Racing Guidelines

For the purposes of these guidelines races will be categorised as follows:

1.1 A Trainer must within 24 hours of a horse entering their stable lodge a stable return via HarnessWeb or in writing to HRV except in circumstances where a horse is to be, or has been, nominated for a race where a stable return must be lodged immediately.

1.2 – Any trainer relinquishing the training of a horse shall notify HRV in writing, or via HarnessWeb, immediately upon the horse leaving his/her care.

1.3 – A horse must be nominated by:

• HarnessWeb
• Fax: 03 9214 0695
• E-mail: racing@hrv.org.au

Nominations by telephone are NOT permitted.

1.4 – All nominations close with Harness Racing Victoria only.

1.5 – Trainers who nominate by HarnessWeb are reminded that they should always check any nominations lodged by checking ‘MY NOMS’ from the navigation menu. This will display all current nominations and engagements and provide a chance to rectify any problems or errors.

1.6 – As changes are sometimes made to race programs, trainers should always refer to the latest edition of the Harness Racer or online calendar.

1.7 – When nominations for a race are extended, it will be until one hour before the advertised Acceptance Time. Preference in field selection will be given to original nominations, unless race conditions state otherwise.

1.8 – When nominations have been extended for a particular race, any horse that has been scratched prior to acceptance time, may only be re-nominated on the same handicap mark in a standing start race or under the same National Rating in a mobile start race and shall be treated as a late nomination. Effectively, a Concession Driver claiming a concession may not be substituted for a non-Concession Driver, and accordingly, a non-Concession Driver may not be substituted for a concession
driver claiming a concession.

1.9.1 – If by racing and accruing rating points that vary a horse's National Rating outside the parameters of a race in which it is nominated, the trainer may, before Acceptance Time:

(a) request the horse be transferred to another rating race for which it is eligible (such horse will be treated as an original nomination), or

(b) confirm the original nomination by notifying a change of driver to an eligible Concession Driver provided that concessions are applicable to the race. If an eligible Concession Driver is already the listed driver and providing that the horse remains within the eligibility conditions of the race, the horse will remain eligible. Such requests shall be made to the HRV Handicapping Panel in writing or by telephone before nominations close if the horse wins prior to Nomination Closing Time, or before Acceptance Time if the horse wins after nominations have closed.

1.9.2 – If by racing and accruing rating points that vary a horse's National Rating outside the parameters of a race after Acceptance Time, the trainer may change driver to an eligible Concession Driver provided that concessions are applicable to the race so the horses remains eligible. Accordingly, a Concession Driver claiming a lesser concession may then be substituted to that of a higher concession.  Any mare which races after Acceptance Time and has a future racing engagement where it is or is not utilising a Mares Allowance can then utilise such allowance so that it remains eligible for such race.

1.9.3 – A horse engaged as a starter in a stand start race that accrues rating points after racing in another race and exceeds the National Rating band prescribed for its current handicap shall be re-handicapped accordingly. The trainer may change driver to an eligible Concession Driver provided that concessions are applicable to the race so the horse remains on the original handicap. Accordingly, a Concession Driver claiming a lesser concession may then be substituted to that of a higher concession. Horses cannot be re-handicapped forwards after acceptances.

1.10 – For a horse to be eligible for a claiming race, a correct claiming authority form must be lodged prior to the close of nominations.

1.11 – A trainer may nominate a horse in a claiming race via HarnessWeb or on the official nomination form, with a claiming price equal to or above the minimum claiming price lodged by the owner/s on an official claiming authority form.

1.12 – The claiming prices for horses nominated in a claiming race will be advertised after the close of extended nominations. Prices cannot be altered after such time.

1.13 – In a claiming race governed by a minimum claiming price, a horse may nominate with a claiming price lower than the minimum of the race, but will be classified equal to that of the minimum. The horse may be claimed for the price for which it was entered.

