August CEO Note Caring for Clubs - Jacqui Ingham. Breeders Challenge Blue

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1 VOLUME E / ISSUE 6 August CEO Note 4 Caring for Clubs - Jacqui Ingham 5 Breeders Challenge Blue 7 NSW Standardbred Owners Association 8 Harness Breeders NSW 10 NSW Mini Trot Report 11 From the Stewards Room 12 Industry Awards Night Arthur J Harness Racing

2 CEO Note INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE WAGGA WAGGA Despite considerable frustration the development of the North Wagga site for the Riverina Regional Racing Centre is back on track with the local Council reaffirming its decision on the location of the facility. HRNSW and in fact the harness racing fraternity have be faced with opposition to the North Wagga site since inception. As could be expected opposition was from nearby residents but the latest hurdle came from an obscure group who claimed it had the support of a collective of industry participants. When forced to proclaim the concerns of the group at a specially convened meeting of Councillors the opposition was exposed as having no relevance and the alternate site for the establishment of the facility was found to be totally unsuitable. The development approval for the North Wagga site will now be assessed by the Southern Region Joint Planning Panel which is expected to next meet in October. PENRITH The construction of the new race stalls at Penrith Paceway is taking shape despite the adverse weather conditions being experienced over the past two months. Following on from the installation of the lighting upgrade at the Paceway the race stalls will offer participants and horses for that matter a modern utility capable of accommodating a ten race meeting. The race stalls should be in operation towards the end of October. MENANGLE PARK TRAINING CENTRE Finally, after many years of planning the first of the ten barns in Stage One of the Menangle Park Training Centre has been erected. Already established at the training centre is the 1000 metre exercise track which will compliment the race and sand tracks at Tabcorp Park Menangle and other integral infrastructure. The development of the water walker facility will soon commence whilst a decision has been reached that the construction of all the barns and surrounds will be completed before occupation early in TAMWORTH With the announcement of the staged introduction of wagering tax rebates by Government HRNSW will bring forward the development application for the Tamworth track. Originally it was determined not to commence on the Tamworth project until the Wagga track was nearing completion however as additional funds will now be assured through the tax parity resources can be re-directed to the planning process and in particular the ancillary uses for the property. PEPPER TREE FARM BREEDERS CHALLENGE BLUE & REGIONAL FINALS The Pepper Tree Farm Breeders Challenge Series are over for the season with the excitement and wealth of winning the Finals being generally shared by cross section of the industry fraternity. BLUE FINALS The Blue Series which is supported to the amount of $150,000 by the Principal Club (NSWHRC) allowed the State based breeding nurseries Golden Gait and Yirribee Studs as well as the sponsor Pepper Tree Farm to provide the sires of the winners. Pass The Magic race by breeders Bernie and Cath Hewitt and Express Pass bred by Wayne Honan and raced by the Fleur De Lil Trust (Luke and Belinda McCarthy) are by Wayne and Anne Lamb s Passmaster Hanover which stands at Golden Gait. Rob Woodhouse s Yirribee Stud stallion Million Dollar Cam sired Million Dollar Wave which was also bred by Yirribee and raced by a partnership of seven new owners. Sport Report bred and raced by Craig Cross is by Peppertree Farm s super sire Sportswriter gave Mark Hewitt a great result to round off the season. REGIONAL FINALS Paceway Bathurst was the host for the Regional Finals which although conducted on a bitterly cold winter afternoon provided extremely competitive racing in all six categories. The results were six different groups in the winners circle for the Regional Finals. Naturally the winning horses were different in Merrywood Ruby, Bettor Together, Miss Nickels, Chumlee, Shes A Jackson and Glencore however each was sired by six different stallions providing diversity in the breeding ranks. The trainers were Wayne Dimech, Belinda McCarthy, David Hewitt, Amanda Turnbull, Trevor White and James Rattray whilst Gavin Fitzpatrick, Todd McCarthy, David Hewitt, Amanda Turnbull, Trevor White and James Rattray were the successful drivers. On behalf of the entire industry again I thank Rob and Julie Van Dyke for their continued support of the Peppertree Farm NSW Breeders Challenge. TWELVE HORSE FIELDS HRNSW in accordance with the Strategic Plan will proceed with CEO Note 2 August 2015

