Harness Racing Australia (HRA) will bring in amendments to its rules from 1 April. To see how these changes affect you, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has summarised the amendments below.
Summary of HRA rules changes
To help you understand the key changes, we've put together a list of the top five things you need to know. To see these rules in more detail, see our links to what drivers, trainers, and owners need to know.
While stewards have the authority to enter licensed participants’ land and premises, these powers have been clarified to allow them to inspect and search items to assist investigations. This includes electronic devices (AHR Rule 15A & 15B).
Stable returns and horse location
Stable return and horse location reporting has increased. Trainers must notify HRV of any horse entering or exiting their stable, within 24 hours, including any change in a horse’s location within a trainer’s stable.
For horse traceability purposes, the status of a horse now extends beyond horses who are currently racing. Participants must familiarise themselves with their obligations around horses that are inactive or retired from racing.
Driver protective equipment: helmets and vests
Rules around drivers’ helmets and protective vests have been updated to reflect the importance of driver safety. It also makes clear that equipment must be HRA-approved, in satisfactory condition and not modified in any way (AHR Rules 159A and 159B).
Stomach tubing, atomisers and other devices
A horse entered for a race is not allowed to be administered certain substances substances within a specific timeframe before a race. This ruling also prevents the use of an atomiser, face mask or other device on a horse at any point on the previous day or the day of a race (AHR Rule 193 (2)).
How HRA’s rule changes affect you
To see the full list of amendments, visit HRA’s website.