1.14 – A horse claimed from a claiming race will become ineligible for any other claiming race for which nominations have closed or acceptances have been taken.

1.15 – Any horse that is owned or trained by a person/s listed on the ‘Unpaid Forfeits List’ at the time nominations close will be made ‘Nomination Subject’. The horse may not be eligible to be re-instated at acceptance time unless the outstanding amount is paid in full and the person/s are removed from the ‘Unpaid Forfeits List’ by the HRV Finance Department.

1.16 – A confirmed driver engagement must be notified to HRV no later than the time prescribed beneath the individual race program in Harness Racer.

1.17 -–If for the purpose of maximizing a field size it is necessary to accept nominations after the original closing time of nominations, horses nominated prior to the original closing time will be given preference in selection of the field/s, regardless of whether or not these horses have an unfulfilled engagement. Horses nominated outside the original closing time will be deemed accepted at the discretion of HRV’s Racing Team.

2.1 – Fields for Metro races ($15,000 or more) are selected by the HRV Handicapping Panel. The Automatic Field Selection System and the Unfulfilled Engagement rule are not applicable.

2.2 – Except for races designated as Group 1, fields for Metro 2YO races will be selected on prizemoney earnt in descending order. In the event of two or more horses being equal on prizemoney, preference in field selection will be given to the horse who has had the least amount of starts. If they cannot be split a random ballot will occur.

2.3 – Fields for all other races are selected in accordance with the Automatic Field Selection System (field selection points).

2.4 – In Career races (stakemoney of $4,501 to $14,999), fields will be selected in descending points score order, unless otherwise stated in the race conditions.

2.5 – In Restricted races (stakemoney of $4,500 or less), fields will be selected in ascending points score order (ie. from the bottom up), unless otherwise stated in the race conditions.

2.6 – Horses earn field selection points in accordance with the following table.

2.6.1 – Field Selection Points

2.6.2 – A bonus of four points is added to a horse’s Field Selection Points for all Metro races.

2.6.3 – A horse will be awarded 6 field selection points if it is balloted from a Career race with stakemoney in excess of $4,500 but not more than $14,999. These ballot points are treated as a points scoring performance and will replace such horse’s current lowest point scoring performance of their last five starts. This will not be applicable under the following scenarios:

a) a manual field selection race

b) when a horse has an unfulfilled engagement

c) a race selected in ascending points score order

d) when a horse is a late nomination

e) when a horse is deemed ineligible at acceptance time

f) when a horse is balloted from a race having gained a start in another race on the same day

g) when a horse is balloted from a race having already been balloted from another race on the same day

h) if the horse is declared an emergency but is scratched prior to final declaration of scratchings

i) if the race is declared a ‘no-race’ or is abandoned.

These points will be credited to a horse’s field selection points total after the running of the race meeting from which the horse has been balloted.

2.6.4 – When a horse qualifies to race it will be initially allotted a points score of 24 points (4 ‘gifted’ starts x 6 points). The points score of a newly qualified horse will then be calculated in the same manner as for a horse with a racing history, that is, by considering the horse’s last five points scoring performances and discarding the least points scoring performance so that the total of the remaining four points scoring performances becomes the points score used in the Automatic Field Selection System.

Example: Horse XYZ qualified and earns 24 points as above. The example below shows the horse’s points alter after each performance.

2.6.5 – For Career races (stakemoney of $4,501 to $14,999), in the event of two or more horses being equal with the same points score, a countback will determine which horse gains a start, with preference given to the horse which earned the highest points at its last start. If both/all horses earned the same points, this procedure will be repeated through each previous start. If both/all horses cannot be separated, a random ballot will determine which horse/s gain a start.

2.6.6 – For Restricted races (stakemoney of $4,500 or less), in the event of two or more horses being equal with the same points score, a countback will determine which horse gains a start, with preference given to the horse which earned the lowest points at its last start. If both/all horses earned the same points, this procedure will be repeated through each previous start. If both/all horses cannot be separated, a random ballot will determine which horse/s gain a start.

