From the Stewards' Room

Horses not Having Started for over 12 Months

Veterinary clearance before trialing

The trainer of a horse that has not raced for 12 months or longer must under AR 88B produce to the Stewards a veterinary clearance as well as any other information, examination or report they require, from a qualified veterinary surgeon indicating that the horse is suitable to resume trialing and racing. Details of any injury or medical condition which might have caused the prolonged break from training or racing must be provided with the veterinary clearance.

Following receipt of a satisfactory veterinary clearance, the Stewards may grant written permission for the horse to be nominated for and participate in an official trial or jump out.

Please note, this veterinary clearance must be received prior to the horse performing in a jump out or trial.

Satisfactory trial

If permission to trial is granted by the Stewards, the horse must:

(a) participate in an official trial or jump out to the satisfaction of the Stewards; and

(b) have a post-trial veterinary examination (conducted by a qualified veterinary surgeon) to ensure that the horse is suitable to continue its training regime.

Permission to race

Following a satisfactory trial and upon receiving the above satisfactory post-trial veterinary examination report, the Stewards may grant written permission for the horse to be nominated for and participate in a race.

AR 79 HORSES WITH BLEEDING

Under the previous version of AR 79, a horse could not be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse after having a first attack of bleeding (blood in both nostrils) however, this did not exclude or prohibit a horse from being trained, exercised or galloped at other locations such as a private pre-training property, recognised training track, beach or other place.

The Veterinary and Analytical Advisory Group (VAAG) advised as follows in relation to horses returning from an attack of bleeding:

• In respect of AR 79(4)(a), the purpose of the rule is to enforce a period of rest following an episode of bleeding and encourage trainers to spell a horse that has bled. While low intensity exercise is generally acceptable before the end of the 2 month prohibition, there is overall benefit for the horse to be spelled for 2 months.
• In respect of AR 79(4)(b), horses should be permitted to trial – instead of only a 1,000m gallop, before returning to racing following a bleeding attack.

In light of VAAG’s advice regarding AR 79(4)(a), the Chairmen of Stewards Committee’s (COSC) view is that a horse should not be ridden in any exercise for 2 months following bleeding regardless of where that exercise occurs.  COSC felt that it would be too difficult to define “low intensity exercise” and, in the interests of horse welfare and rider safety, a blanket ban was the most appropriate position.”

Racing Australia has therefore introduced amendments to AR 79(4)(a) effective from 1 February 2024.

AR 79 Horses with bleeding

1. The appearance of blood at both nostrils, irrespective of quantity, is deemed to constitute an attack of bleeding unless, in the opinion of the Stewards, that bleeding was caused by external trauma.
2. If a horse has an attack of bleeding at any time it must be reported by the trainer to the Stewards without delay.
3. If a PRA advises in writing that a horse has had an attack of bleeding, that advice will be prima facie evidence that that horse has had an attack of bleeding.
4. A horse which, in the opinion of the Stewards, has had an attack of bleeding;
   1. for a period of 2 months after the attack of bleeding, must not, without the permission of the Stewards, be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse, recognised training track, private training establishment, or other place;
   2. must not start in any race for a period of 3 months, and then only after:
      1. a gallop of at least 1,000 metres; or
      2. an official trial or jump-out:

   in the presence, and to the satisfaction of a Steward.

5. Following a horse having an attack of bleeding the Stewards must:
   1. retain a written record of the attack of bleeding and any related restriction imposed on the horse (and if applicable, also record that attack of bleeding and any restriction imposed in the horse’s Thoroughbred Identification Card, which must be provided by the trainer to the Stewards as soon as possible after the attack of bleeding); and
   2. record any subsequent permission given for the horse to resume racing (and if applicable, also record that on the horse’s Thoroughbred Identification Card, which must be provided by the trainer to the Stewards as soon as possible).
6. If a horse has more than one attack of bleeding, the horse is ineligible to start in any race.
7. If a horse displays blood at one nostril, the trainer must report that to the Stewards without delay.

Unless the Stewards are satisfied that the presence of blood referred to in subrule (7) is attributable to external trauma, then before racing again the horse is required to undergo a satisfactory gallop of at least 1,000 metres in the presence of a Steward.

Gear Changes to be made prior to Acceptance Time

Trainers are reminded that under LR 81 they are required to lodge any gear change for a runner prior to the acceptance time for the race in which the horse is intended to start.

LR 81  Racing gear: general obligations

(1)   Trainers’ responsible for gear: Trainers must ensure that all racing gear used by them is:

1. approved for use pursuant to the Rules; and
2. in proper usable condition.

