From the Harness Stewards Desk ……
August, 2024
From time to time some house-keeping is required to keep our standards up, the following needs to be addressed by all so as to portray the best of Tasmanian Harness Racing …..
Leading of Horses
Too many horses are being led incorrectly, AHR Rule 220 states:
A person shall not lead a horse at a racecourse other than by way of a lead rope attached to a properly fitted restraining device.
Please adhere to the rule, this should be an easy request.
Gear
It seems like every race meeting has multiple horses starting with gear not registered to that particular horse, this needs to be addressed swiftly. Stewards are giving all trainers some time to fix this problem. Trainers will have until the 1st of September 2024 to have this done. It should go without saying that gear needs to be fitted correctly eg nose veils. Trainers are also reminded of the need to tape hopple buckles.
Parade Ring
Due to continuing complaints from industry bodies, Stewards will police arrivals into the parade ring, AHR Rule 135 states horses must be in the parade ring not less than twelve minutes before the appointed time of the race.
Further, once in the parade ring horses must parade in numerical order.
‘All Clear’
Drivers are required to leave the track in finishing order (1st to 5th) without exception, this not only suits presentation requirements but can quicken the process of objections if lodged.
Drivers are not to leave the track early if the horse tails out for any reason. They must not leave the track until the first 5 placed horses do so. This will give Stewards the opportunity to confirm or otherwise any issues, such as broke gear or flat tyres.
Veterinary Inspections
It is a requirement of all trainers to report to the Stewards Room prior to leaving the course after a Veterinary Examination has occurred to their horse.
Storage of Veterinary Products
Stewards have recognised an ongoing issue with trainers storing their Veterinary Products in the same vessel, be it refrigerator or otherwise, as products for human consumption. This practice must cease immediately as it is in breach of food safety and the audit standards of other domestic animal industries.
