VIC - HRV Stewards Industry Notice – Birchip 8th March 2026
5 March 2026
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards remind all industry participants to review the following information for the upcoming race meeting at Birchip on Sunday 8 March 2026:
HORSE ARRIVAL TIME
All horses engaged in Race 7 - “The Cargill Cares Running Of The Bulls Pace” are required to be on course no later than two hours prior to the advertised starting time of the race.
INCREASED PENALTIES IN FEATURE RACES
In accordance with the INT-PU-007-HRV-Minimum-Penalty-Guidelines.pdf, HRV Stewards advise that ‘Feature Races’ are deemed to be events of $30,000 prizemoney or greater. Therefore, should a licensee offend under an applicable Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) in a feature race, an increased penalty may apply.
WHIP USE
All drivers are reminded to familiarise themselves with the provisions of AHRR 156(2)(a) and 156(3) and the HRV Stewards interpretation of such.
AHRR 156(2)(a) states:
156. (2)(a) A driver shall only apply the whip and/or the rein in a wrist only flicking motion whilst holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage the shoulder.
(b) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (a), “wrist only flicking motion” means: -
(i) Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.
(ii) The forearm is not raised beyond forty-five degrees relative to the racing surface.
(iii) Not applying the whip with overt force.
For demonstration of the required whip action please see the below video example:
Link to HRA Video - Whip Rule Implementation and Associated Requirements
Rule 156(3)
AHRR 156(3) states:
156. (3) A driver shall not use a whip in an unapproved manner.
(4) For the purposes of sub-rule (3) a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following circumstances which are not exclusive: -
(a) If the whip is applied excessively, continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.
(b) If the whip is applied when the horse:
(i) is not visibly responding;
(ii) is not in contention;
(ii) cannot maintain or improve its position;
(iv) is clearly winning;
(v) has passed the winning post at the finish of a race.
Please note that in accordance with the provisions of Rule 156(3) the HRV Stewards will continue to police this rule when drivers utilise the whip on more than 20 occasions in the final 200m, which is considered to be using the whip excessively and or continuously.
HRV RACEDAY TREATMENT POLICY
In accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR), HRV Stewards remind licensed participants of the INT-PO-008-Raceday-Treatment-Policy.pdf. For further advice or information in relation to the associated requirements, contact the HRV Integrity Department or consult your veterinarian.
