Since the introduction of regionalised racing the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have noticed an increase in offences under Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) 156(2) and 156(3).
All drivers are placed on notice that should offending continue at a frequent rate penalties may be increased beyond the current minimum penalties.
The below notice is provided to assist compliance and remind all drivers as to how the ‘whip rules’ are interpreted and applied by the HRV Stewards. The interpretation of these rules by the HRV Stewards remains unchanged since the inception of these rules on 1 September 2018.
Whilst the majority of the provisions of AHRR 156 are self-explanatory, the interpretations below are provided to assist drivers. The provisions of AHRR 156 which are not included below should be taken to be interpreted as per the plain reading of the rule.
Relevant Rules and HRV Stewards Interpretation
AHRR 156(2) states:
“A driver shall only apply the whip in a 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.”
HRV Stewards Interpretation, includes but is not limited to:
Drivers must maintain a rein in either hand at all times when applying the whip.
Once a drivers whip hand is not pointing forward the HRV Stewards will deem the tip of the whip not to be pointed forward.
Should the drivers whip hand be raised above shoulder height when the whip is applied it will be deemed to be engaging the shoulder.
The whip should only be applied with a flicking motion.
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).
AHRR 156(4)(a) 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:-
(a) If the whip is applied excessively, continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.”
HRV Stewards Interpretation:
Drivers will be deemed to have used the whip excessively, 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.
AHRR 156(4)(c) 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:-
(c) If the reins are lengthened so as to result in loose reining regardless of whether the whip is being used at the same time. “
HRV Stewards Interpretation:
Loose reining will be interpreted as follows:
- Loopy shaking of the reins;
- Lengthening of the reins which allows the driver to apply the whip with more force;
- The reins and drivers hands being lifted above the drivers shoulders.
Penalty Guidelines
The following minimum penalties apply:
Minimum Penalty Guidelines
156(2)
1st Offence: Minimum $200 fine
2nd Offence: Minimum $400 fine
3rd Offence: Minimum 2 Week Suspension of licence to drive in races
156(3)
1st Offence: Minimum $100 fine
2nd Offence: Minimum $200 fine
3rd Offence: Minimum 7 Day Suspension of licence to drive in races
A drivers offence record shall reset 28 days from the date of the most recent offence.
*Where the HRV Stewards form an opinion that the driver has not attempted to comply with the rule a penalty greater than the advertised minimum may be applied.
All drivers are advised to take note of the below animation for guidance on the appropriate whip action.
