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
