October 2026 Newsletter

UNITED HARNESS RACING ASSOCIATION

UHRA – REPRESENTING NSW TRAINERS AND DRIVERS

YOUR INDUSTRY. YOUR VOICE. YOUR ASSOCIATION.

Industry Representation and Advocacy

Dear UHRA Member,

UHRA encourages all trainers and drivers to speak with a UHRA Committee member about any industry-related matters, concerns or suggestions.

The UHRA Committee meets six times each year and with Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) on four occasions annually, as well as participating in HRICG meetings. Jim Douglas is President, Robbie Morris is Vice President, Colleen Aiken is Secretary, Helen Shea is Treasurer. Other committee are Ellen Jones, Bernie Hewitt, Glen McElinney, Will Rixon, Wally Mann, Leon Jurd, Brad Hewitt, Troy Williams.

UHRA maintains an active presence in industry discussions, with Wally Mann serving as Chairman on the HRICG Advisory Committee. Colleen Aiken also represents industry interests on the HRNSW Education and Welfare Committee.

Your feedback is important. UHRA is committed to ensuring the voices of NSW trainers and drivers are heard at the highest levels of the industry.

DRIVERS AND TRAINERS RACE INCOME

Since the changes to race programming and prize money introduced on 1 January, many participants have reported a further decline in their incomes.

UHRA has actively lobbied HRNSW for trainers to receive 10% of prize money down to last place. We are pleased to have secured this outcome for races with prize money of up to $15,000.

However, our work is not finished. UHRA will continue advocating for remuneration for trainers finishing sixth-last through to last in races offering more than $15,000 in prize money.

UHRA has also submitted a proposal to HRNSW seeking a flat-rate race driving fee of $100 per race and $50 per trial.

Ensuring trainers and drivers receive fair remuneration for their work remains a key priority for UHRA.

CARNIVAL OF CUPS - SUPPORTING OUR PARTICIPANTS

UHRA is proud to announce a $500 bonus and a race rug at each Carnival of Cups race meeting.

The bonus will be awarded to the winning trainer ($250) and driver ($250) of a selected race offering lower prize money at each meeting.

This initiative recognises the dedication and hard work of trainers and drivers and provides additional support to participants competing at these important industry events.

BREEDERS CHALLENGE BONUSES AND THE FUTURE OF THE BREEDERS CHALLENGE

In 2025, UHRA supported HRNSW’s proposal to offer $20,000+ prize money for all two- and three-year-old races, covering more than 300 races annually.

Many participants viewed this proposal as an outstanding opportunity for the industry. The prospect of racing for $20,000 or more was welcomed by many owners and trainers alike, particularly as an incentive to attract new owners and encourage investment in yearlings.

UHRA believes this proposal offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen the industry, improve owner participation and support the future of breeding and racing.

Should this proposal be presented again, UHRA strongly encourages the industry to embrace the opportunity.

The current Breeders Challenge bonus and certificate system has been in place for many years. UHRA believes it is time to reassess the model, particularly given the yearling and industry data suggesting the existing system has not delivered the outcomes originally anticipated.

It is time to consider meaningful change to the Breeders Challenge model to better support owners, breeders, trainers and the long-term sustainability of NSW harness racing.

POSITIVE SWABS - CONTAMINATION CONCERNS

Contamination-related positive swabs remain a significant concern for industry participants.

UHRA raises this issue at every meeting with HRNSW, recognising the financial and reputational consequences that positive swabs can have for owners and trainers.

Contamination may arise from a range of sources, including paddock weeds, environmental factors and human medications. These risks can be difficult to predict and prevent, placing considerable pressure on participants to maintain stringent management practices.

Modern laboratory testing can detect extremely small quantities of substances, including levels as low as a picogram — one trillionth of a gram. Depending on the substance and applicable rules, even trace findings can have serious consequences.

UHRA encourages all trainers to remain vigilant with animal husbandry and stable management practices, implement appropriate contamination-prevention measures and ensure all logbooks and records are kept accurate and up to date.

UHRA will continue raising these concerns with HRNSW and advocating for ongoing industry discussion around contamination risks and practical prevention strategies.

INDUSTRY GAZETTE - ENHANCING COMMUNICATION

UHRA is pleased to see that, following sustained advocacy by UHRA and HRICG, an industry e-Gazette commenced publication in July. A printed version is available at some club venues.

This is a positive step towards celebrating industry and increasing communication across harness racing.

However, UHRA remains concerned that a ‘mostly electronic’ publication may not adequately reach all industry participants. We will continue advocating for a printed version to be more readily available, ensuring news and industry information reaches the broader racing community.

SUPPORTING THE FUTURE - MINI TROTTING ASSOCIATION

UHRA is proud to have donated $1,000 to the Mini Trotting Association in recognition of the wonderful work it does introducing children to harness racing.

Mini Trotting plays an important role in engaging young people, encouraging participation and helping develop the next generation of harness racing enthusiasts.

UHRA is pleased to support an initiative that contributes to the future of our sport and the continued growth of the industry.

HRNSW STRATEGIC PLAN 2027–2030

In August, UHRA representatives Wally Mann, Colleen Aiken and Leon Jurd met with the HRNSW Board and Executive to discuss the HRNSW Strategic Plan for 2027–2030.

The meeting provided an opportunity to put forward ideas and priorities aimed at supporting the long-term viability of trainers and drivers.

One of the most critical issues discussed was betting turnover. The sustainability of the industry depends on maintaining and growing a racing product that attracts and retains the betting public.

Stronger betting turnover can contribute to increased industry revenue and, in turn, create opportunities for future prizemoney growth.

UHRA recognises that all industry stakeholders have a role to play in supporting an attractive, competitive and sustainable racing product.

Renew Your Licence and Support UHRA

Tick the box to renew your UHRA membership or become a member today!

When completing your online licence renewal, please tick the relevant box to renew your membership or join UHRA.

Alternatively, contact Colleen Aiken on 0400 537 777 for assistance with renewing or joining.

Your membership matters. UHRA works to represent the interests of NSW trainers and drivers, advocate for fair remuneration and raise industry concerns directly with HRNSW.

Without representation through UHRA and HRICG, trainers and drivers risk losing an important collective voice in discussions with the HRNSW Executive and Board.

There is strength in numbers. The stronger our membership, the stronger our voice.

Join or renew your membership and help UHRA continue advocating for the future of NSW harness racing.

UNITED HARNESS RACING ASSOCIATION

Representing NSW Trainers and Drivers.

Advocating for a stronger future for harness racing.

Contact: Colleen Aiken 0400 537 777