To help drivers understand how Stewards in NSW will regulate the new Australian whip rules, Harness Racing New South Wales has produced a full breakdown of the new interpretation. HRNSW has developed penalty guidelines to impose penalties for those that breach the rules and encourage drivers to curtail their whip action to reduce the risk of infringing again.
The follow penalty structure will be in use in NSW and is a reflection of the national policy.
1st Offence |
Fine $200 |
2nd Offence – if a driver reoffends in a period of 60 drives or a period 60 days, whichever occurs first, of the 1st Offence |
Fine $400 |
3rd Offence – if a driver reoffends in a period of 60 drives or a period 60 days, whichever occurs first, of the 2nd Offence |
Fine $400 and 7 days suspension |
4th Offence – if a driver reoffends in a period of 60 drives or a period 60 days, whichever occurs first, of the 3rd Offence |
Fine $1,000 and/or 14 days suspension (at the discretion of the Stewards) |
5th Offence – if a driver reoffends in a period of 60 drives or a period 60 days, whichever occurs first, of the 4th Offence |
21 days suspension |
HRNSW interpretations of Rule 156(4), which essentially explains the correct use of the whip, are as follows:
A Driver who drives (apart from activating approved gear), or uses the whip, with a free hand or in any or all of the following would be in breach of the whip Rules, that is using the whip in “an unapproved manner”.
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Draws the tip of the whip further than the Drivers shoulder.
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If the whip hand is drawn back further than or above the Driver’s shoulder.
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If the whip action involves more than a wrist or elbow action.
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If the reins are lengthened so as to result in loose reining regardless of whether the whip is being used at the same time.“Loose reining” is considered to occur, but not exclusively, when the reins act in a “whipping motion” on the hindquarters of the horse.
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If the whip is used other than in a flicking motion.
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If the whip continues to be applied to a horse which is considered to;
(i) not be visibly responding;
(ii) be out of contention;
(iii) no longer be maintaining or improving its position;
(iv) be winning clearly;
- Use the whip in a "side" action so as to be outside the confines of the sulky
- Use of the whip irrespective of whether the whip is striking the splash sheet or sulky shaft, a driver's whip action can still warrant a charge under the rules
In instances where a Driver is found to have breached the “Whip Rules” on more than eight (8) occasions in any twelve month period HRNSW may require the Driver to show cause as to why he remain licensed by the Controlling Body.
In the event a Driver is required to show cause the Controlling Body may direct that the Driver not be permitted to drive pending the said Driver responding to such Notice.
Greg Hayes