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About the HRSA
Who are we
We are a juristic and legally constituted association of equine enthusiasts dedicated to the promotion of the Standardbred horse and harness racing. We have a passion for competition and horses, and comprise members, owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, horse-carers and others.
The national board of seven directors is made up as follows:
D.A.Latimer (chairman)
C.P.Murphy
U.Hörnberg (Sweden)
M.J.L.Nairac
K.Miedema
M.Buthelezi
P.R.Salvage
Structure
Harness racing in South Africa is co-regulated by HRSA together with the National
Horseracing Authority. There is an exclusive and binding agreement in place with Classic
Harness Racing (Pty) Ltd, in terms of which CHR is to provide and co-ordinate all the commercial and marketing functions of harness racing in South Africa.
Equity in CHR will be 68% BEE owned.
Objectives
Our main aim is to provide a base of inclusion in South African horseracing for less
affluent and ordinary folk via the Standardbred and harness racing. We wish to avoid any “bleed” from the current Thoroughbred racing structures, and indeed wish to support them.
We aim to be broadly inclusive, aid in the process of transformation in the racing sector, and attract a strong base of participants of colour.
Integrity and honesty are paramount in our objectives.
The constitutional objectives of HRSA are:
- To officiate the sport of harness racing in the Republic of South Africa.
- To promote the Standardbred breed and administer, promote, foster and encourage the sport of harness racing in the Republic of South Africa.
- To formulate the rules and ensure the integrity of harness racing in the Republic of South Africa.
- To establish such registers of the Standardbred breed in Republic of South Africa as well as that of the owners, trainers, drivers, colours, changes in ownership, leases or otherwise as may from time to time be considered of advantage to the sport of harness racing in the Republic of South Africa.
- To appoint such honorary or paid officials as may be deemed necessary and to make arrangements for the remuneration of such paid officials.
- To maintain and disseminate racing information and records in regard to the sport of harness racing in the Republic of South Africa.
- To promote and foster co-operation and goodwill with other racing and sporting authorities, Provincial Governments and Governments of the Republic of South Africa or elsewhere.
- To assist in the transformation of the racing industry in the Republic of South Africa and to achieve a significant black participation level by the year 2010.
- To issue licenses to owners, trainers, drivers, officials and tracks and clubs (if necessary) in respect of the sport of harness racing in the Republic of South Africa.
HRSA supports responsible gambling. Winners know when to stop!
National Responsible Gambling Programme Helpline: 0800 006 008 or see
Responsible Gambling
Current Plan
The current plan is two-phased:
- Introduction of televised live simulcasts of Swedish racing on which South African punters can bet. These simulcasts will be launched on the 6th of November 2006 on DSTV’s channel 34 – TellyTrack. A royalty payment on turnovers will be paid to us by Phumelela Gold Enterprises, and it is this funding that will be used to under-pin the second phase.
- Introduction of live physical harness racing in South Africa, with two track type classifications: “M” (Metropolitan) and “R” (Rural).
- In order to cater to the trotting aspirations of people around South Africa, HRSA is studying closely the model of Kortebaan Racing which is live, healthy and has been in existence in Holland for 152 years. Pools of only 24 horses are required for a race meeting, and heats are run in pairs until an overall winner appears at the end of a day. Each race is over a sprint distance of only 300 metres on a straight road track. The winning horse usually walks away with a cheque for R 50 000. A festive and carnival atmosphere surrounds these meetings, usually held fortnightly and over a range of smaller district towns. Betting is permitted.
It is likely that the first tracks will be situated in KZN province, and Scottsville and Dundee racetracks are both currently being studied and surveyed for these purposes.
Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein are also earmarked as future M track-sites, and Bisho, Umtata, Polokwane, as future R tracks.
BEE & Transformation
HRSA is committed to a program of inclusiveness, education, empowerment, transformation and rural development.
- Co-sponsorships are in place to send potential trainers, drivers and officials to Sweden for in-situ training. For more information click here
- Potential foreign (and local) owners are being sourced to provide horses to be professionally trained by emerging and newly licensed black trainers.
- A mentorship program is in place to oversee and help manage the viability and businesses of new black trainers.
- In conjunction with current government structures, education and training programs are being set up to provide a sustainable and growing base of competent and skilled black participants in the sport.
- Sixty-eight (68) per cent of the equity of Classic Harness Racing (Pty) Ltd is being transferred into the hands of previously disadvantaged individuals.
- HRSA is proud to already have the largest black membership of horse owners on the continent of Africa. (261 as at end October 2006)
- A program of vaccination against African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV) is underway for rural horse owners who are unable to purchase this vaccine.
Equine Improvement Program
Artificial insemination (AI) is allowed and strictly controlled in the Standardbred environment. HRSA has been offered semen of top quality Standardbred stallions from a number of overseas jurisdictions, and will be making this semen available at no cost to breeding to local mares, with a view to upgrading the local trotting genetic base.
Standardbred Stud Book
The official HRSA register for horses which are the progeny of both a registered Standardbred sire and registered Standardbred dam.
Part-Standard bred register
The official HRSA register for horses whose parentage is half, three-quarters or seven-eighths registered Standardbred.
Non-Standard bred register
The official HRSA register for any horse whose sire and dam are not registered Standardbreds.
Constitution
To view the Constitution please download the pdf file here below:
National Rules and Regulations of Racing
To view the National Rules and Regulations of Racing please download the pdf file here below:
KZN Rules of Racing
To view the KZN Rules of Racing please download the pdf file here below:
KZN Local Regulations
To view the KZN Rules of Racing please download the pdf file here below:
Rules and Regulations of Breeding
To view the National Rules and Regulations of Breeding please download the pdf file here below:
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