(2)   Application for approval: Except with the permission of the Stewards which may be given only in special circumstances, applications for approval or removal of gear in accordance with AR 206 must be lodged with the Stewards before declaration of acceptance for the race in which the horse is intended to start.

USE OF PHONE IN MOUNTING YARD PROHIBITED

Trainers and their representatives are reminded that they must restrict recording of riders’ post-race comments to areas outside horse confines of mounting yard when horses return after race.

Metropolitan Arrival Times

For clarification, below are the required arrival times for Metropolitan race meetings:

10 Race Metropolitan Race Meetings – 90 minutes for races 1 & 2. Then 2 hours for all remaining races

Standard Metropolitan Race Meetings – 2 hours all races

Night Metropolitan Race Meetings – 90 minutes all races

*Any changes to the above (for select Group 1 race meetings, see below) will be notified in the days prior to such meeting.

HORSES ON COURSE 2 HOURS PRIOR TO RACING AT THE WARRNAMBOOL CARNIVAL

Please note all horses are required to be on course 2 hours before the starting time of their respective race for the three days of the Warrnambool Carnival. 

PROHIBITED USE OF AN ABATTOIR OR KNACKERY

The Racing Victoria Board have introduced, effective from 1 February 2024, a new Local Rule of Racing 94C which will ban live thoroughbreds being sent to an abattoir or knackery.

LR 94C was endorsed by the RV Board as an appropriate next step given the range of suitable post-racing transition programs RV has established in the past five years to support all thoroughbreds exiting the Victorian racing industry to successfully transition to second careers.

RV’s equine welfare team undertook extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and relevant service providers in considering the implementation of the rule.

The effect of the rule is that:

• Any live thoroughbred, before and during racing, may not be sent an abattoir or knackery; and
• Where a retired thoroughbred is in the care of a licensed participant, they may not be sent to an abattoir or knackery.

LR 94C Prohibited use of an abattoir or knackery

1. A person must not directly or indirectly engage in and/or facilitate the transport, movement, delivery, sale or rehoming of a thoroughbred horse to an abattoir, knackery or similar facility.
   
   
2. For the avoidance of doubt, subrule (1) does not apply to:
   
   
   1. The humane euthanasia of a thoroughbred horse by a registered veterinarian or licensed firearm holder at a veterinary clinic or the property at which the thoroughbred horse resides; or
      
      
   2. Thoroughbreds that are already deceased which are transported, moved, delivered, or sold.

For the purposes of this rule:

Thoroughbred horse means any horse admitted to (or eligible to apply for admission to) the Australian Stud Book or an International Thoroughbred Studbook.

AR 79 HORSES WITH BLEEDING

Under the previous version of AR 79, a horse could not be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse after having a first attack of bleeding (blood in both nostrils) however, this did not exclude or prohibit a horse from being trained, exercised or galloped at other locations such as a private pre-training property, recognised training track, beach or other place.

The Veterinary and Analytical Advisory Group (VAAG) advised as follows in relation to horses returning from an attack of bleeding:

• In respect of AR 79(4)(a), the purpose of the rule is to enforce a period of rest following an episode of bleeding and encourage trainers to spell a horse that has bled. While low intensity exercise is generally acceptable before the end of the 2 month prohibition, there is overall benefit for the horse to be spelled for 2 months.

   

• In respect of AR 79(4)(b), horses should be permitted to trial – instead of only a 1,000m gallop, before returning to racing following a bleeding attack.

In light of VAAG’s advice regarding AR 79(4)(a), the Chairmen of Stewards Committee’s (COSC) view is that a horse should not be ridden in any exercise for 2 months following bleeding regardless of where that exercise occurs.  COSC felt that it would be too difficult to define “low intensity exercise” and, in the interests of horse welfare and rider safety, a blanket ban was the most appropriate position.”

Racing Australia has therefore introduced amendments to AR 79(4)(a) effective from 1 February 2024.

AR 79 Horses with bleeding

1. The appearance of blood at both nostrils, irrespective of quantity, is deemed to constitute an attack of bleeding unless, in the opinion of the Stewards, that bleeding was caused by external trauma.
2. If a horse has an attack of bleeding at any time it must be reported by the trainer to the Stewards without delay.
3. If a PRA advises in writing that a horse has had an attack of bleeding, that advice will be prima facie evidence that that horse has had an attack of bleeding.
4. A horse which, in the opinion of the Stewards, has had an attack of bleeding;
   1. for a period of 2 months after the attack of bleeding, must not, without the permission of the Stewards, be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse, recognised training track, private training establishment, or other place;
   2. must not start in any race for a period of 3 months, and then only after:
      1. a gallop of at least 1,000 metres; or
      2. an official trial or jump-out:

   in the presence, and to the satisfaction of a Steward.

