The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards advise that effective 1 January 2019 all horses presented to start in a race must:
Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in a penalty being imposed under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule 238 which states:
238. A person shall not fail to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Controlling Body or the Stewards relating to harness racing or to the harness racing industry.
The following minimum penalty schedule will apply:
1st offence: $50
2nd offence: $100
3rd offence: Stewards discretion
*A trainers offence record will reset every 28 days
The HRV Stewards advise that should a horse be retired from a race due to the hopple carrying strap becoming detached, and it not be fastened as required above, significant penalties may apply.