2011/12 RACING QUEENSLAND HARNESS RACING INFORMATION

Transcription

1 2011/12 RACING QUEENSLAND HARNESS RACING INFORMATION 1. STABLE RETURNS 1.1 A Stable Return and Gear Form, with all sections completed, must be lodged with Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) immediately a horse comes under the control of a trainer with the intention of preparing the horse to participate in education, official trials or racing. 1.2 In the event of a change to any particulars a fresh stable return must be lodged immediately with the Controlling Body. Changes in gear however can be notified on an Alteration to Gear Form. (Refer to point 23 for details of gear requirements). 1.3 If a stable return has not been lodged RQL Officials reserve the right to refuse nominations under Rule 119B which reads Unless the stewards otherwise approve, a horse shall not be eligible to be nominated for a race unless the horse has been trained by a licensed trainer for not less than 28 days immediately prior to the date fixed for nomination. 1.4 Any trainer relinquishing the training of a horse shall notify RQL in writing, or via HarnessWeb, immediately upon the horse leaving his/her care. 1.5 Any interstate trainer visiting with horses for the purpose of racing in Queensland must provide a Stable Return detailing the particulars of the horse and where the horse will be domiciled during their Queensland visit. 2. EDUCATION SESSIONS 2.1 The conditions for education sessions are as follows: a) Nominations Must be to the RQL Racing Office no later than 10.00am on the working day prior or at the closing time otherwise stated for the trials to be conducted. Nominations can be supplied by phone on , fax on or . Harness Web is not available for education nominations. Trainers must supply their name, the horses name or in the case of un-named horses the horses breeding, age and sex. b) Eligibility Only horses that have not had a race start are allowed to participate unless otherwise approved by Stewards under special circumstances. c) A stable return must have been lodged with RQL Racing Office staff to be eligible to compete. d) An $11 fee (GST inclusive) is applicable for all education sessions and this will be charged to the trainers account. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 1 of 37

2 e) Drivers in education sessions must hold an A, B, or C Grade drivers licence to be eligible to drive. f) Brands and markings will be checked by RQL Officials. g) Stewards reserve the right to cancel these sessions at their discretion. 2.2 Education Sessions are to be conducted as follows: a) Tuesday (Day) Commence at the time programmed by RQL Officials, either immediately after the last race or in between races if time permits. Completed and removed - 15 minutes after commencement taking into account time restraints. Maximum of 15 minutes permitted per session. Start and finishing times will be strictly enforced. Education period will be with the mobile. b) Wednesday (Night) Commence - 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to first race or at the time otherwise programmed by RQL Officials. Completed and removed Maximum of 15 minutes permitted per session. Start and finishing times will be strictly enforced. Education period will be with the mobile. c) Thursday (Day) Commence at the time programmed by RQL Officials either immediately after the last race or in between races if time permits. Completed and removed - 15 minutes after commencement taking into account time restraints. Maximum of 15 minutes permitted per session. Start and finishing times will be strictly enforced. Education period will be with the mobile. d) Saturday (Day) Commence at the notified time prior to first race. Completed and removed prior to official trials which will also be completed before the first race. Maximum of 15 minutes allowed per session. Start and finishing times will be strictly enforced. Education period will be with the mobile. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 2 of 37

3 2.3 While every attempt will be made to accomodate education horses, RQL cannot guarantee these horses will be allocated a stable. Race horses will be given stabling priority on race days. 2.4 RQL Officials reserve the right, due to unforeseen circumstances, to change or cancel any programmed education session. 3. OFFICIAL TRIALS 3.1 The conditions for official trials are as follows:- a) Nominations Must be to the RQL Racing Office no later than 10.00am on the working day prior or date otherwise specified. Trainers must nominate by fax, , HarnessWeb or by lodging a written nomination at the counter of the RQL Deagon office. Phone nominations will NOT be accepted. b) Eligibility All standardbreds are eligible to trial at any time unless at the close of acceptances any horse is stood down for a veterinary certificate which has not been produced or stood down by order of RQL Officials. c) A stable return must have been lodged with RQL Racing Office staff to be eligible to compete. d) Brands and markings will be checked by RQL Officials. e) RQL Officials reserve the right due to unforseen circumstances to cancel or combine any official trial if deemed necessary. f) Stabling every effort will be made to accommodate as many trial horses as possible however RQL Officials may on occasions not allocate them a stable. (Refer to 3.4). Race horses will be given priority in stabling. g) Ballots On occasions it may be necessary to conduct a ballot from the trials should there be too many horses to accommodate. (Refer to 3.4 for balloting conditions). h) The race meeting will always have priority over the trials. i) When splitting trial fields RQL Handicappers may where possible, depending on time restraints, separate trotters and pacers should there be four or more horses of each gait nominated to trial for any start type. j) In all cases the split of trial fields and the handicapping of horses in standing start trials are at the discretion of the RQL Handicapping Panel. Where possible RQL will attempt to split owner, trainer and driver doubles. All decisions will be final and any scratchings will incur the relevant fees. k) Usual handicaps for standing start trials may not take effect as horses may be grouped together to simulate race conditions. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 3 of 37