5. Following a horse having an attack of bleeding the Stewards must:
   1. retain a written record of the attack of bleeding and any related restriction imposed on the horse (and if applicable, also record that attack of bleeding and any restriction imposed in the horse’s Thoroughbred Identification Card, which must be provided by the trainer to the Stewards as soon as possible after the attack of bleeding); and
   2. record any subsequent permission given for the horse to resume racing (and if applicable, also record that on the horse’s Thoroughbred Identification Card, which must be provided by the trainer to the Stewards as soon as possible).
6. If a horse has more than one attack of bleeding, the horse is ineligible to start in any race.
7. If a horse displays blood at one nostril, the trainer must report that to the Stewards without delay.

Unless the Stewards are satisfied that the presence of blood referred to in subrule (7) is attributable to external trauma, then before racing again the horse is required to undergo a satisfactory gallop of at least 1,000 metres in the presence of a Steward.

Metropolitan Arrival Times

For clarification, below are the required arrival times for Metropolitan race meetings:

10 Race Metropolitan Race Meetings – 90 minutes for races 1 & 2. Then 2 hours for all remaining races

Standard Metropolitan Race Meetings – 2 hours all races

Night Metropolitan Race Meetings – 90 minutes all races

*Any changes to the above (for select Group 1 race meetings, see below) will be notified in the days prior to such meeting.

3 hours on course- Autumn Carnival Meetings

Horses engaged to race at the below race meetings during the Autumn Carnival may be required to be on course three (3) hours prior to their advertised starting time of their respective race. The races selected by Integrity Services for horses to be on course three hours will be clearly notified prior to each meeting.

Australian Guineas Race Meeting Saturday 2 March 2024

Newmarket Race Meeting Saturday 9 March 2024

All Star Mile Race Meeting Saturday 16 March 2024

Australian Cup Race Meeting Saturday 30 March 2024

Selected races 2 hours on course - Bendigo Golden Mile 13 April 2024 and Mornington Cup 20 April 2024

AR 79 HORSES WITH BLEEDING

Under the previous version of AR 79, a horse could not be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse after having a first attack of bleeding (blood in both nostrils) however, this did not exclude or prohibit a horse from being trained, exercised or galloped at other locations such as a private pre-training property, recognised training track, beach or other place.

The Veterinary and Analytical Advisory Group (VAAG) advised as follows in relation to horses returning from an attack of bleeding:

• In respect of AR 79(4)(a), the purpose of the rule is to enforce a period of rest following an episode of bleeding and encourage trainers to spell a horse that has bled. While low intensity exercise is generally acceptable before the end of the 2 month prohibition, there is overall benefit for the horse to be spelled for 2 months.

   

• In respect of AR 79(4)(b), horses should be permitted to trial – instead of only a 1,000m gallop, before returning to racing following a bleeding attack.

In light of VAAG’s advice regarding AR 79(4)(a), the Chairmen of Stewards Committee’s (COSC) view is that a horse should not be ridden in any exercise for 2 months following bleeding regardless of where that exercise occurs.  COSC felt that it would be too difficult to define “low intensity exercise” and, in the interests of horse welfare and rider safety, a blanket ban was the most appropriate position.”

Racing Australia has therefore introduced amendments to AR 79(4)(a) effective from 1 February 2024.

AR 79 Horses with bleeding

1. The appearance of blood at both nostrils, irrespective of quantity, is deemed to constitute an attack of bleeding unless, in the opinion of the Stewards, that bleeding was caused by external trauma.
2. If a horse has an attack of bleeding at any time it must be reported by the trainer to the Stewards without delay.
3. If a PRA advises in writing that a horse has had an attack of bleeding, that advice will be prima facie evidence that that horse has had an attack of bleeding.
4. A horse which, in the opinion of the Stewards, has had an attack of bleeding;
   1. for a period of 2 months after the attack of bleeding, must not, without the permission of the Stewards, be trained, exercised or galloped on a racecourse, recognised training track, private training establishment, or other place;
   2. must not start in any race for a period of 3 months, and then only after:
      1. a gallop of at least 1,000 metres; or
      2. an official trial or jump-out:

   in the presence, and to the satisfaction of a Steward.