3 endeavouring to increase the field sizes for all races. To this end in particular twelve horse fields will be introduced on the longer circuits as from September. Clearly increased wagering turnover is paramount to the industry s revenue streams and maximum field sizes are the goal. Data provided by the primary betting agency Tabcorp verifies that twelve horses in races achieve the optimum turnover. Certainly races of ten or more will deliver increased revenue from all wagering operators. Evidence of this is the positive increase in the wagering turnover at Bathurst where full fields of twelve horses are often drawn. Whilst it is accepted respective races may not attract sufficient nominations twelve horses will be drawn in races contested at Tabcorp Park Menangle, Newcastle and Goulburn from September 1. It should be noted however that the current starting configurations at Tabcorp Park Menangle and Newcastle tracks will not change. The starting configuration for Goulburn will replicate that of Bathurst as will be implemented at Wagga and Tamworth when those tracks come on-line. SPRINT LANES The introduction of sprint lanes at the new Wagga and Tamworth tracks has been confirmed by the Board of HRNSW following the trial at Paceway Bathurst. Investigation by HRNSW as to the introduction of a sprint lane at Goulburn will be ongoing with the Club however at Tabcorp Park Menangle and Newcastle International Paceway the construction of sprint lanes at those tracks has been deferred due to the significant cost of installation as identified by the respective Clubs. CARNIVAL OF CUPS The ultra successful HRNSW Carnival of Cups circuit will commence at Eugowra on Monday 5th October where record prizemoney of $30,000 will be on offer for the Canola Cup. The Eugowra Club under the guidance of Lex Crosby and his Committee and volunteers marshalled by the effervescent Jodie Greenhalgh will lead the way for what will be another edition of race meetings around the State. Every Club will be offered a Carnival of Cups Meeting which will see a record $650,000 provided by HRNSW for additional prizemoney and local marketing. From the submissions received it is evident that all Clubs will provide to their local communities and the industry fraternity a season to remember. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TROTTERS ASSOCIATION Corporate governance is a key objective of the Industry Strategic Plan with Constitutions and structures of all Clubs and kindred bodies being reviewed in accordance with legislative requirements. HRNSW has developed a model harness racing specific constitution which has been forwarded to Clubs for consideration and adoption if appropriated. Likewise a constitution for kindred bodies has been prepared for consideration. As an initial objective HRNSW will be inviting participants who are involved with or would like to assist with the future of trotters in NSW to volunteer their time and services to the formation of a renewed association. SULKY RECOVERY SCHEME The introduction of the Sulky Recovery Scheme at the behest of participants earlier this year has been questioned of late by some participants who consider the $5 per race fee excessive. The Scheme is certainly not a HRNSW revenue raising exercise but rather a service to the industry. As expressed on the introduction of the Scheme it will be reviewed after twelve months of operation with a view of satisfying the requirements of those involved. CONTINGENCY FUND The Contingency Fund which allows Clubs to conduct additional races when nominations permit has proven to be a great incentive to Clubs and participants to assist with attracting maximum fields sizes. The Fund which is administered by HRNSW distributes additional prizemoney for races conducted above the allocated number under certain criteria. There is however the exception to the allocation of additional races where there is no distribution from the Fund which is at Newcastle. The Newcastle Club successfully petitioned HRNSW to conduct as many as ten races on Saturday nights through the surrender of race meetings. The only other recent exeception where funding wasn t drawn from the Contingency Fund to accommodate the additional races was at Parkes where the Club simply contributed the prizemoney for the additional race from its own funds. Now that is a real exception! SPECIAL MENTIONS Special mentions must be accorded Dan Westwood and the Harbor audio visual team headed by John and Michelle for their efforts in ensuring the Bathurst meeting proceeded during the bleakest weather imaginable last month. All concerned went beyond the call of duty to ensure the meeting proceeded without a problem ably assisted by others with a dedication to the cause. Also to Gary Williams who cleared his throat after a very long absence from the task and called the races at Bathurst when regular commentator Fred Hastings was called away in an emergency a very special thank you for ensuring the meeting progressed without a concern. John Dumesny HRNSW CEO CEO Note 3 August 2015