2.6.7 – For any race where the field is selected under the Automatic Field Selection System, with more than one horse being equal on 24 points, unraced horses will take preference over horses also on 24 points who have had one or more race starts.

2.6.8 – Horses will be eligible for interference compensation if, in the opinion of the Steward-In-Charge, significant interference has occurred. Field Selection Points will be allocated accordingly and Rating Points from the race will be adjusted to that of the upgraded position. Compensation will only be applied upon application from connections of the horse on the day of the race.

2.6.9 – A horse that has an engagement as a starter in a race (not as an emergency) at Acceptance Time for a given meeting will be deemed as having an Unfulfilled Engagement. Horses with an Unfulfilled Engagement will only be selected after horses without an engagement. An Unfulfilled Engagement is deemed to be a racing engagement in any state of Australia, up until midnight the day of acceptances. Preference in field selection will be given to horses with the least number of engagements.

2.6.10 - A Horse with two unfulfilled engagements (as a starter, not as an emergency) at acceptance time for any race will be deemed ineligible to compete in such race. Where a horses is drawn in as a starter in two races, it shall be withdrawn from any other engagements as emergency where Final scratchings are yet to be declared. Races conducted as multiple runnings at the one meeting will be deemed as one unfulfilled engagement.

2.7 – If a horse accepts for two or more races at a meeting, a trainer may notify the HRV Handicapping Panel of a preference for one race over another, however, such horse will be given a start in the race which allows the field selector to maximise field sizes.

2.8 – Wherever possible, a mare that accepts for two races will be given a start in a mares race in preference to an open race, dependent upon the number of acceptors.

2.9 – Any horse which qualifies in a Heat/Semi-Final and is scratched from that Final before Acceptance Time will incur a 14 day scratching penalty from the date of the Final, except that in cases where a veterinary certificate is lodged and accepted by the Stewards within 48 hours of the meeting, the period of the ban will be a minimum of 6 days from the date of the Final.

2.10 – A horse will be ineligible to gain a start in a race if it has already been drawn into a race on the same day, unless otherwise stated in the race conditions.

2.11 – A horse that is engaged as an emergency for the Final of a race may be granted a start in another race at the same meeting. If there is a scratching from the Final, such horse is required to contest the Final and will be scratched without penalty from the other race. Should such horse scratch from the Final, it will be deemed ineligible for the other race.

2.12 – A horse that is engaged as an emergency in a feature race of higher stakemoney may be granted a start in a race of lesser stakemoney at the same meeting. If there is a scratching from the feature race, such horse is required to contest the feature race and will be scratched without penalty from the other race. Should such horse scratch from the feature race, it will be deemed ineligible for the other race.

2.13 – A horse that is engaged as an emergency in a Career race may be granted a start in a Restricted race on the same day. If there is a scratching from the Career race, such horse is required to contest that race and will be scratched without penalty from the other race. Should such horse scratch from the Career race, it will be deemed ineligible for the other race.

2.14 – A horse that is engaged as an emergency in a Metro race may be granted a start in a Career race on the same day. If there is a scratching from the Metro race, such horse is required to contest that race and will be scratched without penalty from the other race. Should such horse scratch from the Metro race, it will be deemed ineligible for the other race.

2.15 – A horse that is declared as an emergency in two or more Heats/divisions of a race or two individual races at the same meeting shall be deemed as a starter in the Heat/division or individual race from which the earliest timed scratching was taken. Such horse shall then be automatically scratched from the other Heat/division or individual race.

2.16 – A horse that is declared as an emergency in two or more races at different venues on the same day may scratch from one venue in preference to the other venue.

2.17 – If a race is re-drawn to allow for the inclusion of another horse, such horse will be randomly drawn a number from the range of barriers it was eligible to draw and all other barrier positions will be adjusted accordingly.