5. Following a horse having an attack of bleeding the Stewards must:
   1. retain a written record of the attack of bleeding and any related restriction imposed on the horse (and if applicable, also record that attack of bleeding and any restriction imposed in the horse’s Thoroughbred Identification Card, which must be provided by the trainer to the Stewards as soon as possible after the attack of bleeding); and
   2. record any subsequent permission given for the horse to resume racing (and if applicable, also record that on the horse’s Thoroughbred Identification Card, which must be provided by the trainer to the Stewards as soon as possible).
6. If a horse has more than one attack of bleeding, the horse is ineligible to start in any race.
7. If a horse displays blood at one nostril, the trainer must report that to the Stewards without delay.
8. Unless the Stewards are satisfied that the presence of blood referred to in subrule (7) is attributable to external trauma, then before racing again the horse is required to undergo a satisfactory gallop of at least 1,000 metres in the presence of a Steward.

AR 88D CHEMICAL CASTRATION OR IMMUNOCASTRATION

A paper/submission was sent to the Chairmen of Stewards Committee (COSC) from the Veterinary and Analytical Advisory Group (VAAG) for consideration relating specifically to Prohibited Practices and Eligibility to Race including Chemical Castration or Immunocastration.

Chemical Castration or Immunocastration

VAAG is concerned about the potential abuse of the practice of “chemical castration” to temporarily modify the behaviour of an entire male horse, principally to reversibly suppress the overt expression of stallion-like aggressive behaviour, and therefore render the animal a temporary gelding.

Chemical castration can be achieved by pharmacological means, usually the administration of progestogens, or by immunological means by the administration of anti-GnRH vaccine. However, there is a technical distinction between these two methods, and therefore both the terms “chemical castration” and “immunocastration” need to be specified.

Period of Ineligibility:

VAAG also sought COSC’s opinion as to whether the ineligibility attached to a breach of the chemical castration and immunocastration should be more limited rather than be for “life”.

It has been suggested and supported that the minimum period of ineligibility should be for a period of 12 months, and that this provision should apply to this practice.

COSC unanimously agreed to support a new rule to formalise a period of ineligibility of 12 months to participate in any race, trial, jump out or track work. AR 88D was therefore approved by RA and to be effective from 1 February 2024.

AR 88D Horses that have had chemical castration or immunocastration.

1. If a horse has been subjected to a chemical castration or immunocastration procedure in Australia:
   1. the horse is ineligible for a minimum period of 12 months; and
   2. a person must not enter or start the horse in, any race, official trial, jump-out or trackwork.
2. If a horse is subject to a chemical castration or immunocastration, the owner of the horse or that owner’s authorised agent must provide written notification of that to the Stewards as soon as practicable. The Stewards will then seek to ensure that:

1. details of the procedure and the horse's ineligibility to race are recorded in Racing Australia’s national online database; and
2. if applicable, the Thoroughbred Identification Card of the horse is endorsed with details of the procedure and the horse’s ineligibility to race.

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT REGISTER INCLUSION – STEP STIRRUP IRONS (STAINLESS STEEL)

The Chairmen of Stewards Committee (COSC) considered the application for the STEP stirrup irons (Stainless Steel) to be included in the RA National Equipment Register. COSC unanimously supported the Stainless Steel version based on a Test report verifying breaking strain and the fact that the stated breaking strain was sufficiently high.

Racing Australia has approved the inclusion of the Stainless Steel STEP stirrup iron in the National Equipment Register along with the inclusion of an image in the National Equipment Register.

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT REGISTER INCLUSION – VIPA III SAFETY VEST

A VIPA III Safety Vest (manufactured and supplied by Vipatech) was submitted for testing by Human Impact Engineering. An application was submitted for consideration to be approved and included in AR123 and the Racing Australia National Equipment Register.

It is noted that the Test reports provided (2019 – VT19-008) & (2022 – VT22-001) confirm that the VIPA III Safety Vest submitted for consideration conforms to the EN 13158:2018 Level 3 Standard. European Standard EN 13158 is one of two Standards prescribed by RA in AR 123.

COSC considered the application and unanimously supported that the VIPA III Safety Vest be included as an approved safety vest in the rules of racing and also be included in the National Equipment Register as of 1 February 2024.

Metropolitan Arrival Times

For clarification, below are the required arrival times for Metropolitan race meetings:

10 Race Metropolitan Race Meetings – 90 minutes for races 1 & 2 – 2 hours for all remaining races

Standard Metropolitan Race Meetings – 2 hours all races

Night Metropolitan Race Meetings – 90 minutes all races

*Any changes to the above (for select Group 1 race meetings) will be notified in the days prior to such meeting.

Recognizing and Managing Heat Stress in Horses

With summer upon us it is important to be aware of the effects extremely hot weather can have on, not just people, but horses as well. While the Racing Victoria Hot Weather Policy (which can be obtained on the Racing.com website) establishes the steps Racing Victoria puts into place to ensure the health and welfare of all involved it is still important that trainers are aware of the warning signs of heat stress in horses and the prompt treatments required.