4 Caring for Clubs - Jacqui Ingham One of the biggest issues facing harness racing in Australia is a perceived lack of passionate young people involved in the sport. While harness racing is still enjoyed in many country towns, young adults introduced to the sport through a family connection can become dislocated from the industry through tertiary study, a job or other sporting interests. Jacqui Ingham with Pacific Hot Shot However with participants like nineteen-year old Jacqui Ingham involved, harness racing will continue to thrive throughout New South Wales. The part-time student enjoys harness racing and plays an important role in the promotion of the sport in Dubbo. I have been around horses since I can remember, I live in Dubbo with my parents but my grandfather (Lex Bramble) has a small farm just out of town and I try to get out there as often as I can to help out, Jacqui said. There are four horses in full work out at my grandparents place and I m hoping to drive my first winner very soon on one of the horses, I thought it might have happened by now but I will keep on trying that s for sure. What makes Jacqui so important to the Dubbo Harness Racing Club is her drive to promote the sport through social media. I approached Jeff Costello (board member) about starting a Facebook page for the Harness Club and helping out where I could, he was very open to me lending a hand, then I was asked to join the club s board and take up a media liaison type role. I jumped at that opportunity, I was a bit unsure at first about what I had to do, but I help out Ben Walker from the local paper with a story when he needs it and I also take some photographs at the race meeting that the media can use. The Dubbo Carnival Of Cups meeting in May was a special occasion for the club and Jacqui enjoyed her involvement on the day. The Red Ochre Mares Classic meeting was a great one to be involved with, it was great to see so many people get to the trots, there were a number of new faces in the crowd and importantly there were a lot of people who had come back to the track after a long time away. We are already looking at some changes for next year and a move to Friday night would make the event even bigger. It took up a lot of my time, I did some exams in June and missing the study caught up with me a bit but the week was definitely worth being a part of. While Jacqui is sharing her time between study, work and the horses currently, she is set to switch university courses and follow her passion. I ve been doing a Bachelor of Medical Science by distance but I m looking to swap to Animal Science and concentrate on Animal Nutrition and Genetics. It is a four year course internally but they don t offer it by distance, so I have spoken with the course convenor and there is some talk that I can do some sessions on campus at Wagga and some away but it will probably take me something like six years to complete. While growing up around horses there was no strong desire for Jacqui to become a race driver but a comment from a family friend led her to take out her driving licence. I would help gear up horses from the time I could reach up high enough, I would even help take the horses boots off as soon as I could reach their knees but a Jacqui Ingham with Sunnybrae close friend of the family said to me one day that I should have a go at driving. It all started from that, it was a big difference to go from working two horses together to driving in trials but I quickly learned to cope in bigger fields. Sunnybrae has been Jacqui s favourite horse so far in her career despite having a race fall in November I did my trial driving on Sunnybrae, my grandfather trains him and I m sure he is going to win a race one day. I did get tipped out driving him and when I hit the ground I was nearly run over by a horse following me but it didn t worry me mentally and I enjoyed getting back into the cart. Jacqui s parents Belinda & Andrew have been very supportive of their daughter and even pitched in to help during the recent Carnival Of Cups meeting. Mum and Dad turned up to help the club which was great of them, they have always encouraged me to do what I enjoy but they are keen for me to finish my studies so I always have something to fall back on in the future. I think I will always be involved in harness racing in the future, it is in my blood. Jacqui is a part of harness racing s future. Eager to help, promote, participate and introduce the next generation to the great sport, the industry needs many more people like her. Caring for Clubs - Jacqui Ingham 4 August 2015