4 3.2 Fees & Closing Times a) The fee schedule is as follows: Nomination Fee Late Scratching Fee $11.00 (GST inclusive) $11.00 (GST inclusive) b) Nominations and scratchings are to close as per the following schedule (except on Public Holidays): Day Nominations Close Scratching Close Tuesday (D) Monday, 10.00am Tuesday, 8.30am Wednesday (N) Tuesday, 10.00am Wednesday, 8.30am Thursday (D) Wednesday, 10.00am Thursday, 8.30am Saturday (D) Thursday, 10.00am Friday, 3.00pm **Closing times will be strictly enforced c) Scratchings can be made on HarnessWeb prior to the scratching deadline, however scratchings can be phoned in on the RQL Scratching Hotline or on When scratching a horse, trainers must clearly identify the following: i. Trainers Name ii. Trainers Licence Number iii. Meeting Details iv. Horses Name d) Trainers of all official trial nominees are to be charged by RQL a nomination fee as described in Clause 3.2 a); there is to be no pay up on course. e) Horses that are scratched prior to the scratching close time in Clause 3.2 b) will incur a nomination fee as described in 3.2 a). f) Horses that are scratched after the scratching close time in Clause 3.2 b), without an acceptable reason, will incur an additional late scratching fee as described in Clause 3.2 a). Examples of Fees If you: Nominate and start the trainer will be invoiced $11.00 (GST inclusive). Nominate and scratch by scratching closing time, the trainer will be invoiced $11.00 (GST inclusive). Nominate and scratch after scratching closing time or do not attend the official trials after nominating, the trainer will be invoiced an $11.00 (GST inclusive) nomination fee and an $11.00 (GST inclusive) late scratching fee. ($22.00 in total) Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 4 of 37

5 3.3 Trial Sessions a) Tuesday & Thursday Redcliffe) All trials are to be conducted between races and will be placed where there is sufficient time between races to conduct the trial. Trials from both the mobile and standing start methods will be available should there be sufficient nominations. (Minimum of 4 starters for qualifying purposes). Trials will be placed at the discretion of RQL Officials depending upon time restraints, taking into account other horses trainers may have engaged at the race meeting and any special requests that have been received. Trainers are welcome to request a preferred time for their trial. Trainers requests will be considered when determining the order for the trials however RQL Officials cannot guarantee that trainers requests will always be met. b) Wednesday (Night) To commence 1 hour prior to the advertised time of the first race. Only mobile trials will be available. At Redcliffe due to a lack of available stabling particularly when there is a full eight race card a limit may be placed on the number of horses to trial depending upon the amount of racehorses at the race meeting, stables available for use and number of horses that can be safely accommodated. If Wednesday trials are programmed at Albion Park or Gold Coast a standing start trial may be added to the program. c) Marburg & Redcliffe (Saturday Race Meetings) Trials will be conducted prior to the first race Trials from both the mobile and standing start methods will be available should there be sufficient nominations. (Minimum of 4 starters required for qualifying purposes). The number of trials will be determined depending upon the availability of staff, time allowable to conduct the trials and the amount of horses that can be safely accommodated. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 5 of 37

6 3.4 Stabling If at any time, due to excess horses nominated for trials & the lack of available stabling to accommodate them, RQL reserve the right to conduct a ballot. Where ballots are required, preference in selection will be given to horses in the following order of preference: i) have not yet qualified from the mode of start nominated for; ii) the need to re-qualify to race (under bar or have not raced or trialled in over 6 months); iii) the need to trial to be re-included in the barrier draw (ODM, ODS, RODM, RODS). iv) C Grade Driver gaining experience required to obtain licence to drive at race meetings. When determining whether a ballot for trials will be required the below factors will be taken into account:- i) Number of available stalls at the race club. ii) Number of stables which possibly could be reused. iii) Total number of horses which can be safely accommodated limiting any inconvenience to other participants. iv) Time available to conduct trials. RQL Officials will always allocate a stable to horses engaged to race at the race meeting first and whilst endeavouring to accommodate as many horses as possible, RQL reserve the right to not allocate a stable to trial or education horses if necessary. Trainers are reminded that they are only to use the stables they have been allocated and should they place a horse in a stall not allocated to them, inconveniencing others, they may be dealt with appropriately by RQL Stewards. 3.5 General a) In order to avoid confusion for judges, officials and RQL staff loading trial results, driver declarations are requested by 8.30am on the day of the trial if at all possible or RQL Officials are to be advised of the driver as soon as possible on the day of the trial. b) Club colours cannot be used in trials or pre-race warm-ups. A penalty may be applicable if appropriate race colours are not available. RQL reserves the right, due to unforeseen circumstances, to cancel any programmed official trial. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 6 of 37

