Steve Warren (HRTCB), Paul James (AVCHRC) and concession driver Denbeigh Wade.
The opportunities afforded to concession drivers with fewer than 25 wins to their name have grown with a new series to kick off on Wednesday night at Bendigo.
The series is sponsored by the Harness Racing Training Centre Bendigo and the Association of Victorian Country Harness Racing Clubs (AVCHRC).
About 20 races will make up the series, which will see all drivers who compete eligible for the $1500 AVCHRC Professional Development Award.
The award will be presented at Breeders Crown Finals Day at Tabcorp Park Melton on Sunday, August 28, 2016.
The award’s criteria are as follows:
“The recipient will have demonstrated a professional image and promoted the industry in a positive manner.
The selection criteria will include:
- Race conduct and performance
- Presentation/Dress standards at race meetings (Minimum Expectation - Smart Casual)
- Use of social media to promote both yourself and the industry
- Additional work within the industry e.g. horse training, stablehand work etc
- Background, including how you got involved
- Completion of the Driver Profile Form (email davidbrick@avchrc.org.au for a copy of the form. The information will tell us a bit about yourself and be featured in the Harness Racer and via social media throughout the season).
- The selection panel will consist of representatives from HRV, AVCHRC and HRTCB.
- The recipient of the Professional Development will receive a $1500 travel voucher to attend a feature harness racing event interstate or overseas e.g. NZ Cup or Inter Dominion in Perth and be provided the opportunity to attend the stables of leading trainers.
The winning driver in each race throughout the series will receive a $100 fuel voucher.
For every starter a trainer has in the concession drivers' series the trainer will receive a ticket into a $2000 cash draw.
The trots contributes about $422 million to the Victorian economy, $226 million in household wages and is responsible for the employment of 4000 FTE jobs.
New series such as this one will ensure Victoria remains at the forefront of the sport nationally, affording maximum opportunities to all participants, including our next generation of drivers.
