The following information from the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards is for the awareness of participants in the Victorian Harness Racing industry.
Misconduct Penalties
HRV Stewards remind participants in the Victorian Harness Racing industry 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 and or refer matters to the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) depending on the circumstances of each particular case. The imposition of previous penalties do not appear to be acting as a significant deterrent from offending and therefore HRV Stewards may impose greater penalties for associated offences in the future.
Penalty Reset Period
When determining penalty for specific offences under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR), HRV Stewards consider a persons recent record in the previous 28 day period.
For a driving related offence that has a reset period of 28 days (e.g. whip use offence) of a drivers personal offence record, HRV Stewards will not take into account any time a driver has served through suspension when determining the 28 day reset period for any subsequent and applicable rule breach.
For example, for a whip related offence under AHRR 156(2), should a driver have been suspended for a period of two (2) weeks for a third (3) tier penalty in accordance with the HRV Stewards Minimum Penalty Guidelines, the time of suspension served (2 weeks) for the applicable rule breach will not form part of the 28 day reset period when determining penalty for a further applicable offence. Meaning, a driver will be required to maintain a clear record for a period of 28 days from the conclusion of such suspension in order to revert back to having a clear record for the applicable rule.
The HRV Stewards Minimum Penalty Guidelines have been updated accordingly to read: ‘For the purposes of a 28 day reset period, any time served through suspension for an applicable rule breach shall not be taken into account by HRV Stewards when determining any penalty for a further offence. I.e. Any time served through suspension will not form part of the 28 day reset period’.
Notification of Driving Tactics Policy
The notification of driving tactics policy requires the trainer, or the person in charge in their absence, to notify the officiating Stewards at a race meeting of the intended driving tactics when a stable have multiple runners (2 or more) engaged in a race.
This notification is to occur no later than forty five (45) minutes prior to the start time of the relevant race. This timeframe allows the Stewards the opportunity to question and/or place on notice the relevant drivers prior to the race should they deem it required.
Alternatively, licensees are able to provide this information by accessing the following phone number: 03 9214 0650
Gear Requirements
HRV Stewards remind participants that all horses presented to start in a race must:
Head Numbers
HRV Stewards appreciate the co-operation of participants with the recent reintroduction of head numbers in races. As a reminder could licensees please ensure that saddlecloth and head numbers are returned to the numbers room in a timely manner after use in a race.
For any queries in relation to this information please contact the HRV Stewards Department on 8378 0222. HRV Stewards appreciate the co-operation of participants in relation to these and other compliance related matters.
HRV Steward Policies for Participants
Contacts For HRV Stewards
HRV Stewards
Phone
03 8378 0222
Scratchings / Driver Changes & Weekend Racing
Phone
03 8378 0291
Integrity Hotline
Phone
03 9214 0651
Email
integrity@hrv.org.au
Integrity Matters
Email
integritymatters@hrv.org.au
