Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards remind all industry participants to review the following information for the upcoming feature race meeting at Melton on Saturday 14 February 2026:
HORSE ARRIVAL TIMES
All horses engaged in the following events are required to be presented on course no later than 2 hours prior to the advertised start time of the respective event:
Saturday 14 February 2026 – Melton:
Race 2 – YABBY DAM FARMS GREAT SOUTHERN STAR (1ST HEAT)
Race 3 – YABBY DAM FARMS GREAT SOUTHERN STAR (2ND HEAT)
Race 6 – SPORTSBET A.G. HUNTER CUP (GROUP 1)
Race 7 – BENSTUD STANDARDBREDS QUEEN OF THE PACIFIC (GROUP 1)
As high levels of traffic and congestion are expected around the Melton grounds, which may cause delays on entry, trainers are asked to exercise caution and allow sufficient additional travel time to account for any foreseeable delays.
INCREASED PENALTIES IN FEATURE RACES
In accordance with the INT-PU-007-HRV-Minimum-Penalty-Guidelines.pdf, HRV Stewards advise that ‘Feature Races’ are deemed to be events of $30,000 prizemoney or greater. Therefore, should a licensee offend under an applicable Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) in a feature race, an increased penalty may apply.
WHIP USE
All drivers are reminded to familiarise themselves with the provisions of AHRR 156(2)(a) and 156(3) and the HRV Stewards interpretation of such.
AHRR 156(2)(a) states:
156. (2)(a) A driver shall only apply the whip and/or the rein in a wrist only flicking motion whilst holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage the shoulder.
(b) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (a), “wrist only flicking motion” means: -
(i) Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.
(ii) The forearm is not raised beyond forty-five degrees relative to the racing surface.
(iii) Not applying the whip with overt force.
For demonstration of the required whip action please see the below video example:
Link to HRA Video - Whip Rule Implementation and Associated Requirements
Rule 156(3)
AHRR 156(3) states:
156. (3) A driver shall not use a whip in an unapproved manner.
(4) 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: -
(a) If the whip is applied excessively, continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.
(b) If the whip is applied when the horse:
(i) is not visibly responding;
(ii) is not in contention;
(ii) cannot maintain or improve its position;
(iv) is clearly winning;
(v) has passed the winning post at the finish of a race.
Please note that in accordance with the provisions of Rule 156(3) the HRV Stewards will continue to police this rule when drivers utilise the whip on more than 20 occasions in the final 200m, which is considered to be using the whip excessively and or continuously.
HRV RACEDAY TREATMENT POLICY
In accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR), HRV Stewards remind licensed participants of the INT-PO-008-Raceday-Treatment-Policy.pdf. For further advice or information in relation to the associated requirements, contact the HRV Integrity Department or consult your veterinarian.
HORSE PARADE REQUIREMENTS
Trainers are reminded of the requirement to have their horses presented in the parade ring no later than 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time of the race. This ensures that, as an industry, we can maximise the impact of the increased television coverage.
After horses are permitted to enter the track in number order to commence their preliminary, they will be required to parade past the winning post and presentation area before being directed back to the correct racing direction to complete their preliminary.
PARTICIPANT DRESS STANDARDS
All licensed persons are reminded of the HRV-Minimum-Dress-Standards-Policy.pdf to ensure the industry is portrayed in a professional manner.
HRV Stewards Contact Links
Phone 03 8378 0222 AHRR ‘Rules’
Integrity Hotline HRV Policies
Phone 03 9214 0651 HRV Integrity
Email integrity@hrv.org.au Race Fields
