An opportunity for Vicbred Voucher winners to use their $5,000 bonuses on eligible Vicbred horses at the Australian Pacing Gold Autumn Mix Sale and Winter Mix Sale has been facilitated by an edict from Harness Racing Victoria.
The Vouchers can be used for purchasing Vicbred Platinum/Pure weanlings, Vicbred Platinum/Pure yearlings and in-foal Victorian bred mares provided they were foaled in Victoria.
HRV Head of Racing Greg Gangle said they wanted “to offer flexibility to encourage investment into the Victorian bloodstock.
“If somebody is sitting on a voucher, here are more opportunities to invest into the Victorian industry, which is what the vouchers set out to do,” he said.
Gangle said extending voucher redemption to online auctions would give breeders and owners greater confidence in those sales.
APG chairman Robert Marshall said: “The Vicbred vouchers that were on offer at APG’s Melbourne sale this year were significant in encouraging participation in our auction.
“The vouchers are a great initiative by Harness Racing Victoria and the Victorian Government to revitalise interest among Victorian buyers and breeders alike.
“These vouchers will provide a valuable financial stimulus for those offering Vicbred weanlings and yearlings through APG’s Online Mix sales,” he said.
More than 270 of the $5,000 vouchers have been won by 150 different owners since HRV and the State Government’s $2.75 million breeder bonus scheme was announced last year. The bonuses are placed on select Vicbred races, which the winning owners can then use to compensate for a Victorian stallion service or Vicbred Platinum sales purchase.
A total of 32 vouchers were redeemed at the APG Melbourne Yearling Sale in February, which is reflected in this year’s high clearance rate of 86.67%. This opportunity really opens up these online sales for breeders in Victoria to enter their horses with confidence, knowing the buyers have those vouchers to back up their purchases.
The last day for entries for the Autumn Mix Sale is Sunday, May 3.
Bidding for the sale is over two days on May 24 and 25.
The APG Winter Mix Sale will be held on August 16 and 17.
For more details on either of APG’s online sales, visit the website today!