7 3.6 Qualifying to Race a) A horse must be named to be eligible to compete in a Qualifying or Official Trial. b) 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. c) If a trial is divided into a division with 2YO s only engaged then the trial will be run over the distance closest to 1609m. d) To qualify to race, a horse must complete the following requirements within the qualifying mile rates as listed below: i. In a mobile start score up without interference to other horses and be in its correct barrier position at the candy pole until the starting point, then complete the trial in a competitive manner without losing gait or rhythm. ii. In a standing start not delay the start through intractability and begin at the correct gait then complete the trial in a competitive manner without losing gait or rhythm. PACERS TROTTERS Track Mobiles Stands Mobiles Stand Albion Park Gold Coast Redcliffe Marburg An additional time allowance will be permitted as follows: One (1) second for 3yo s Three (3) seconds for 2yo s e) For such qualifications to be valid, a minimum of four horses must contest the trial, unless otherwise approved by RQL Stewards. f) Stewards at their discretion may make additional time allowances after considering the track condition. g) Any horse which is presented to compete in an Official Barrier Trial for the purposes of qualifying to race for the first time, and fails to qualify as per Clause 3.6 d), may be excluded from the draw or be stood down and not permitted to compete in any Official Barrier Trial for a period of up to 14 days, except in circumstances where it failed to qualify because of the actions of another runner, and/or with permission of the Chairman of Stewards. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 7 of 37

8 h) Any horse which has not competed in a race for a period exceeding six (6) months must perform competitively, to the satisfaction of the Stewards, in an official barrier trial, before being entered to start in any race. Such horse must also meet the time requirements in order to requalify. i) Any horse which has not raced for a period exceeding six (6) months, and has attained the age of twelve (12) years or older, will also be required to have a veterinary certificate of soundness provided, prior to competing in such barrier trial. The veterinary certificate must be provided prior to acceptance time for the trial. * For the purposes of this policy a horse must perform in such trial in accordance with Clause 3.6 d). j) Horses cleared from other states and/or countries: i. A horse trained outside the state of Queensland will be qualified to race in a mobile start at a race meeting in Queensland if such horse has raced or qualified from a mobile start in the State or Country where it is trained, or has qualified in the state of Queensland. ii. A horse trained outside the state of Queensland will be qualified to race in a standing start at a race meeting in Queensland if such horse has raced or qualified from a standing start in the State or Country where it is trained, or has qualified in the state of Queensland. k) To change the gait of a horse, the owner or trainer must lodge with RQL a written request accompanied by the registration certificate. The horse must qualify to the satisfaction of Stewards on two (2) occasions. Both trials cannot be performed on the same day. A further change of gait cannot be approved until the expiration of three months from the date of the previous request unless otherwise approved by RQL Stewards. A horse changing gait will keep its current assessment (i.e. a C2 becomes a T2, a T2 becomes a C2). l) If a horse is required to produce a veterinary certificate prior to trialling, it must be received by acceptance time for the event it is accepting for or it will be deemed ineligible. m) The total of 28 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. n) There are no race field selection points awarded in official trials. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 8 of 37

9 4. NOMINATIONS 4.1 A horse must be nominated for a race or an official trial on an official nomination form, in neat and legible print, sent by facsimile to , lodged at the RQL Deagon office reception desk, sent via or entered via HarnessWeb. Nominations by telephone are NOT permitted, except in extreme circumstances. 4.2 Nominations for horse education ONLY are permitted via phone by contacting the RQL Racing Office on Education nominations close at 10.00am the business day prior to the race meeting or at the time otherwise notified by RQL Officials. Trainers are to state their name, the horses name or breeding, age and sex of an un-named horse when nominating. 4.3 All nominations close with Racing Queensland Limited only. 4.4 No trainer will be permitted to enter a horse for a race, or any driver be declared for any engagement, which is scheduled for the following (new) season, unless the relevant person has renewed his/her respective licence at the time of the declaration. 4.5 Trainers who nominate by facsimile should ensure that their fax machine has the correct time, date and ID facsimile number. In the event of a nomination not being received by RQL, this information may enable RQL to ascertain whether the horse s nomination should be accepted. 4.6 Trainers who nominate via HarnessWeb are reminded that they should always check any nominations lodged by using the MY NOMS icon. This will confirm that nominations have been correctly lodged and provide a chance to rectify any problems or errors. 4.7 As changes are sometimes made to race programs, trainers should always refer to the latest edition of the Racing Queensland Magazine. Updated programs are also available at and on HarnessWeb. 4.8 A horse must be qualified to race prior to the close of acceptances for the race they have nominated for. 4.9 Unless otherwise advised by RQL, when nominations for a race(s) at a meeting are extended, it will be until 9.00am the next business day. Preference in field selection will be given to original nominations If nominations are extended, all registered trainers will receive an SMS detailing which races are extended and the closing time. Please be sure your mobile phone details in the system are current In the event that an unqualified horse is nominated for a race for which nominations are extended, and then qualifies prior to the close of extended nominations, such horse shall be deemed to be a late nomination for the purpose of field selection. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 9 of 37

