The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Integrity Department advise participants competing at the Tabcorp Park Melton racemeeting on Saturday 10 October 2020 of the following information.

HRV Race Day Treatment Policy

In accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR), HRV Stewards remind licensed participants of the HRV Race Day Treatment Policy. For further advice or information in relation to the associated requirements, contact the HRV Integrity Department or consult your veterinarian. 

HRV Covid-19 Protocols

HRV reminds the industry of the current protocols in place in relation to COVID-19.

Link: HRV Covid-19 Protocols

These protocols apply to all race meetings and trial programs conducted in Victoria.

Arrival On-Course

All horses engaged in Group 1 events at Tabcorp Park Melton on 10 October 2020 are required to be on-course no later than two (2) hours prior to the advertised start time for the applicable races:

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2020

  • RACE 5 (advertised start time of 7:32pm) - ALDEBARAN PARK BILL COLLINS TROTTERS SPRINT (GROUP 1);

  • RACE 7 (advertised start time of 8:33pm) - PRYDE'S EASIFEED VICTORIA CUP (GROUP 1).

Particularly due to the Covid-19 protocols that remain in place, it is further advisable for all participants attending Tabcorp Park Melton on 10 October 2020, to allow sufficient travel time to arrive on course by the required time.

Swab Sampling Process

The HRV Integrity Department advise that to comply with the applicable Covid-19 protocols, the HRV Veterinary staff in attendance at Tabcorp Park Melton on 10 October 2020, will be utilising both of the usual Veterinary room and original Stewards room for the purpose of completing swab sample documentation. The HRV Integrity Department appreciate the co-operation of participants in relation to this change to usual procedure.

Increased Penalties in Feature Races

In accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, 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, HRV Stewards may impose an increased penalty.

Whip Use

HRV Stewards advise that in accordance with the notice of increased penalties in feature races, drivers will not be afforded a caution for whip use should they offend in a Group 1 event. Furthermore, as previously advised where HRV Stewards form an opinion that a driver has not attempted to comply with the applicable AHRR (Rules), a penalty greater than the advertised minimum may be applied.

Any queries in relation to this notice can be directed to the HRV Integrity Department on 8378 0200 or Integrity@hrv.org.au.