HRV stewards continue to take a zero-tolerance approach regarding any person who breaches the following directions and requirements, which are in place to protect the health and wellbeing of all persons involved in the harness racing industry.  

This industry notice is a timely reminder of the current protocols and these requirements apply to all race meetings and trials conducted in Victoria.

HRV stewards direct all industry participants and stakeholders to abide by the following requirements which must be adhered to at all Victorian race meetings and trials:

  • Only Victorian based trainers and drivers may compete at a race meeting or trials.
  • Only licensed trainers, drivers and stablehands may attend a race meeting or trial and only where they have a horse engaged, a driving engagement or are assisting a trainer with a horse engaged in a race meeting or trial.
  • Only essential raceday staff may attend a race meeting or trial.
  • A trainer must have only one 1 (one) stablehand present at a meeting or trial. The only exception will be where a trainer has 3 (three) or more horses engaged in a race meeting or trial in which case a maximum number of only 2 (two) stablehands may attend in company with that trainer.  Permission can be obtained by the stewards for an additional stablehand, however that is dependent on the number of horses engaged at that race meeting.
  • Prior to entering the stabling area all persons must present their HRV licence/identification for verification, complete an ‘Infectious Disease Declaration’ and be subject to a temperature test upon arrival and prior to entry being granted to a racecourse. All participants are encouraged to complete the ‘Infectious Disease Declaration’ prior to arrival at a race meeting or trial (the form can be accessed here);
  • Prior to entering a racecourse all persons who are eligible to enter must undergo a temperature check. Any persons displaying a confirmed temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius or above will not be permitted entry to the racecourse. Such person will not be permitted to attend further race meetings, or present any horse to start in races, until a full medical clearance including a negative COVID-19 test is obtained and provided to the HRV stewards (Effective 25 March 2020).
  • Drivers are to limit the time spent within the drivers’ room and all enclosed areas as much as possible and are to exercise appropriate physical distancing protocols at all times.
  • Trainers and drivers are to leave the race meeting as soon as possible upon fulfilling their obligations in accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (after completion of swabbing procedures, attendance before stewards etc).
  • Trainers and drivers are not to stand in groups along the racecourse fence lines to watch races or congregate in other areas of the race track and must engage in physical distancing protocols at all times (ensuring a distance of 1.5m between persons is maintained at all times).
  • Trainers, drivers and stablehands are encouraged to regularly wash and disinfect their hands and engage in hygienic practices at all times.
  • All licensed persons who are attending a race meeting in an official capacity are not to attend bistros’ or other areas of the racecourse where the general public may be in attendance and partaking in a meal or refreshments.
  • No owners (unless a licensed trainer, driver or stablehand engaged in the race meeting) or the general public are allowed on course.
  • Masks must now be worn by all licensed persons and staff on course at all metropolitan tracks (Kilmore, Cranbourne and Tabcorp Park Melton) effective from 23/07/2020.
  • Note, participants with medical conditions who would find it hard to breathe while wearing a mask, or people who find it difficult to put on and remove a mask due to physical disabilities, do not have to wear a mask, but should wear a scarf or similar face covering.  Where this is not possible an exemption letter from a medical practitioner should be provided.

All persons are advised that should they fail to comply with these requirements significant penalties, including periods of disqualification, may be imposed under AHRR 238. 

AHRR 238 states:

238. A person shall not fail to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Controlling Body or the Stewards relating to harness racing or to the harness racing industry. 

These measures have been put in place to ensure that harness racing complies with all bio-security requirements and must be followed to ensure that harness racing in Victoria continues under the current State Government restrictions.  Your cooperation with these measures will assist us all to continue racing for as long as possible however any breach may place in jeopardy the future of racing in this state.

All COVID-19 tests must be reported via this link