3.1 Any race programmed as a Heat, Semi-Final or Repechage of a Series will be divided on a random (not manual) selection basis. Owner and Trainer splits will apply*.

3.2 A Career race that is split into divisions will be divided on a random (not manual) selection basis. Owner and Trainer splits will apply*.

3.3 Any race that is selected in ascending order (i.e. from the bottom up)(excluding Heats, Semi- Finals or Repechages) and split into divisions will be divided based on field selection points (or relevant race field selection criteria). The lowest points will contest the first division, the next highest point scorers the second division and so on. Owner and Trainer splits will not apply.

3.4 A Metro race that is split into divisions of equal stakemoney will be divided on a random (not manual) selection basis. Owner and Trainer splits will apply*.

3.5 In the event of an advertised Metro race being divided, subsequent divisions of the race may be run for lesser stakemoney. If so, these races will be divided based on individual horses form. The best performed horses will contest the first division, the next best performed horses will contest the second division and so on. Owner and Trainer splits will not apply. When nominations are extended, in line with HRV policy, original nominations will take preference over any late nominations, however, should a late nomination gain a start, it will be allocated to any division at the discretion of the HRV Handicapping  Panel.

*Owner and Trainer splits do NOT apply in Breeders Crown or Vicbred Super Series Races.

4.1 If after final acceptances a programmed race has less than eight acceptors, such race may be deleted and/or another programmed race with sufficient acceptors divided and held in substitution. A race cannot be run with five acceptors or less, otherwise at the discretion of the racing office.

5.1 – At all racetracks with a circumference of 900 metres and greater, a field limit of 12 starters will apply. At all racetracks with a circumference of less than 900 metres, a field limit of 10 starters in mobile races and 12 starters in standing start races will apply, pending restrictions at some venues.

5.2 – All races run over 1750m or less will be limited to 10 starters at all venues.

5.3 – All Restricted races will be limited to 10 starters.

5.4 – The HRV Board may determine on occasions that a feature race will be conducted with an increased field limit.

6.1 Barrier draws will be programmed at the discretion of HRV, for example, but not limited to:

– Random Barrier Draw (RBD).

– Preferential Barrier Draw based on:

• National Rating (PBD/NR),
• Sex (PBD/SEX),
• Claiming Price (PBD/CLAIM),
• Stakemoney earned at last ‘X’ starts (PBD/$LX),
• Lifetime stakemoney (PBD/$L),
• Lifetime wins (PBD/LTW),
• Field Selection Points (PBD/FSP),
• Win Only Earnings (PBD/WOE).
• Combinations of the above criteria may be applied to races e.g. (PBD/NR/$L4).

Note: PBD criteria is applied at acceptance time and not altered by subsequent performances

7.1 – Horses scratched prior to Acceptance Time with a veterinary certificate must lodge such veterinary certificate within 48 hours* of Acceptance Time. The period of the ban will be a minimum of 6 days from the date of Acceptance Time for the meeting.

7.2 – Horses scratched after Acceptance Time will be automatically stood down from racing for a period of 14 days from the date of the meeting, except that in cases where a veterinary certificate is lodged and accepted by the Stewards within 48 hours* of the meeting, the period of the ban will be a minimum of 6 days from the date of the meeting.

7.3 – A horse engaged as an emergency can be scratched penalty free prior to 8.30am on the morning of the meeting, except as provided in 2.11, 2.12, 2.13 and 2.14.

7.4 – Final scratchings are taken at 8.30am on the morning of each race meeting. Emergencies will be withdrawn at this time if there have been no scratchings in the race.

7.5 – Horses scratched after 8.30am on race day will be automatically stood down from racing for a period of 28 days from the date of the meeting, except that in cases where a veterinary certificate is lodged and accepted by the Stewards within 48 hours* of the meeting, the period of the ban will be a minimum of 6 days from the date of the meeting.

