1 - Do some research and speak to some of the key contacts listed below to find a trainer that will suit your needs.

2 - Talk to that trainer and ask about how to find a horse, and how much it will cost to get started.

3 - If the costs of acquiring and racing a horse on your own are too prohibitive and you do not know of any other people that you could become partners with in a horse, consider buying a share in a horse that is available from a licensed syndicator. Horses that are currently being syndicated can be found at www.raceapacer.com.au/syndications.cfm.

Now that you have decided to become involved, here is a list of names and associations where experienced people will be able to point you in the right direction and provide you with free advice.

By calling one of the organisations below, don’t feel as though you are bound to anything as all of the associations work in the best interests of all trainers, drivers, breeders, owners and Clubs.

And remember, ask plenty of questions!

Harness Racing Victoria
Contact: Adrian Barlow
Telephone 03 8378 0224
Email: abarlow@hrv.org.au

Victorian Harness Racing Trainers and Drivers Association
Contact: Steve Warren
Telephone 03 9857 8327
Email: vtda@bigpond.net.au

Victorian Standardbred Breeders and Studmasters Association
Contact:  Ian Kitchin
Telephone 03 9419 5342
Email: iankitchin@bigpond.com  

Australian Pacing Gold – Yearling Sales
Contact:  David Boydell
Telephone 03 9372 9833
Email: dboydell@apgold.com.au             

Pacific Bloodstock – Licensed Syndicators
Contact:  Mark Hoare
Telephone 0430 008 152
Email: mark@pacificbloodstock.com.au

Remember that trainers, fellow owners, breeders, Harness Racing Victoria and others that you will meet along the way will want to welcome you into the sport of harness racing. Their expertise and passion for the industry is something that you will quickly come to understand and share.

Prospective owners are welcomed into the sport, and you’ll make plenty of friends. You’ll meet people who love the excitement of harness racing and who come from all different backgrounds and walks of life. At some point too, they were first time owners. They took the plunge and now enjoy standardbred ownership and will be an invaluable source of information for you in your ownership experience.

And at the heart of it all, is winning. Whether it is winning the $425,000 Hunter Cup at Tabcorp Park or a $5,000 maiden race in the country, there are few things that match the thrill of seeing your horse first past the post and then celebrating with family and friends.   We look forward to seeing you in the winners’ circle.