Racing: Changes made to rule for harness horses passing in final 600m

Photo / Richard Robinson

A horse no longer faces mandatory disqualification for passing inside the marker pegs in the final 600m of a harness race.

The rule was amended at the annual meeting of harness racing clubs in Christchurch at the weekend.

Exceptions to a horse being disqualified are now if it is established that the breach is caused by interference by another horse or horseman, or it is established that the horse did not gain any advantage in its finishing position.

The board of HRNZ proposed the rule change at the suggestion of the Racing Integrity Unit, who felt it was unfair to disqualify a horse who had not gained an advantage.

The timing of the suspension of a driver has been amended. The suspension will take place immediately if the driver has no engagements in the next seven days.

A driver with engagements confirmed within the next seven days will begin the suspension at the end of that period.

Previously a deferral could only apply to a meeting where driver declaration had closed.

A steward may now stop and abandon a race at any time during the race when in the opinion of the steward the safety of a horseman, horse or other person is at risk.

The new rule will come into effect at a date to be specified by the board. It is to cover the rare situation such as when a driverless horse has turned around and run back at the main field.

The board will have to decide how drivers are made aware of the abandonment.

The rule relating to Nasal bleeding was amended on the recommendation of the Equine Branch of the NZ Veterinarians Association. The stand-down for a horse bleeding from one or both nostrils is now 30 days for the first bleed, 90 days for the second and life for the third.

A horse was previously stood down for three months after bleeding with no provision for further bleeding. The amendment is consistent with developments in other racing jurisdictions.

Drivers must now remain on course for at least 15 minutes after a driving engagement unless permission is granted by the steward.

A proposed rule amendment for horses in a false start was defeated.

HRNZ chief executive Edward Rennell said 105 votes were in favour but 122 were required. The proposal would have brought New Zealand into line with Australia, where a horse who causes a false start remains in position for a second attempt. The horse is scratched if it errs again.

A horse causing a false start in New Zealand is sent to the outside. The board of HRNZ felt this disadvantaged punters who do not have the opportunity to cancel bets.