Drivers participating in the Victorian Harness Racing Industry are reminded of the following interpretation by HRV Stewards in relation to Australian Rule of Harness Racing (ARHR) 156(4)(f) which deals with continuous whip use and using the whip in a manner without allowing the horse time to respond.
ARHR 156(4)(f) states:
“For the purposes of sub-rule (3) a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following circumstances which are not exclusive:-
If the whip is applied continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.”
Publicised HRV Stewards Interpretation:
Drivers will be deemed to have used the whip continuously and/or without allowing the horse sufficient time to respond when the whip is used on more than ten (10) consecutive occasions and/or applied more than twenty (20) occasions over the final 200m. This is regardless of whether the whip is striking the horse or the sulky. Drivers are required to demonstrate an obvious pause or break between whip strokes, for such whip use not to be deemed continuous and or not allowing the horse time to respond.