7.6 – A horse that is a late scratching due to a float breakdown will be automatically stood down from racing for a period of 28 days from the date of the meeting, except that in cases where a mechanical certificate of repair is lodged and accepted by the Stewards within 48 hours* of the meeting, the ban may be reduced to a minimum of 6 days. If the Stewards are not satisfied that a late scratching due to a float breakdown is legitimate, then the provisions of Rule 88 may be enforced.

*Paperwork not lodged within 48 hours for the above penalties may be considered at the discretion of the Stewards for approval or otherwise.

7.7 – A scratching fee of $49 (inc. GST) will apply excepting: (a) if the scratching is lodged before the original close of nominations, (b) if a veterinary certificate is lodged – such horses will be stood down from racing for the period stated on the veterinary certificate, subject to minimum scratching penalties listed above, (c) if the horse has scratched under the ‘2 day rule’ – that is, a horse’s nomination may be withdrawn prior to Acceptance Time for any meeting in the 2 calendar days following a meeting at which the horse gains a start. The ‘2 day rule’ also applies to Friday meetings when acceptances are taken after those for the principal Saturday meeting, (d) if the horse is an emergency in the race, (e) if the race was programmed as a discretionary handicap.

7.8 – On days when multiple Acceptance Times are scheduled, if a horse gains a start in a race, it is the responsibility of the trainer to withdraw such horse from subsequent nominations before Acceptance Time if he/she does not want such horse to gain another start.

7.9 – If, following the release of fields, a horse is scratched due to a change of ownership, such horse, upon lodgement of the transfer of ownership papers, may have the scratching penalty lifted. A horse that is scratched due to a change of trainer will remain liable to the appropriate scratching penalties, unless such horse has been transferred to an interstate trainer, in which case the scratching penalty may be lifted upon approval from the Stewards.

7.10 – On a race day where the forecast maximum temperature for the race meeting venue is determined by the Bureau of Meteorology to exceed thirty eight degrees Celsius (38ºC), the trainer of a horse engaged at that meeting may scratch the horse free of penalty prior to 8.30am on the day of the meeting. Scratchings effected after 8.30 AM on race day will attract the normal scratching penalty. Such applications may only be made on the day of the race, and notified to the Racing Office.

7.11 – A horse which is a starter in a stand start race and is re-handicapped following a performance in another race may scratch without penalty by contacting the HRV Handicapping Panel prior to 8.30am. on race morning.

7.12 – A horse drawn as an emergency for a Metro race and subsequently drawn as a starter in a Career race at another meeting may be scratched by connections without penalty from the Career race provided there has been a scratching from the Metro race and application is made to the Racing Office.

8.1 A race may be conducted as Heats and a Final and may have a Consolation/s in conjunction therewith provided that in Mobile Start races, a horse will become ineligible for any further Heat, Final or Consolation of the race if it is reclassified beyond the published conditions of the race for performances  in races other than within the series.

8.2 – The published conditions of a race where the Heats are conducted in one State and the Final in another State, must be approved by the Controlling Body of each of the States concerned.

8.3 – Eligible Concession Drivers may claim a concession in Heats and Final/Consolation, unless otherwise stated. Horses must maintain the same claim level (including those with no claim) throughout all stages of the series, unless otherwise stated in these conditions.

8.4 – Horses may contest more than one Heat, unless otherwise stated in the race conditions. Preference in the selection of fields will be given to horses that contested the least number of Heats. For the purpose of selection of fields, a horse that is disqualified from a Heat will be treated as having been a starter in such Heat.

8.5 – Horses selected in the Heats are deemed to be final acceptors in all rounds of Heats (if applicable) and the Final and will be liable for any penalties if scratched.

8.6.1 – Horses will qualify for the Final based on finishing position and mile rate recorded in the Heats. Preference in qualification for a Final will be given to horses which completed the course in their Heat.

