Harness Racing Australia has approved a reduction in the Stallion Registration Fee from the commencement of the 2026/27 breeding season to help pave the way for a new funding model to support the TAB Eureka.
Earlier this year, HRA established a Working Group, which was commissioned to review the long-term funding model for the TAB Eureka and to identify a more balanced and sustainable approach to funding the sport's marquee races.
Following careful consideration of the Working Group's recommendations, the HRA Executive has endorsed a revised national funding model that broadens industry contributions while reducing reliance on the Stallion Registration Fee.
The recommendations include:
Reduced Stallion Registration Fee
Under the revised model, the existing Stallion Registration Fee framework will remain in place, however, the rates will be reduced from the commencement of the 2026/27 breeding season to:
- 10% for stallions domiciled outside Australia and New Zealand ("Other" domicile);
- 5% for New Zealand-domiciled stallions and shuttle stallions standing in either Australia or New Zealand; and
- 0% for Australian-domiciled stallions, with no change to the existing arrangements.
The annual registration fee for all pacing and trotting stallions remains intact and is $600 for 2026/27.
The reduced levy will apply to mares served during the 2026/27 breeding season, with the first invoices to be issued by HRA following the registration of live foals in 2028.
Stud masters who served mares during the recently completed 2025/26 breeding season will continue to be invoiced under the existing levy structure of 15% and 8% in early 2027, as those breeding activities occurred prior to the implementation of the new funding model.
HRA Chief Executive Richard Goodbody said the decision recognised industry feedback regarding the cost pressures experienced by the breeding sector.
"The Working Group was established following industry feedback regarding the existing funding arrangements, particularly the level of contribution being made by the breeding sector," he said.
"This new model delivers a meaningful reduction in the Stallion Registration Fee while ensuring HRA can continue investing in the races that showcase Australian harness racing on the national stage."
Broader industry contribution
The revised funding model shares the responsibility for funding Australian harness racing's flagship events across a broader section of the industry.
This includes an increase in HRA's component of horse naming fees from $50 to $100 per application from 1 January 2027.
It is worth noting that naming fees vary from state to state and total prices are set by each State Controlling Body.
Whilst the Stallion Registration Fee has been primarily viewed as the funding source for the TAB Eureka, it was expanded last year to include the Inter Dominion Championships, for both gaits, enabling a $1 million Pacing Final and a $500,000 Trotting Final.
"The TAB Eureka and the Inter Dominion are more than feature races—they are national events that generate conversation, attract mainstream attention, showcase our best horses and participants, and create talkability for our sport," Mr Goodbody said.
"Strong marquee events lift the profile of the entire code in an ultra-competitive market. This funding model ensures we can continue investing in those events while responding to industry feedback."
Mr Goodbody thanked the members of The Eureka Review Working Group, chaired by John Dumesny, for their extensive work.
"The Working Group carefully considered a wide range of funding options,” he said.
“It represents a balanced outcome whilst ensuring Australian harness racing continues to invest in the events that define our sport."