5 Breeders Challenge Blue The Hewitt family starred at the Pepper Tree Farm NSW Breeders Challenge Blue meeting on Saturday July 11 with both Bernie and Mark Hewitt recording a group two victory. Bernie prepared Pass The Magic to win the three year old fillies final while Mark s Sport Report dominated her two year old filly rivals. Paul Fitzpatrick and Belinda McCarthy broke the Hewitt dominance with wins in the three year old and two year old colts and geldings divisions respectively. Mark Hewitt was entitled to think Sport Report was cursed before her Blue victory. The filly developed a hoof infection in the lead up to the Bathurst Gold Tiara and had to be scratched from the series while a curbed hock put an end to her Breeders Challenge campaign before a heat for the group one event had even been run. I ve had a few issues with her during the season, I always knew she had a bit of ability so I was trying to get her to a race like the Blue and to win, it was just great, Hewitt said. The daughter of Sportswriter won the Breeders Challenge Blue by nearly twenty metres after racing away from the field halfway down the straight. She went great, she does want to latch on a bit it is in the family, but at about the 800 metre mark she came off the bit and was so relaxed, I didn t really know what was going on at the time but when the leader kicked up she went with her and then when I pulled the plugs away she went. Understandably when Hewitt got up on the Saturday morning prior to the race he decided to check on the filly to make sure nothing had gone wrong. I was checking everything when I got up on race morning to make sure nothing had happened to her overnight and even when I was driving to Menangle I was hoping she was alright in the back of the float. Mark s younger brother Bernie was forced to work harder for his Blue victory with Pass The Magic scoring a three metre victory over Miss Nickels. The three year old filly final was a real family affair with David Hewitt, Bernie and Mark s brother training and driving the runner-up. Bernie and his wife Cathy bred and own Pass The Magic which made it a great result for the likable couple. I thought if I put Pass The Magic to sleep up the back she would be a chance because she had been working pretty well but I did think Wayne White s Miss Rodriguez was the one to beat, Hewitt said. My filly has always been pretty strong but a bit one paced, I wasn t too concerned by the wide draw because if she relaxed and they went reasonably hard I knew she would keep chugging late so it worked out pretty well. The Pepper Tree Farm NSW Breeders Challenge Blue concept is a real winner according to Hewitt and a vital part of the breeding industry in NSW. It is great for these Breeders Challenge Blue horses, the stronger ones are out of the series because they ve run placings in the main Breeders Challenge, it gives everyone a bite at the cherry. Connections of Milliondollar Wave were rewarded for their persistence with the gelding winning the Blue after finishing second as a two year old in the $50,000 final. Driven by Gavin Fitzpatrick, the son of Million Dollar Cam was too strong despite drawing a wide barrier. Breeders Challenge Blue 5 August 2015

6 The Blue was his main aim, he finished second behind Spare Me Days in it last year, Alan Tubbs is a good friend of ours and he sent him up from Victoria for the Breeders Challenge series and then this series but being restricted to Blue bred horses it was always going to be his main aim, Fitzpatrick said. Fitzpatrick confirmed the poor gate was a concern prior to the event and he had planned to go forward. My original plan was to take the barrier out of the equation by going forward and try and take up a good spot but there was a bit more speed than what I thought which forced me to change tactics. Once I got into the running line I thought he was going to be very hard to beat, I ended up one out and two back and on the turn everyone else was under pressure and really struggling. Milliondollar Wave was sixth in the Breeders Challenge final behind Kept Under Wraps but Fitzpatrick thought he should have finished closer. He disappointed me in the Breeders Challenge final because he was jogging at the top of the straight and when he got out he didn t do anything but he hit the line a lot better in the Blue that s for sure. Belinda McCarthy trained the other Blue winner with two year old colt Express Pass charging late to score a narrow victory over Allnight Story. Reinsman James Rattray took the drive on the McCarthy trained youngster with regular driver Luke interstate. The win was a special one for the McCarthy s with Belinda s parents, Wayne and Anne Lamb standing the winner s sire Passmaster Hanover. It was the stallion s second Blue success with Pass The Magic another of his offspring. Breeders Challenge Blue 6 August 2015

7 NSW Standardbred Owners Association OWNERS BONUS RACE SERIES The NSWSOA wish to advise that the following venues and race dates will formulate the Owners Bonus Series for The Series will be held as follows: The bonuses attached to these meetings will be $500 paid direct to winning owners plus a $500 Bonus Certificate issued by HRNSW. This Bonus Certificate can be used in multiple ways such as a sustaining payment for the Breeders Challenge; towards the service of a Breeders Challenge eligible stallion standing in NSW; or can be transferred to another person to be used as above. To be eligible for the Bonus, the managing owner must be a member of the Owners Association when the horse is nominated for the event. This is an opportunity for members to share in the benefits of membership in our Association with previous winning bonuses totalling in tens of thousands. Our Association would like to acknowledge the support of the participating Clubs and HRNSW in the conducting of this Series. Annual membership of our Association is $50, and membership forms may be downloaded from our website. Bathurst 9th September 2015 Wagga 18th September 2015 Parkes 20th September 2015 Menangle 22nd September 2015 Newcastle 10th October 2015 Young 16th October 2015 Penrith 22nd October 2015 Dubbo 31st October 2015 NSW Standardbred Owners Association 7 August 2015