8.6.2 – In the event of a dead heat for any finishing position in a qualifying race, preference in qualifying will be given to a horse who places outright for the same finishing position, regardless of mile rate.

8.6.3 – In the event of two or more horses each finishing in the same position and recording the same mile rate in a qualifying race, and thereby producing a field exceeding the field limit, then a random ballot will be applied.

8.7 – If any qualified horse is unable to take its place in the Final (or subsequent race of the series), the next highest ranked horse based on finishing position and mile rate will be declared the qualifier. It is the responsibility of the trainer to ascertain whether or not such horse has qualified for the Final.

8.8 – Horses which qualify for a Final will not be permitted to start in any other race on the day the Final is scheduled, excepting a race/series that is designated as Group 1 or is advertised with gross stakemoney of not less than $50,000. Accordingly, horses qualified for a Final may make application to scratch without penalty to take their place in feature races mentioned above within 48 hours of such Final.

8.9.1 – Horses who contest a Heat will retain their National Rating in any other stage of the series, except that if a horse races in a race/s outside of the Series after Acceptance Time for the Heat, it will be re-classified accordingly should the relevant field not already by drawn.

8.9.2 – If such horse is reclassified at any stage that it no longer meets the race criteria they will be deemed ineligible. However, the driver can be replaced with a Concession Driver in order for the horse to remain eligible in the series, but cannot be reclassified lower than their original National Rating from the heat.

8.10 – Where a horse has its National Rating reduced after contesting a race/s outside the series, the reduction shall apply in the subsequent races in the series should the relevant field not already be drawn. Accordingly if a driver was claiming a concession and it no longer applies, they can be replaced with a senior driver prior to driver declaration time.

8.11 – Fields for Consolation races will be selected on finishing order and mile rate in the Heats.

8.12 – The type of barrier draw applied to the Heats will also apply to the Final, unless otherwise approved by HRV.

8.13 – Where a horse contests a Heat and qualifies for the Final, the driver for the Final may be changed from the driver in the Heat, providing the change is notified by the time prescribed for the notification of drivers.

8.14 – In the event of any Heat being abandoned after the declaration of Acceptances, horses (excluding scratchings) will qualify for the Final in descending order of automatic field selection points  at acceptance time for Heats selected under the Automatic Field Selection System, regardless of whether such Heat was a Career or Restricted race. Accordingly, horses (excluding scratchings) will qualify at the discretion of the HRV Handicapping Panel for Heats selected under the Manual Field Selection System.

8.15 – In the event of there being only ONE Heat of any Series conducted, the Final may be abandoned.

8.16 – Where a horse contests a Heat and qualifies for the Final, the trainer of such horse is not required to nominate for the Final.

8.17 – The provisions of Rule 195A shall apply, and be read into the conditions of entry, for races run as Heats and Final/Consolation.

9.1 – A Concession Driver is a licensed driver who has held a licence for a period of less than five years from the date a Grade B licence was first granted.

9.2 – A Concession Driver may, with the approval of the Controlling Body, claim a concession (subject to the exceptions hereinafter set out) in the first five years from the date of first being granted a Grade B licence;

9.3 – A horse driven by a Concession Driver claiming a concession shall have its National Rating reduced as determined by the concurrent total of the Driver’s race wins being:

                (a)          Five (5) Rating points concession for 0 – 100 lifetime wins

                (b)          Three (3) Rating points concession for 101 – 250 lifetime wins.

                (c)           Five (5) Rating points concession in a Metro race for 0 – 50 lifetime Metro wins

9.4 – Drivers under the age of 24 are eligible to claim a concession provided that the criteria outlined in 9.3 is met.

9.5 – An extension to the five year concession term may be granted at the discretion of HRV Stewards if a driver is injured.

9.6 – The Controlling Body may at any time withdraw its approval for a Concession Driver to claim a concession.

9.7 – A dead-heat for first placing shall not count as a win.