10 4.12 If a horse is required to produce a veterinary certificate prior to racing, it must be received by acceptance time for the event it is accepting for or the horse will be declared ineligible to start If a horse is stood down to trial and is also engaged to race at an upcoming meeting, such horse will be scratched from its engagement. There will be no opportunity to trial the horse between engagements in an effort to clear it to race 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 assessment mark in a mobile start race and shall be treated as a late nomination A concession claiming driver may not be substituted for a non-concession claiming driver, and accordingly, a non-concession claiming driver may not be substituted for a concession claiming driver after the 10am deadline For a horse to be eligible for a claiming race, a correct claiming authority form must be lodged prior to acceptance time Except with the approval of the RQL Stewards, the claiming price for a horse may not be altered after the advertised close of acceptances, even when the nominations are extended Claiming Prices for events graded up to and including $9,000 may only be in increments of $500 (i.e. $2, 000 or $2, 500) Claiming Prices for events graded $10,000 or higher may only be in increments of $1,000 (i.e. $10,000 or $11,000) Unless stipulated in race conditions, in standing start claiming races claiming prices may only be in increments of $1,000. Horses are then handicapped 10 metres for each $1,000 that their claiming price exceeds the front of the race The claiming price of a horse may be increased (from the most recently lodged claiming authority form) by the trainer in writing, via HarnessWeb nomination or on the official nomination form, but may only be decreased (from the most recently lodged claiming authority form) by the owner/s on an official claiming authority form Any horse nominated for a claiming race can only accept for one claiming race per calendar day 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 ineligible. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 10 of 37

11 4.23 A confirmed driver engagement must be notified to RQL no later than the time specified beneath the individual race program in the Racing Queensland Magazine or on the Harness Racing Australia website. (Refer table below). If a driver is not notified by the specified time a fine may apply. Tuesday (D) Wednesday (N) Thursday (D) Friday (N) Saturday (NON TAB) Saturday (N) Driver declarations close Monday, 9.00am Tuesday, 9.00am Wednesday, 9.00am Thursday, 9.00am Thursday, 9.00am Thursday, 9.00am **Time and days may vary due to Public Holidays Driver changes required after the notified time can be made under special circumstances but must be approved by Stewards. The driver must be replaced by a driver of a similar standard or licence type unless otherwise approved by Stewards. For example:- i) Concession Driver - must be replaced by another Concession Driver ii) An A Grade Driver cannot be replaced by a B Grade Driver. 5. FIELD SELECTION 5.1 Race fields are selected by using one of two methods. A) Automatic Race Field Selection. (Refer Point 6) B) Manual Race Field Selection Metropolitan Meetings. (Refer Point 7) 5.2 Preferences a) If a horse accepts for two or more races at a meeting, a trainer may notify the RQL Handicapping Panel of a preference for one race over another. b) Horses are always considered in the first instance for the race entered as their 1 st preference. c) A horse will be considered for subsequent preferences should they receive a ballot from their preferred event. d) Preferences for horses nominated for multiple races on Harness Web will be determined by the time and order entered. For example a nomination lodged at 7.30am on a particular day will be considered as first preference over a nomination lodged at 7.35am that day for the same horse. e) Should acceptances for more than one race meeting close on the same day and trainers wish to start their horse at both meetings, if circumstances allow, the trainer must indicate their intentions to RQL Handicapping staff otherwise the nominated horse/s will be considered for one start only. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 11 of 37

