This once again presents 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 Manager – Equine Welfare, Jennifer Hughes, 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," Hughes 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 show season runs from August 2019 until March 2020, with the State Finals to be staged in early January next year.
A sponsorship expression of interest process will be sent to TBV breeder members.
Victorian breeders who would like to sponsor a local show should contact TBV on 0459 510 506 ortbvmedia@racingvictoria.net.au.
A full list of sponsored shows will be released in advance of the 2019/2020 show season.
