Strengthening Education, Welfare and Rehoming in Harness Racing

11 March 2026

Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) today announces the introduction of a 1% industry contribution applied to prizemoney, reinforcing the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening education, training, welfare and rehoming outcomes across the sport. 

This decision forms an important component of the HRNSW Strategic Plan, which places strong emphasis on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry through enhanced participant education, workforce development and world-leading equine welfare and lifecycle care standards. 
As community expectations around animal welfare continue to evolve, it is essential that the sport continues to focus on programs that support both human and equine participants throughout their lifecycle, including responsible post-racing pathways.
The introduction of a 1% contribution from prizemoney reflects HRNSW’s view that prizemoney represents the most equitable and transparent mechanism for distributing industry funding responsibilities. By linking this contribution directly to prizemoney, the initiative ensures that those who benefit from the industry’s success collectively contribute to strengthening the welfare, education, and participant support systems upon which the sport relies. 
Importantly, funds generated through this contribution will be dedicated solely to equine welfare, rehoming and participant development programs. The initiative is not intended to fund general industry operations but rather to ensure that the resources required to meet modern welfare expectations and best-practice care standards are sustainably supported by the industry itself. 
The approach is also consistent with the direction taken by other equine codes and racing jurisdictions, which increasingly recognise the importance of establishing transparent and inclusive funding models that ensure all participants contribute to the care, welfare and rehoming of horses throughout and beyond their racing careers. 
Funds generated through the initiative will be directed toward a range of strategic priorities, including: 
• Equine welfare initiatives, including best-practice care standards, welfare monitoring, and enhanced post-racing rehoming programs;
• Lifecycle and rehoming pathways to support the responsible transition of retired racehorses into second careers and suitable homes;
• Education and training pathways for participants, including licensing education, professional development, and industry skills programs;
• Participant wellbeing programs, ensuring those involved in the sport have access to appropriate support and development opportunities. 
Chief Executive Officer Peter Buckman said the initiative reflects HRNSW’s commitment to ensuring the industry continues to evolve responsibly while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and care.
“Harness racing in New South Wales is built on the dedication of its participants and the extraordinary animals at the centre of the sport,” Mr Buckman said.
“As community expectations around animal welfare continue to grow, it is critical that our industry continues to demonstrate leadership in how we care for our horses both during and after their racing careers.
“The introduction of a modest contribution from prizemoney provides a transparent and sustainable way for the industry to collectively invest in the welfare and rehoming pathways that underpin the sport’s long-term future.
“This approach ensures that all participants share in supporting the systems that safeguard the wellbeing of our horses, while allowing HRNSW to expand the programs that strengthen the professionalism and sustainability of the sport.” 
The initiative aligns with HRNSW’s broader strategic focus on strengthening the industry’s social licence, welfare leadership and professional standards, while supporting pathways that attract and retain participants within harness racing. 
HRNSW will work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure the funds generated are directed toward initiatives that deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes for both participants and the horses at the heart of the sport. 
Further details regarding the implementation of the contribution and the specific welfare and rehoming programs it will support will be communicated to participants in the coming weeks.
Harness Racing New South Wales remains committed to building a strong, sustainable, and progressive industry, ensuring that both the people and horses at the centre of the sport are supported now and into the future.
HRNSW MEDIA CONTACT:
AMANDA RANDO | MEDIA MANAGER
arando@hrnsw.com.au •  @Amanda_Rando • (02) 9722 6600