A second TASBRED bonus will be introduced for the Tasmanian harness racing code from 1 January 2027.

An additional $10,000 bonus, payable on top of the existing TASBRED bonus to TASBRED-eligible three and four-year-old horses, comprises $8,000 cash to the owner and a $2,000 Tasmanian breeding coupon.

Horses may only win one Tasbred bonus per calendar year.

The total additional payment to industry is forecast to total between $250,000 and $300,000 annually.

Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said this decision represented a significant reinvestment into Tasmanian harness breeding and ownership.

“This initiative sends a strong and positive message about our commitment to Tasmanian standardbred breeding, ownership and the long-term strength of the harness racing industry in this state,” he said.

The early advice is being provided to coincide with the upcoming Tasmanian Standardbred Yearling Sale, allowing participants to factor it into their purchasing and breeding decisions.

Its introduction follows the decision not to proceed with the purchase of a Eureka slot. The funds previously allocated for that will be redirected into the TASBRED scheme.

The breeding coupon will be redeemable through the Tasmanian Harness Yearling Sales or when breeding locally to incentivise owners to support Tasmanian breeders and local participation.