12 f) Trainers are encouraged to communicate any requests to RQL Handicapping staff prior to the 10.00am deadline when acceptances close to avoid any disappointment. Requests can be phoned in, indicated on fax or or noted on the Nom Comment section in Harness Web. Examples of requests include:- i) Two starters or none ii) I have nominated 3 horses for the one race, if there is only one division I would like only 2 starters iii) Early race please iv) I have nominated six horses but can only transport four, so four starters maximum please. 5.3 All communication with RQL Handicappers regarding the race meeting being drawn that day will cease at 10am unless trainers have been notified that nominations have been extended. 5.4 Any horse which qualifies in a Heat, Repechage or Semi-Final and is scratched from that Final before Acceptance Time will incur the penalties as described in Clause Where a race is being split to allow for the maximum number of races budgeted per meeting to be conducted, races are to be split in the following order of preference: i) Owners ii) Trainers iii) Drivers 5.6 In feature races of $20,000 or more an emergency will be drawn should there be sufficient acceptors. An emergency will not be drawn for feature races of less than $20,000 unless otherwise approved by the Controlling Body. 5.7 A horse that is engaged as an emergency for the Final of a race may be granted a start in another race on the same day. 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. 5.8 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. 5.9 A horse that is engaged as an emergency in a career penalty race may be granted a start in a restricted penalty or penalty free race with stakemoney up to $3,000 on the same day. If there is a scratching from the career penalty 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 penalty race, it will be deemed ineligible for the other race. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 12 of 37

13 5.10 A horse that is declared as an emergency in two or more heats/divisions of a race shall be deemed as a starter in the heat/division from which the earliest timed scratching was taken. Such horse shall then be automatically scratched from the other heat(s)/division(s). The trainer of such horse may not scratch from one heat(s)/division(s) in preference to another heat/division A horse that accepts for a Heat & Final Series will carry its class from acceptance time through to the Final. For example a C2 horse that wins its heat although becoming a C3 classed horse will be drawn as a C2 class in the Final A horse that receives a reduction in class after competing in a Heat will also carry its class from acceptance time through to the Final. Therefore such horse will NOT be eligible to drop in grade if it qualifies for the Final. For example a horse that competes as a C3 in a Heat that receives a reduction in class following a non winning performance during that heat will drop back to a C2 class horse but will be drawn as a C3 in the Final A horse that has been excluded from the draw competes in a Heat and is eligible to return back into the draw will have the opportunity to go back in the draw should such horse qualify for the Final 5.14 For full details of Heat and Final Conditions please refer to point 8 below Pursuant to Rule 133 (1) & (2) every effort will be made to meet the above conditions, however the inclusion of any horse over another shall not be grounds for requesting a redraw, nor shall any liability of any nature be incurred by the RQL as a result of any error. In all cases the decision of the RQL Handicapping Panel will be final. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 13 of 37

14 6. AUTOMATIC FIELD SELECTION SYSTEM 6.1 Fields for all meetings (except for Metropolitan meetings and other chosen feature events) are selected in accordance with the Queensland Automatic Field Selection System. 6.2 Horses will be awarded field selection points based on their finishing order in any race they contest. The amount of points awarded depends on the meeting type and tiered prizemoney level structure (Refer table below). Place Metropolitan TAB TAB $6,000 TAB $5,000 TAB $4,000 TAB $3,001 NON-TAB (Redcliffe) NON-TAB (Marburg) 1 st nd rd th th th th th th th th th DNF DISQ The point scores for each horse are calculated on points they have earned over their last five engagements. Of the five point scoring runs the worst point score is removed and the remaining four are accumulated to give the total point score. (See example below) Date Track Place Points 06/09/2011 Albion Park Ballot 7 27/08/2011 Albion Park 11 th 5 removed 19/08/2011 Gold Coast 7th 6 11/08/2011 Gold Coast 1 st 11 02/08/2011 Albion Park 4 th 8 Total 32 Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 14 of 37

15 6.4 A horse will be awarded 7 field selection points if it is balloted from a race selected using the Automatic Field Selection System. These ballot points are treated as a points scoring performance and will replace such horse s fifth previous points scoring performance. This will not be applicable under the following scenarios: a) When a horse has an unfulfilled engagement; b) When a horse is a late nomination; c) When a horse is deemed ineligible at acceptance time; d) When a horse is balloted from a race having gained a start in another race on the same day. e) When a horse is balloted from a race having already been balloted from another race on the same day. f) If the horse is declared an emergency but is scratched. g) If the race is declared a no-race or is abandoned. h) When the race field selection is based from lowest to highest point score order. i) When the total number of field selection points will decrease if seven (7) points are awarded, though, 1. Upon written application from a horses registered trainer, a horse s performance points are to be manually adjusted by RQL when its 5th last point scoring performance is higher than seven (7) points and it has received two (2) ballots for low points at two (2) consecutive meetings (Albion Park Saturday night, unfulfilled engagements, ineligible acceptances, deleted and abandoned races are not included). 2. In accordance with allocating race field selection points, manual adjustments cannot be made until the second consecutive meeting has been conducted. 6.5 Ballot points are to be credited to a horse s field selection points total after the running of the race meeting from which the horse has been balloted. 6.6 When a horse qualifies to race it will be initially allotted a points score of 28 points (4 gifted starts x 7 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. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 15 of 37

