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Accommodating Market Change - Harness into the Future. RWWA Racing Symposium Friday 15 April 2011 John Anderson – CEO HRV. Change. Good examples : AFL - Expansion teams - Rules to ‘quicken’ the game Cricket - ODI’s - 20/20
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Accommodating Market Change -Harness into the Future RWWA Racing Symposium Friday 15 April 2011 John Anderson – CEO HRV
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? • 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: Carnivals Social/Fashion Greyhounds: Speed Modern product Sport; eg, AFL, Rugby Union, Cricket Free to Air TV exposure Gaming/Internet Poker: Comfort/Social Quick result
Harness Positives/Perceptions What 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
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
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