Participants are reminded of their obligations under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) to ensure that any horse nominated by them is a genuine nomination and not nominated purely for the purposes to ensure a race with minimal nominations proceeds as programmed.
AHRR 216, reads:
A person whether alone or in association with others shall not fraudulently or improperly nominate or start a horse in a race.
Participants are also reminded of their obligations under the AHRR to ensure that any official document furnished to Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has information which is true and accurate, and that such documents have been legitimately signed by the person listed on the document.
There have been recent instances where it has been found that participants have forged signatures on official HRV documents and those participants have been prosecuted at the HRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board. Official HRV documents include, but are not limited to:
- “Transfer of Ownership of Horse”
- “Notification of Lease of a Horse”
- “Notification of Surrender of Lease”
- “Authority to Nominate and Transfer Horses in Claiming Races”
- “Compulsory Driver’s Medical Examination”
AHRR 241, reads:
A person shall not in connection with any part of the harness racing industry do anything which is fraudulent or corrupt.
Offences under AHRR 216 and 241 are classified as “serious offences” and as such, will be referred to the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT). Stewards will continue to seek significant penalties for offences under these rules, ranging from fines to periods of disqualification.
In addition to seeking the above penalties, Stewards may also consider the Suitability Criteria of a person who offends under these rules, in accordance with the HRV Licensing Policy, and whether or not such person is a fit and proper person to be associated with harness racing.
Part 1.4 of ‘Schedule 1: Suitability Criteria’ of the HRV Licensing Policy, reads:
In considering this Suitability Criteria, HRV will consider the following matters: (iv) Whether the applicant has provided any false or misleading information in support of an application for registration, or failed to disclose an adverse matter described in this Suitability Criteria that later becomes known to HRV, either before or after being granted a licence.
For any questions about this information, please contact the Harness Racing Victoria Integrity Department on (03) 8378 0200.
