There have been some recent instances during race meetings and inspections conducted at registered stables where Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have become aware that persons carrying on activities regulated by licence have not been the holder of a current licence.
It is an offence under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) for a person to carry on an activity regulated by licence if that person is not the holder of a current licence or if that person’s licence is suspended.
In addition, it is also an offence under the AHRR for licensed trainers who fail to ensure that all persons carrying out activities of a stable hand with respect to their registered stables, are licensed as stable hands.
Trainers are reminded that, at all times, they are responsible for the administration and conduct of their stables. Trainers are further reminded of their obligations under the AHRR to ensure that all persons carrying out activities regulated by licence at their stables, are holders of a current licence.
Relevant AHRR
Trainers Licence
90A.
(2.9)(a) The holder of a trainer’s licence shall ensure that all persons carrying out the activities of a stable hand are licenced as stable hands.
(b) A trainer who fails to comply with sub-paragraph (a) is guilty of an offence.
(2.10)(a) A trainer is at all times responsible for the administration and conduct of his stables.
(b) A trainer is at all times responsible for the care, control and supervision of the horses in his stables.
(c) If a trainer is to be absent from his stables for a period exceeding forty eight (48) hours he must after obtaining the approval of the Stewards nominate a licensed or registered person to be in charge of such stables during his absence.
(d) If a trainer is unable to attend a race meeting where any horse trained by him is engaged to race:-
(i) He must nominate in writing his licensed stable representative or another licensed trainer to be responsible for such horse at the meeting.
(ii) The nomination must be notified to the Stewards no later than one (1) hour prior to the advertised starting time of the race.
(iii) The nomination must be accompanied by the written consent of the nominee accepting such nomination.
(iv) The nomination cannot be further delegated.
(e) Any nomination by the trainer in accordance with sub-rules (c) and (d) does not relieve the trainer of the responsibilities imposed by sub-rules (a) and (b).
Stablehands Licence
90A.
(3.2) A stablehand’s licence shall not be granted to a person younger than 14 years.
(3.4) The holder of a stablehand’s licence is licensed, under the supervision or instructions of a licensed trainer, to –
(a) carry out track work;
(b) assist with the training, management, care and control of horses;
(c) assist with pre-race preparation of, and post race procedures affecting, a horse.
Offences
91.
(1) A person shall not carry on an activity regulated by licence –
(a) if that person is not the holder of a current licence;
(b) if the person’s licence is suspended; or
(c) except in accordance with the terms and conditions of the licence.
(2) A person who fails to comply with any provision of sub rule (1) is guilty of an offence.
For further information on this matter please contact the HRV Integrity Department using one of the following below:
HRV Stewards – Phone – 03 8378 0222
HRV Stewards Outside Business Hours – Phone – 03 9214 0650
Integrity Hotline – Phone – 03 9214 0651 or Email – integrity@hrv.org.au