1. The Signs of Heat Stress

• Poor recovery
• Rapid shallow breathing (panting).
• Irrational behaviour such as lashing out with hind limbs.
• A ‘glassy’, vacant look to the eyes.
• An agitated and distressed appearance.
• Staggering, apparently uncontrollable gait.
• Very high body temperature (the skin can be hot to touch).
• Occasionally collapse and possible death.
• Possible self- injury such as fracture etc due to irrational behaviour

2. First Aid Treatment

The key objective of treating heat stress is to cool the blood travelling to the horse’s brain by:

COLD HOSE, SCRAPE and REPEAT.

• The application of ice or cold water to the head and over major superficial veins, for example the jugular veins and large muscles. Hosing affected horses will assist in cooling, especially if there is a breeze or fans to assist evaporative cooling.
• The horse must be frequently scraped to remove the water that has been heated by the horse’s body and to assist evaporative cooling.
• Simply wetting the horse’s skin and leaving the water sitting there leads to heating of the water and an insulating effect, (not unlike the action of a wetsuit). Wet towels or rugs must be removed.
• Provide shade
• Provide drinking water but external cooling is much more important.
• When the horse is able to walk it should be walked in a shaded breezy area to facilitate evaporative cooling.
• Notify the vet team who can assist. Drug therapy may be useful.

3. Summary

• Recognize and treat Heat Stress early. Cooling a horse early avoids progression of signs
• Apply chilled water to the entire horse including the horse’s head and large superficial veins such as the neck and between the legs.
• Hose and scrape, hose and scrape.
• Walk in a shaded, breezy area when possible.

USE OF PHONE IN MOUNTING YARD PROHIBITED

Trainers and their representatives are reminded that they must restrict recording of riders’ post-race comments to areas outside horse confines of mounting yard when horses return after race.

INTRACTABLE HORSES

It is essential that samples can be collected from all registered Thoroughbred horses so that they can be subjected to the full testing programme for prohibited substances. If samples are not able to be collected, those horses may be regarded as having an unfair advantage over other horses that are subject to the full testing programme.

Therefore, consideration has been given to suspending the nominations of intractable horses until they have undergone rehabilitation and behavioural modification to make them safe to handle and sample. Once a horse has been rehabilitated then consideration can be given for its acceptance back into the racing population. If the horse cannot be rehabilitated and continues to demonstrate behavioural tendencies which are dangerous to itself, other horses and people who handle it, then it should be considered for longer exclusion from racing.

As a result, together with the addition of LR 18D, the Intractable Horse Policy was implemented from 1 April 2023 and is listed below:

1. All registered Thoroughbred horses at any time in their life until permanently retired from racing in Victoria may have samples collected for analysis in- and out-of-competition (OOCT) at the discretion and direction of the Stewards.
2. Any horse which, by its behaviour prevents any sample from being collected will, on the first occasion, be issued with a warning by the Stewards. The horse must undergo retraining so that it accepts collection of samples safely at any time.
3. Any horse which, by its behaviour continues to prevent collection of a sample may, at the discretion and direction of the Stewards, have its nomination to participate in jump outs, official trials and races suspended until the horse has undergone retraining, and/or appropriate restraint methods are always immediately available to ensure samples can be collected safely.
4. For its nomination to race to be reinstated, the Stewards must be satisfied that the horse displays tractable behaviour. This may be through collection of OOCT samples or other means applicable to the individual horse.The Stewards may then consider removing the suspension and whether to accept the horse’s nominations.
5. Any horse which remains intractable, or is intermittently intractable, and which does not co-operate for the safe collection of samples will continue to have its nominations suspended until it can have samples collected safely.
6. Any horse which continues to display intractable behaviour preventing the collection of any sample might have its nominations permanently suspended at the discretion of the Stewards.

Reporting of offensive emails

Racing Victoria Integrity Department are aware of licensed persons receiving abusive emails from punters which have been aggressive and occasionally even threatening. Recipients of these emails are encouraged in the first instance to contact the Racing Victoria Intelligence Unit at intelligenceunit@racingvictoria.net.au. Racing Victoria Intelligence Unit are keeping a log of the emails and also where possible try to identify the author (which can be very difficult due to fake names and email addresses being used), some however have been identified and as a result action has been taken against them.

In addition to the above, should an email contain threatening material or an intention to harm or damage, the recipient is strongly encouraged to contact Victoria Police directly to report the matter. Racing Victoria are unable to submit a complaint on the recipients behalf as it must be directly reported by them to Victoria Police.