Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards remind all industry participants to review the following information for the 2022 Inter Dominion Pacing and Trotting Championships:
INCREASED PENALTIES IN FEATURE RACES
In accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, 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.
HORSE ARRIVAL TIMES
At the Shepparton Harness Racing meeting on Tuesday 29 November 2022, horses engaged in the following events are to be presented on course no later than 2 hours prior to the advertised start time of their respective engagement:
- SENTrack INTER DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP (2ND ROUND QUALIFYING HEATS) (GROUP 3)
- SENTrack INTER DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (2ND ROUND QUALIFYING HEATS) (GROUP 3)
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 HRV Race Day Treatment Policy. For further advice or information in relation to the associated requirements, contact the HRV Integrity Department or consult your veterinarian.
INJECTION OR EXTRACTION REQUIREMENTS
AHRR 196B(1) states: A person shall not without the permission of the Stewards within one (1) clear day of the commencement of a race administer, attempt to administer or cause to be administered an injection to a horse nominated for that race.
This rule also relates to an extraction from a horse. Therefore, a person intending to extract blood from a horse prior to a race within the above timeframe, is required to obtain permission from the Stewards prior to doing so.
“One clear day” means the twenty four (24) hour period from 12.01 a.m. to midnight.
NOTIFICATION OF ILLNESS/CONDITION OR AFFECT ON PERFORMANCE
In accordance with AHRR 30(1), the trainer or person in charge of a horse is required to inform Stewards as soon as practicable if the horse has been injured or suffered any illness or condition that may affect its running in a race.
Furthermore, AHRR 89(1) requires any person in charge of a horse to immediately report to Stewards anything which may have affected the horse’s performance subsequent to a race.
HORSE PARADE REQUIREMENTS
Trainers are reminded of the requirement to have their respective horses presented to the parade ring at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time of a race. This is to ensure that as an industry we can maximise the impact of the increased television coverage.
CONDUCT & BEHAVIOUR
HRV Stewards remind participants of the importance and expectation to conduct themselves professionally, respectfully and appropriately at all times so as to represent the industry in the best possible light.
HRV Stewards do not tolerate inappropriate or unacceptable conduct and may therefore impose significant penalties or refer matters to the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) depending on the circumstances of each particular case.
PARTICIPANT DRESS STANDARDS
All licensed persons are reminded of the HRV Minimum Dress Standards to ensure the industry is portrayed in a professional manner.
HRV Stewards Contact Links
Phone 03 8378 0222 AHRR ‘Rules’
Integrity Hotline HRV Policies
Phone 03 9214 0651 HRV Integrity
Email integrity@hrv.org.au Race Fields