9.8 – A concession may NOT be claimed in the following type of race:

(i) a maiden race;

(ii) a discretionary handicap;

(iii) a 2YO age race;

(iv) a 3YO age race;

(v) a claiming race;

(vi) a conditioned race;

(vii) a National Rating race with a minimum less than 50 (may apply in barrier draw ONLY)

9.9 – When a Concession Driver exceeds the maximum number of lifetime wins permitted for a concession claim and has further driving engagements, the driver will be permitted to claim the relevant concession/s for the remainder of such meeting and any other subsequent meetings where drivers have already been declared as per the advertised driver declaration deadline for the meeting. 

9.10 – When a Concession Driver utilises a concession claim in a Heat and the horse he/she drives in the Heats qualifies for the Final, such driver will be eligible to claim that concession in the Final on the same horse even if such driver has won his/her final win for the respective claim level, or concession claim has elapsed.

9.11 If a horse races prior to Acceptance Time for a meeting thereby having its National Rating increased, then provided that such race is one in which a concession may be claimed, a Concession Driver who is eligible to claim a concession may be engaged for, or substituted for, the engaged driver of such horse prior to Acceptance Time.

9.12 If a horse races after Acceptance Time for a meeting and accrues Rating Points thereby making it ineligible for a race in which it is a starter at that meeting, then a concession may be claimed for the horse so that it remains eligible for such race.

9.13 – If a Concession Driver claiming a concession is engaged to drive a horse in a race thereby reducing its National Rating for that race and is subsequently unable to fulfil that driving engagement, then he/she may only be replaced by another Concession Driver claiming a concession equal to or greater than that of the original driver.

10.1 – Unless stipulated otherwise, a mare nominating for a race not already restricted to mares shall be automatically granted a Mares Allowance and will have its National Rating reduced by five (5) points for that race, unless specified otherwise. A Concession Driver claim may not be utilised on a mare which has already benefited from a Mares Allowance. An allowance may NOT be claimed in the following type of race:

i) a discretionary handicap;

ii) a claiming race;

iii) a maiden race

iv)  a National Rating race with a minimum less than 52

11.1 – To be eligible for a mobile start race a horse must qualify in a mobile start Qualifying Trial and/or to be eligible for a standing start race a horse must qualify in a standing start Qualifying Trial.

11.2 – To qualify to race, a horse must, to the satisfaction of the Stewards:

11.2.1 – In a mobile start – score up without interference to other horses and be in its correct barrier position and be within one metre of the mobile barrier gate from the candy pole to the starting point, then complete the trial in a competitive manner without losing gait or rhythm.

11.2.2 – In a standing start – not delay the start through intractability and leave the barrier at the correct gait then complete the trial in a competitive manner without losing gait or rhythm.

11.2.3 – For such qualifications to be valid, a minimum of four horses must contest a mobile start trial and a minimum of three horses shall contest a standing start trial, unless otherwise determined and approved by Stewards.

11.3 – To change the gait of a horse, the owner or trainer must lodge a written request with HRV. The horse must re-qualify and a further change of gait cannot be approved until the expiration of three months from the date of the previous request.

11.4 – A horse must be qualified to race prior to acceptance time for a given meeting.

11.5 – A horse that qualifies without having had a valid Stable Return lodged may have that qualification rescinded.

11.6 – The total of 24 Field Selection Points gained by a horse when first qualified to race will not be altered if the horse thereafter qualifies for the alternate type of start (mobile or stand) in a Qualifying Trial.

For further information regarding qualification requirements refer to Conduct of Qualifying Trials.

12.1 – Horses excluded from the barrier draw at a race meeting will be listed on the Horse Action Notification form which will be located on the Stewards Room door or in the nearby vicinity. Stewards will not interview the trainer and/or driver, but if either licensee wishes to contest the decision, they are entitled to approach the Stewards and make submissions. It is the responsibility of the trainer and/or driver to check the Horse Action Notification form and make arrangements to see the Stewards on the day of the race meeting.

