Intended change in driving tactics are to be confined to the following options:
(i) Further forward at the start;
(ii) Further back at the start;
(iii) More aggressively after the start;
(iv) Less aggressively after the start.
APPOINTED TIMES
In adherence to the provisions of AHRR 135, horses are required to be presented in the parade ring and onto the track as per the appointed times below:
135. (1) Unless otherwise determined by the Controlling Body or Stewards, horses competing in a race shall parade in the area designated by the Stewards not less than twelve minutes before the appointed time of the race.
(2) Horses competing in a race shall be on the track not less than 7 minutes before the appointed time for the race.
'EASE OUT' PROVISIONS
Whilst adhering, to the provisions of AHRR 163(1)(b) which states:
'A driver shall not subject to rule 164 make another horse cover more ground than necessary';
a driver may ease another horse wider on the track passing the candy pole situated at the entrance to the back straight on the final occasion, provided such movement does not cause or contribute to any interference.
WHIP USE
Relevant Rules and Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards Interpretation
AHRR 156(2) states:
'A driver shall hold a rein in each hand at all times unless he or she is adjusting approved gear.'
HRV Stewards Interpretation:
Drivers must maintain a rein in either hand at all times unless adjusting or activating approved gear. E.g. removing hopple shorteners, deafeners or activating pull down head gear (blocks, dolly vardons etc.)
AHRR 156(3) states:
'A driver shall not use a whip in an unapproved manner.'
HRV Stewards Interpretation:
Drivers will be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner, including but not limited to, when the whip is used in a manner contrary to any provision of AHRR 156(4).
(a) If the tip of the whip is drawn back further than the driver’s shoulder.
(b) If the whip hand is drawn back further than or above the driver’s shoulder.
(c) If the whip action involves more than a wrist and elbow action.
(d) If the reins are lengthened so as to result in loose reining regardless of whether the whip is being used at the same time.
(e) If the whip is used other than in a flicking motion.
(f) If the whip is applied continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.
HRV Stewards Interpretation:
Drivers will be deemed to have used the whip continuously and/or without allowing the horse sufficient time to respond, including but not limited to, when the whip is used on more than twenty (20) occasions over the final 200m. This is regardless whether the whip is striking the horse or the sulky.
ACTIVATION OF REMOVABLE GEAR
In accordance with AHRR 170(1) which states:
A driver shall, throughout the course of a race, drive with both feet in the rests of the sulky, unless he is activating approved gear;
a driver is permitted to activate gear by foot, provided it is performed with an approved method of activation.
An acceptable method of activating gear by foot will be considered by HRV Stewards to occur when the movement of the foot is directed in a sideways or upwards direction from the sulky footrest.
Whereas, an unacceptable method of activating gear by foot, which will not be accepted by HRV Stewards and may result in penalties being imposed, will be if the drivers foot is positioned in a direction downwards from the sulky footrest.
Significant penalties for improper driving may apply to any driver that places their foot in close proximity to the hind leg of a horse, to make contact or attempt to make contact with a horse's hind leg.
INCREASE IN PENALTY
As advertised in the 'HRV Stewards Minimum Penalty Guidelines', an increased penalty may be imposed should an offence occur under the AHRR in a feature race. For the purposes of the guidelines, a feature race is considered a race of $30,000 prizemoney or greater, which includes all races at Tabcorp Park Melton on 27 August 2017.
LINKS
AUSTRALIAN HARNESS RACING RULES
HRV STEWARDS POLICIES
For any further information in relation to this notice please contact the Harness Racing Victoria Stewards Department on 8378 0222.
