Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) acknowledges and appreciates the valuable role that licensed participants play in promoting harness racing through media interviews and public commentary. Engaging positively with the media helps showcase the sport and strengthen the connection between participants and the public.
At the same time, participants are reminded of their obligations when providing interviews, commentary, or making public statements relating to races and their involvement:
- Any assessment or commentary must remain fair, balanced, and professional.
- Where a participant has a connection to horses engaged in a race (as trainer, driver, owner, or stable representative), additional care is required to avoid any perception of bias, conflict of interest, or the disclosure of information that may influence betting markets.
- Public comments must not bring the industry, other participants, or officials into disrepute.
- Disparaging, misleading, or speculative remarks regarding the conduct of races, horse performances, or Stewards’ decisions are not permitted.
- All statements must comply with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR).
Participants play a key role in building trust and confidence with the public, and commentary must always uphold the integrity and reputation of the sport.
Failure to meet these obligations may result in action being taken under the Rules of Racing.
For clarification on your responsibilities, please refer to the AHRR or contact HRV Stewards.
For further information on this please contact HRV Integrity using one of the following options:
HRV Stewards – Phone – 03 8378 0292
Integrity Hotline – Phone – 03 9214 0651 or Email – integrity@hrv.org.au