12.2 – A horse seeking re-inclusion into the barrier draw is required to barrier trial at a Qualifying Trial or in a race on two consecutive occasions to the satisfaction of the Stewards before being re-instated into the barrier draw. Both trials/races cannot be performed on the same day.

12.3 – A trainer seeking to have his/her horse re-included into the barrier draw must notify Stewards on the day of the race meeting or trials fixture prior to the horse’s racing engagement, as well as completing and signing the Horse Bar Record form which is located with the Stewards.

12.4 – To be deemed a satisfactory start:-

12.4.1 – Mobile Start – A horse must score up and be in its correct barrier position and within one metre of the barrier from the candy pole to the starting point, then negotiate the first 100 metres without losing gait or rhythm and complete the trial/race.

12.4.2 – Standing Start – A horse must not delay the start through intractability. It must leave the barrier at its correct gait and then negotiate the first 100 metres without losing gait or rhythm and complete the trial/race.

13.1 – Trotters may race in pacers races with classifications in accordance with the below table:

14.1 – A horse must have attained the age of two years old and be named to be eligible to compete in a Qualifying or Official Trial.

14.2 – In a race of any class, the term ‘Mares’ shall refer to and include Mares and Fillies and the term ‘Entires and Geldings’ shall refer to and include Colts, Entires and Geldings.

14.3 – If a horse qualifies for the Final of a race when it already has an engagement as a starter at a prior race meeting, it may scratch from the prior engagement before 8.30am on race morning without incurring any scratching penalty, upon approval from the HRV Handicapping Panel. Such horse may only scratch from the other engagement without incurring a scratching penalty if such qualification occurred after Acceptance Time for the other engagement.

14.4 – A horse will be eligible to contest races above its National Rating, but will be treated equally with the minimum National Rating of the race criteria. Such horse can increase points as per the Points Matrix, but can not have its rating reduced.

14.5 – A horse that has its National Rating reclassified beyond the race criteria after acceptance time by accruing rating points in another race (winning performance or otherwise) shall be deemed  ineligible to contest such race. If such horse remains eligible it shall not have its barrier position altered.

14.6 – A horse racing in another race on the day acceptances are taken for a race shall not have their National Rating re-classified and applied prior to acceptance time in such race.

14.7 – Any owner or trainer considering importing a horse from New Zealand or overseas is advised to consult the HRV Handicapping Panel before purchasing the horse. This will enable the horse’s official National Rating to be determined before committing to the purchase.

14.8 – A suspended driver is eligible to drive in Qualifying and Official Trials.

14.9 – Any alteration to gear for a horse with an upcoming racing engagement must be notified in writing or via HarnessWeb prior to Driver Notification time for such meeting.

15.1 – For ALL races the drivers fee is $65

15.2 –  Stakemoney Distribution

HRV will pay stakemoney for all races in Victoria except races as advertised in the Vicbred Program and Breeders Crown races in the following manner:

Stakemoney specified in the published conditions of a race of $4,501 or more be paid as to:

57% to the first horse;

15% to the second horse;

10% to the third horse;

5% to the fourth horse;

3% to the fifth horse;

each to be divided as to:

87.5% to the owner;

7.5% to the trainer;

5% to the driver.

2% to the sixth to last horse paid 100% to the owner

Stakemoney specified in the published conditions of a race of $4,500 be paid as to:

$2,250 to the first horse;

$700 to the second horse;

$460 to the third horse;

$250 to the fourth horse;

each to be divided as to:

87.5% to the owner;

7.5% to the trainer;

5% to the driver.

$140 to the fifth to last horse paid 100% to the owner

HRV pay stakemoney and bonuses for all Vicbred Super Series Finals as advertised in the Vicbred program and all Breeders Crown Finals as advertised in the conditions.

16.1 HRV reserves the right to delete or vary any of the Guidelines contained herein at its discretion