Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards appreciate and acknowledge the continued efforts of the majority of drivers participating in the Victorian Harness Racing industry to comply with the recent implementation of the wrist only flicking action in accordance with the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 156(2)(a).
To further assist and provide clarification of drivers utilising the whip with an acceptable and unacceptable action within a race, the following demonstrational examples are provided here:
Whip Action Demonstration Video
HRV Stewards further remind drivers of the required whip action in accordance with Rule 156(2)(a):
AHRR 156(2)(a) A driver shall only apply the whip 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.
As previously advertised, the follow Penalty Guidelines will be adopted by HRV Stewards, where a driver is found to be in contravention of the applicable AHRR.
HRV STEWARDS PENALTY GUIDELINES
To afford drivers sufficient time to adjust to the rule amendments, all drivers whip offence record will be reset as of 1 September 2020 and the following minimum penalty guidelines shall apply from 1 September 2020 – 31 October 2020:
Minimum Penalty Guidelines 1 September 2020 – 31 October 2020
Rule 156(2)
1st Offence: Caution*
2nd Offence: Minimum $200 fine
3rd Offence: Minimum $400 fine
4th Offence: Minimum 2 Week Suspension of licence to drive in races
Rule 156(3)
Please note that in accordance with the provisions of Rule 156(3) when using the whip in an unapproved manner, HRV Stewards will continue to police this rule when drivers utilise the whip on more than 20 occasions in the final 200m, which will be considered to be using the whip excessively and or too continuously.
1st Offence: Caution*
2nd Offence: Minimum $100 fine
3rd Offence: Minimum $200 fine
4th Offence: Minimum 7 Day Suspension of licence to drive in races
All drivers offence records will again reset on 1 October 2020 and 1 November 2020.
*Where HRV Stewards form an opinion that the driver has not attempted to comply with the applicable rules, a penalty greater than the advertised minimum may be applied.
HRV Stewards will review the above penalty guidelines against offending under the new whip rules to consider and then determine the penalty guidelines to be applied from 1 November 2020.
HRV Stewards intend to continue to consult with the VTDA on this and other relevant matters.