16 6.7 In the event that a ballot is required from horses on the same point score as horses that have not yet had a race start (ie: 28 points), the horse which has not yet started will be considered as having 7 gift points at its last engagement which may provide the opportunity to gain a start over a horse which has only had one start but earned less than seven points at that start. (Refer example below) First starter Horse with one start 7 Gift points 3 points at only race start 7 Gift points 7 Gift points 7 Gift points 7 Gift points 7 Gift points 7 Gift points 0 points 7 Gift points 28 points total 28 points total In the above example the first starter will gain the run over the horse which has had only one race start considering the points at the last engagement (7 vs 3). 6.8 For all races selected in accordance with the Queensland Automatic Field Selection System, in the event of two or more horses being equal with the same points score, a count back 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, the computer will implement a random ballot to determine which horse/s gain a start. 6.9 A horse that has an engagement as a starter in a race 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 If a horse is nominated for two different meetings conducted on different days but acceptances close on the same day, the trainer may indicate that he is willing to start the horse on both days if circumstances permit. Should the horse gain a start in its preferred event it will be deemed as having an unfulfilled engagement when being considered for the other race meeting. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 16 of 37

17 7. METROPOLITAN MEETINGS 7.1 Fields for Metropolitan race meetings are selected by the RQL Field Selection Panel in accordance with the Race Field Selection Policy Metropolitan Meetings. The Automatic Field Selection System and the unfulfilled engagement rule are not applicable. RACE FIELD SELECTION POLICY METROPOLITAN MEETINGS The best credentialed horses in every race will be selected with the RQL Handicapping Panel referring to the following horse performance information: (All information assessed equally) a) Current Figure Form (last 6 race starts) b) Margins Beaten c) Mile Rates d) Class of Opposition e) Class of Races f) Positions In Running g) Barrier Draws h) Interference Received 7.2 The horses which in the opinion of the RQL Handicapping Panel have the best overall form based on the above criteria will be declared as starters in the field. 7.3 The unfulfilled engagement rule does not apply. 7.4 Multiple stable runners can be drawn as the only selection criteria is overall form. 7.5 Permission may be granted at the sole discretion of RQL for other Clubs to apply for these conditions on selected events. 7.6 ALL CARE BUT NO RESPONSIBILITY Pursuant to Rule 133 (1) & (2) every effort will be made to meet the above conditions, however the inclusion of any horse over another shall not be grounds for requesting a redraw, nor shall any liability of any nature be incurred by RQL or any Club Official as a result of any error. In all cases the decision of the RQL Handicapping Panel will be final. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 17 of 37

18 8. HEAT AND FINAL CONDITIONS 8.1 Definitions A race may be conducted as Heats, Semi-Finals and a Final, and may have a Consolation/s in conjunction therewith provided that: 8.2 Conditions i) The winners of the Heats, Semi-Finals, Final and Consolation/s shall incur Penalties in accordance with the Australian Handicapping Regulations. ii) The Penalties for a win in a Heat and Semi-Final shall not apply in the Final or Consolation/s of the Event. iii) The Penalties provided by these Regulations for a win in a Heat and/or Semi-Final shall apply in any race other than the Final or Consolation/s of the Event. i) The number of horses which will qualify from each Heat/Semi Final shall depend upon the number of Heats/Semi-Finals conducted. In the event that horses finish in the same qualifying position, the fastest individual mile rate recorded in the heats will determine the qualifiers for the final/consolation. ii) iii) iv) Except where qualifiers are determined by a point score, horses that have already qualified for the Final shall be ineligible to contest further heats. Should any qualified horse be unable to take its place in the Final/Consolation, RQL Handicappers may select at their discretion a replacement from the next best placed horse with the fastest mile rate in the Heats/Semi-Final becoming the qualifier, except where the qualifiers are determined by pointscore. (If two or more horses finish with equal mile rates a ballot will be performed by RQL Handicappers). Horses which qualify for a Final/Consolation, shall be deemed acceptors for such Final/Consolation and shall be liable for any penalties if scratched. v) In the event of any Heat or Semi-Final being abandoned the conduct of the final is to be at the discretion of RQL Officials. If it is decided to conduct the final RQL Handicappers shall select the final field based on point score order at acceptance time for the abandoned race (or manually based on form at acceptance time for the abandoned race for finals valued at $10,000 or higher) from the Final Acceptors of such Heat/Semi-Final, and such horses shall be deemed as a qualifier for the Final/Consolation. Notwithstanding that the conduct of such final is to be at the discretion of RQL. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 18 of 37

