New whip rules – effective May 1

Harness Racing New South Wales is committed to the improvement of equine welfare measures and fully supports the new Whip Rules announced by Harness Racing Australia earlier this month.  The use of the whip in the racing industry is a major issue for some parts of the community and animal welfare groups and the industry, as a whole, must recognise these concerns and adapt to current welfare and safety expectations.

After consultation and support from the UHRA, the accredited industry body representing trainers and drivers, HRNSW will continue to implement strategies to improve animal welfare.

The new rules basically require a driver to hold a rein in each hand throughout a race or trial.  The changes have been designed to help eliminate any conjecture surrounding the previous rules while improving animal welfare and providing a better public perception.  The changes also take into account a driver’s capacity to control a horse.

From April 1 2016 no driver competing in trials across NSW will be allowed to cross the reins and apply the whip with a free hand.

HRNSW and Trial Supervisors will be monitoring trials and those in breach of the new rules may be subject to penalty.  The main reason for the implementation of this policy is to begin the education process for drivers so they can amend their driving styles in the lead up to May 1.

HRNSW Stewards are currently working on a penalty structure for breaches of the new Whip Rules, however effective May 1 there will be no grace period for breaches.  All participants are required to familiarise themselves with the new rules.

Here is Rule 156 – the new provisions are specified in italics

Rule 156(1)(a)

a)  A driver shall only use a whip “of a design and specification” approved by the Controlling Body.

b)  “A whip, once approved:-

                i. shall not be modified in any manner;

                ii. shall be maintained in a satisfactory condition;

c)  A whip that does not comply with sub-paragraph b) may be confiscated by the Stewards”.

Rule 156(2)

“A driver shall hold a rein in each hand at all times unless he or she is adjusting approved gear”.

Rule 156(3)

“A driver shall not use a whip in an unapproved manner”.

Rule 156(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 tip of the whip is drawn back further than the driver’s shoulder.

b)  “If the whip hand is drawn back further than or above the driver’s shoulder”.

c)  If the whip action involves more than a wrist and elbow action.

d)  If the reins are lengthened so as to result in loose reining regardless of whether the whip is being used at the same time.

e)  If the whip is used other than in a flicking motion.

f)  “If the whip is applied continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond”.

g)  “If the whip is applied when the horse:-

i. is not visibly responding;

ii. is not in contention”;

iii. cannot maintain or improve its position;

iv. “is clearly winning”;

v. has passed the winning post at the finish of a race.

Rule 156(5)

“A driver shall not use the whip in a manner which causes injury to a horse”.

Rule 156(6)

A whip shall not be used so as to obstruct, strike or endanger another driver or horse.

Rule 156(7)

A driver shall not allow a whip to project outside the sulky.

 

Rule 156(8)

A whip shall not be used in a prodding or jabbing motion.

Rule 156(9)

"A driver shall not be in possession of a whip that has not been approved by the Controlling Body."

Rule 156(10)

"A person who fails to comply with any provision of this Rule is guilty of an offence."

Rule 156 B

1) “A person shall not instruct or offer an inducement to a driver to use a whip in a manner contrary to the provisions of Rule 156”.

2) “A person who fails to comply with Sub-rule 1) is guilty of an offence”.

Here is the link to a short video has also produced by HRA. HRNSW would like to thank the NSW participants who were involved in the making of the video and would encourage all drivers to watch the short production.

Greg Hayes