Following a five year phasing out period, all offset sulkies will be banned from Australian Harness Racing on 1 September 2020.
Harness Racing Australia (HRA) and the State Controlling Bodies have recently been made aware of attempts to modify offset sulkies to in an effort to make them compliant.
With safety of participants and horses paramount, following consultation from Human Impact Engineering, Harness Racing Australia via its Gear & Equipment Committee have determined that modified offset sulkies will not be approved for racing.
HRA reminds participants that it is their responsibility to ensure that their sulky is both approved and in good working condition at all times. The HRA Approved Sulkies list is found here: http://www.harness.org.au/hra/approved-sulkies-list.pdf
Stewards will remain vigilant in conducting regular sulky inspections to ensure that all sulkies used in harness racing are approved for use.
For more information, contact Harness Racing Australia on (03) 9227 3000 or hra@hra.com.au.