MEMO: Victorian Local Rule

30 September 2010
Logo

On 23 September 2010 Harness Racing Australia (HRA) released a statement advising the industry of an amendment to the whip rules introduced on 1 January 2010.

The amendment to Rule 156(2) is due to take effect on 1 October 2010. It states:

“A driver shall hold a rein in each hand at all times unless he or she is adjusting approved gear or driving in the final 200 metres of a race.”

Please note, the amendment does not apply in Victoria.

The HRV Board has opposed adopting any changes to the current whip rules. At an industry consultation meeting with the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association on 14 September 2010, HRV advised that it had resolved to review the whip rules three months after national changes had been effected.

The HRV Board has therefore adopted Victorian Local Rule 156(2) effective 1 October 2010 that states:

“A driver shall at all times hold a rein in each hand unless adjusting approved gear.”

Essentially for all drivers competing in Victoria there is no change to the whip rules or penalty guidelines adopted from 1 January 2010. The whip action should include no more than a flick or tap and a rein must be held in each hand at ALL times unless adjusting approved gear. Drivers must also remain mindful that loose reining is not permitted.

Stewards may deem loose reining to include:

  • an extravagant or uncontrolled action
  • loopy shaking of the reins
  • raising the hands above the shoulders
  • drawing the whip back further than the drivers shoulder or beyond a 90-degree angle relative to the track
  • lengthening of the reins.

    Your co-operation is appreciated.

    James Hitchcock
    Chairman of Stewards

     

 

 

Related News

19 April 2024
HRV Stewards- Elevated TC02 Policy- Triple Vinnies
Elevated TCO2 Policy- TRIPLE VINNIES Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards advise that in accordance with the ‘HRV Elevated TCO2 Levels Policy, TRIPLE VINNIES will be subject to the provisions of the policy for its engagement at the Warragul race meeting on 21 April 2024. The full list of horses...
19 April 2024
Mr Dean Chapple - Inquiry Conducted
On Wednesday 17 April 2024 Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Meloxicam was detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from CAYMANGONE prior to race 2, the WEST TAMWORTH LEAGUE CLUB PACE...
19 April 2024
Mr Scott Wade - Inquiry Resumed
On Monday 15 April 2024 Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards resumed an Inquiry that commenced on 31 January 2024 in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from CHANGE OF MIND following its...
18 April 2024
VIC - HRV Stewards Industry Notice - Melton 20 April 2024
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards remind all industry participants to review the following information for the upcoming feature race meeting at Melton on Saturday 20 April 2024. HORSE ARRIVAL TIMES All horses engaged in the following events are required to be presented on course no later than 2...
16 April 2024
TAS - Paul Medhurst Inquiry Decision
Office of Racing Integrity Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania STEWARDS DECISION OFFICE OF RACING INTEGRITY and PAUL MEDHURST Date of hearing: 15th April 2024 Stewards Panel: Mr N Finnigan (Chair), Mr B. Free and Mrs T Canham Present: Mr Paul Medhurst (Respondent) Rule: Australian...
Click for more