There have been some recent instances, especially during inspections conducted at registered stables, where Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have observed and taken action against persons driving a horse in sulky, particularly during trackwork, who have not been wearing a properly affixed helmet, a properly affixed protective vest, and/or adequate footwear offering a sufficient level of bodily protection.
It is an offence under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) for a person to drive or ride a horse not wearing a properly affixed helmet that is of a make and model of which has been approved by Harness Racing Australia (HRA) and entered in the Register of Helmets. The list of helmets approved by HRA can be found here.
It is also an offence under the AHRR for a person to drive or ride a horse not wearing a properly affixed protective vest that is of a make and model of which has been approved by HRA. The list of protective vests approved by HRA can be found here.
In addition, it is also required under the AHRR that helmets and protective vests are in a satisfactory condition, not be modified in any way (except for any art or decorative work with respect to helmets), and have attached to them a manufacturer’s label that states the date of manufacture and that they comply with a standard approved by HRA.
Along with being offence provisions under the AHRR, there are also potential consequences and repercussions from an insurance standpoint should a person fail to wear such protective equipment and clothing in the event of an accident, especially at a private registered training establishment.
Relevant AHRR
Relating to dress – helmets
159A.
(1) (a) When driving or riding a horse the driver must:
(i) Wear a properly affixed helmet;
(ii) Wear a helmet the make and model of which has been approved by HRA and entered in the Register of Helmets.
(b) The helmet must:-
(i) Be in a satisfactory condition;
(ii) Not be modified in any way save and except for any art or decorative work;
(iii) Have attached to it a manufacturer‘s label that states the date of manufacture and that it complies with a standard approved by HRA.
(2) Every driver is responsible for the care and condition of their own helmet.
(3) A helmet will be deemed not in a satisfactory condition and must be immediately replaced by a driver if:-
(a) Five years have expired since its date of purchase or acquisition as a brand new helmet or eight years have expired since its date of manufacture, whichever is earlier; or
(b) It sustains a severe impact; or
(c) The wearer suffers from concussion following a fall.
(4) Further to sub-rule (3)(a) a driver is required to:-
(a) Retain and maintain documentary evidence (such as a receipt) of the dateon which the driver purchased or acquired a helmet in his or herpossession; and
(b) Produce such evidence to a Controlling Body or the Stewards at any time required by either of them.
(5) The Stewards may at any time seize a helmet for inspection and may in their absolute discretion confiscate any helmet that does not comply with the requirements of this rule, including (without limitation) where the Stewards are of the opinion that a helmet is not in a satisfactory condition including as a result of general wear and tear or the manner in which it has been stored or maintained.
(6) When driving or mounted on a horse during darkness every driver must affix to his or helmet a safety warning light of a type approved by a Controlling Body or theStewards (except that this rule does not apply to any location where the Stewards have ruled that sufficient artificial lighting exists).
(7) A driver who fails to comply with any provision of this rule is guilty of an offence.
Relating to dress – protective vests
159B.
(1) (a) When driving or riding a horse the driver must:
(i) Wear a properly affixed protective vest;
(ii) Wear a protective vest which is of a make and model approved by HRA.
(b) The protective vest must:-
(i) Be in a satisfactory condition;
(ii) Not be modified in any way;
(iii) Have attached to it a manufacturer‘s label that states the date of manufacture and that it complies with a standard approved by HRA.
(2) A driver required by these Rules to wear a protective vest must not have in his or her possession a protective vest that does not comply with the requirements in sub-rule (1).
(3) The Stewards may confiscate or order the satisfactory repair of any protective vest that does not comply with the requirements in sub-rule (1).
(4) A driver who fails to comply with any provision of this rule is guilty of an offence.
Protective gear
223.
A person when engaged in any activity relating to the care, control, training or management of a horse shall wear adequate footwear, clothing and other protective bodily coverings.
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