19 vi) vii) viii) ix) The Barrier Draw conditions applicable to the Heats/Semi-Finals shall also apply to the Final/Consolation and not take into account winning performances during the Heats/Semi-Finals. The Barrier Draw conditions for the Final/Consolation will NOT take into account Rule 17 of the Australian Handicapping Rules (Reductions In Class) a horse will carry its assessment from acceptance time for the Heat through to the Final and if such horse has not won in 10 consecutive race starts after competing in a heat while its assessment will be reduced by one class it will draw as per its original assessment at time of acceptance for the Heat in the Final. In the event of a Series where the winners progress to the Final and the Heats fall short for the number required for the Final, the remaining qualifier/s will be determined by RQL Handicappers based on horses finishing in the most forward position/s in the Heats. PRELUDE - If there are insufficient acceptors for a Club to conduct Heats and/or Semi-Finals they may with the approval of the Controlling Body conduct a Prelude. Horses that win a Prelude remain eligible for the Final and its Barrier Draw will be determined at time of the Acceptances for the Prelude. If a prelude is conducted trainers may be asked to RE-NOMINATE horses for the Final or be advised that acceptors for the Prelude will be automatic acceptors for the Final. If trainers are asked to re-nominate their horses for the Final such horses will have preference in race field selection. x) In the event of Heats and/or Semi-Finals being conducted the RQL Handicappers will draw up the Final and a Consolation (if required). 8.3 Selection For Heats - If Ballots Are Required (except for RQIS, Futurity or Sales Funded events) i) Horses that have already qualified for the Final shall be ineligible to contest further heats, unless otherwise specified in race conditions. ii) iii) Horses that have unfulfilled engagements (except for heats with finals where total prizemoney is in excess of $11,000) shall be the second ballot. Horses with the lowest race field selection points (except for heats with finals in excess of $11,000 where fields are to be selected manually) are to be the final ballots. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 19 of 37

20 8.4 Additional Final Conditions i) A Consolation of any Final can only be conducted when the event attracts sufficient acceptors for three (3) heats or more of eight (8) or more acceptors. ii) iii) Finals shall carry prizemoney of a minimum of 50% more than the value of the heat. Consolations, when conducted shall carry a minimum of 10% more prizemoney than the value of the heat unless otherwise approved by the Controlling Body. Futurity or Sales Funded events are exempt from these conditions. iv) The specified 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. 8.5 Eligibility at Acceptance Times Mobile and standing start events i) Any horse that wins after acceptance time will remain eligible to fulfil its engagement. ii) iii) iv) Any horse that wins after acceptance will retain its barrier and handicap mark with the exception of Discretionary Handicap Events which will be left at the Handicappers discretion as to whether the horse should be re-handicapped. In the event of a horse being out of the barrier draw for the Heat/Semi-Final/Prelude, but being eligible for inclusion in the barrier draw for the final should it begin in a satisfactory manner in the Heat/Semi-Final/Prelude, the draw for the Final will re-include the horse in the draw. In the event of a horse being made out of the barrier draw in the Heat/Semi-Final/Prelude, the draw for the Final will exclude the horse in the draw. v) If a horse has a reduction in class following a non winning performance in a Heat, such horse will be eligible for a drop back in class for the Final. vi) If a driver concession is claimed in a Heat/Semi-Final/Prelude it must also be claimed in the final, and should a horse not claim a driver concession in the Heat/Semi-Final/Prelude then no concession may be claimed in the Final. 9 ELIGIBILITY 9.1 A horses eligibility for a race shall be determined by the Handicapper and/or Stewards. The eligibility of a horse entered into a race shall be determined as at the time acceptances close for such race. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 20 of 37

21 10. TERMINOLOGY 10.1 In a race of any class, the term Mares shall refer to and include Fillies & Mares and the term Entires and Geldings shall refer to and include Colts, Entires, Geldings and Rigs. 11. RQL STAKEMONEY SCHEDULE CLASS MINIMUM STAKE Saturday (Metropolitan) $11,000 Saturday (Open class) $14,000 Tuesday $5,000 Friday $6,000 Wednesday $3,001 Thursday $4,000 Non-TAB $1, FIELD LIMITS 12.1 Unless otherwise approved by RQL: i. Albion Park & Gold Coast a) All 2yo (MS & SS) 10 starters b) 3yo+ all distances (MS) 11 starters c) 3yo+ all distances (SS) 12 starters ii. iii. At Redcliffe, a field limit of 10 starters in mobile races and 12 starters in standing start races will apply, except for races to the value of $20,000 or more where an emergency may be drawn. Toowoomba & Wide Bay a field limit of 8 starters in all races will apply. iv. At Marburg a field limit of 8 will apply in all mobile start events and 10 in all standing start races Each track will have the following starting configuration from the particular start type:- Maximum starters on front row Track Mobile Stand Albion Park 7 8 Gold Coast 7 8 Redcliffe 6 7 Marburg 5 6 Toowoomba 5 5 Wide Bay 5 5 Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 21 of 37

22 13. SEEDED PREFERENTIAL BARRIER DRAWS 13.1 In mobile start races at Albion Park and Gold Coast, barriers are allocated in the following sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 and In mobile start races at Redcliffe, barriers are allocated in the following sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 5, 6, 10 and In mobile start races at Marburg, Toowoomba & Wide Bay barriers are allocated in the following sequence 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 4, 5, 8 and REDUCTIONS IN CLASS 14.1 Owners & Trainers are reminded that after ten non winning performances a horse will receive a reduction in class Horses can only go back in class to a C1, R1 and/or M1 and cannot drop back to a maiden. (C0, R0 or M0) 14.3 Horses that dead heat for first at their 10 th non-winning performance will also receive a reduction in class. 15. RE-HANDICAPS 15.1 Mobile start Horses cannot be re-handicapped by RQL Handicappers 15.2 Standing start Horses can only be re-handicapped by RQL Handicappers in Discretionary Handicap events and not in conditioned handicaps or races where handicaps are based on class. 16. SCRATCHINGS 16.1 Final scratchings close by 8.30am on the morning of each meeting. Emergencies will be withdrawn at this time if there have been no scratchings in the race. Trainers are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that should their horse be declared an emergency, they are required to ascertain whether their horse has been granted a start after the official scratching time Scratchings should be phoned in on the RQL Scratching Hotline or on Scratchings can also be made on HarnessWeb prior to the scratching deadline. When scratching a horse, trainers must clearly identify the following: i) Trainers Name ii) Trainers Licence Number iii) Meeting Details iv) Horses Name v) Reason for Scratching Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 22 of 37

23 16.3 If a horse is declared to race in a claiming race and is subsequently withdrawn from that event for veterinary reasons, at the time of its withdrawal, the trainer must submit a veterinary certificate stating the condition or injury, and/or any treatment or administration of medications which prevented it from starting The following criteria will apply to any withdrawal at all meetings: a) No fee and stood down for 28 days, however this may be reviewed upon receipt of satisfactory documentation; b) $35.00 and stood down for a minimum 6 days, however the time frame may be reviewed following acceptable veterinary evidence outlining the extent of the injury or illness and clearance will be required before this stand down period is reviewed; c) $35.00 if scratched after the official scratching time (Late scratching). d) Penalties or embargoes may apply for unacceptable scratchings. Circumstances may be considered on an individual basis. The above scratching fees will apply to any horse which is withdrawn up until the time it enters the track for the race in which it is declared to run. It will not apply if a horse is withdrawn because it has been stood down, ineligible or scratched for acceptable reasons 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 Clause Notwithstanding Clause 16.4, a horse that is declared to run in a race prior to accepting for a feature event to the value of $15,000 or more may scratch without penalty from the first engagement if declared to run in the upcoming feature event 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 If after acceptance time a horse is scratched due to a change of ownership or trainer, such horse, upon notification of such transfer may be scratched both fee and penalty free 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 8.30am on race day will attract the normal scratching penalty. Such applications may only be made on the day of the race. (Please refer below for full Racing in Hot Weather Policy). Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 23 of 37

24 17. RACING IN HOT WEATHER POLICY 17.1 This policy is in place to protect the welfare of horses and participants and to minimize adverse effects on horses racing in hot weather at all tracks under the jurisdiction of Racing Queensland Limited. POLICY This policy applies to all barrier trial and race days where the forecast, or current temperature is thirty five degrees Celsius (35 C) or above. On a race day where the forecast maximum temperature for the race meeting venue is determined by the Bureau of Meteorology of the meeting is to exceed thirty eight degrees Celsius (38 C), 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. Scratching effected after 8.30am on race day may attract the normal scratching penalty. Such applications may only be made on the day of the race. In the event that the forecast temperature, determined by the Bureau of Meteorology, for a race day is to exceed thirty eight degrees Celsius (38 C), Stewards in consultation with a Veterinarian will consider whether to proceed, or modify the programme for that race meeting. It will be the responsibility of the Chairman of Stewards acting at any race meeting to obtain the forecast conditions for any particular meeting. A horse may be withdrawn for heat stress (Appendix 1) on arrival at the track by order of Stewards, in consultation with the on course Veterinarian and the Trainer or the Trainer s representative. Any penalty incurred would be at the discretion of the Stewards acting on the advice of the Veterinarian. Any horse, displaying adverse effects of the heat shall, at the request of a Trainer be inspected by the on course Veterinarian. Horses may not be required to parade and identification procedures may be conducted in the stalls. The on course Veterinarian must endeavor to inspect all horses after the completion of the preliminary and prior to the start of any race. Horses retained for post-race sampling should be allowed to cool off with hosing and walking prior to sample collection. Horses shall only be retained in the swab stall for a period at the discretion of the on course Veterinarian and/or the Stewards. Racing Queensland Limited Harness Racing Information 24 of 37