8 Harness Breeders NSW 2015 HARNESS BREEDERS NSW GO GIRLFRIEND MARES RACE SERIES The heats of the 2015 Harness Breeders NSW Go Girlfriend mares race series were well supported and keenly contested events. The four heats were run at Young, Penrith, Bathurst and Newcastle with the final held at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday evening July 18. Our congratulations to the winner of this year s race Verdot. A 4 year old daughter of Village Jasper from the Dark Paul mare Tarot Cardm, Verdot is owned and trained by Harness Breeders NSW member David Hewitt and was skilfully driven to victory by David s son Sam. In Second place was Thats My Money Honey, a daughter of Elsu from the OK Bye mare Thats My Franco owned by Charlie Cordina. Third place went to Harness Breeders NSW member Joe Cassar s aptly named Simply Gorgeous. A fiveyear-old daughter of Art Major from the well performed Village Jasper mare Yokas. Joe bred and raced the mother & daughter and both have been successfully campaigned by John Tapp. Congratulations to our members who bred and or raced many of the mares taking part in this series -The Gibson Family s Success Stud, Wayne & Anne Lamb s Golden Gait Stud, Chris Rookwood, Joe Cassar, Joanne and Brett Andersen and Alabar Farm. Two NSW Breeders Challenge Owners Certificates valued at $2,500 each and sponsored by Harness Racing NSW were on offer, one given to the winning owner David Hewitt, Verdot, and the second was drawn on the night from all mares that competed in the heats. This went to J.P.Rennie who races Ask Me Mach a daughter of Mach Three from the Falcon Seelster mare Talk To Me Later. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 2015/16 Membership renewal for 2015/16 season is fast approaching! As a bonus to our members who renew or new members who join before the 31st of August 2015 we offer you the chance to win a $500 Breeders Bonus Certificate, compliments of HRNSW. All who join before this date will go into the draw with the lucky recipient being announced at the 2015 HBNSW Annual Awards night on Saturday October 3 at Tabcorp Park Menangle. Visit our web site: to view the many benefits offered to our members. HARNESS BREEDERS NSW 2015 ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT The Harness Breeders NSW Annual Awards night is scheduled for Saturday October 3 at Tabcorp Park Menangle. This promises to be a great evening where we celebrate and acknowledge outstanding achievement in our sport, enjoy good food, good company and exciting racing. Watch this spot for a further update. FOALING ALARM HIRE Members of Harness Breeders NSW are offered a generous subsidised rate for the hire of these invaluable alarms - they give peace of mind and save you many sleepless nights. Book your foaling alarm early to avoid disappointment as there are only a limited number available. For bookings please contact Mob: Harness Breeders NSW 8 August 2015

9 BROODMARE LOAN SCHEME The broodmare loan scheme is innovative way to enter the exhilarating world of Standardbred breeding and racing. Harness Breeders NSW would encourage owners of broodmares and current race mares that are being considered for retirement to register your mare/s on our web site if you do not wish to breed from her this season. Registration on our web site is free. The broodmare loan scheme offers an affordable entry point for individuals or Syndicates who would like to breed a foal without the formidable financial burden of the initial purchase of a quality mare. Now is the time to take advantage of this breeding scheme especially when you consider the many benefits on offer through our Breeding Bonus Schemes - Breeders Challenge, The Blue Series etc. Visit our web site for more details re Breeding incentives and the Broodmare Loan Form OR HARNESS BREEDERS NSW MEMBERS RACE BONUS SCHEME The HBNSW Members Race Bonus scheme is a new innovative incentive offering $1,000 to current financial members of HBNSW. This race bonus is in the form of $500 cash accompanied by a $500 Breeders Bonus Certificate courtesy of HRNSW. The HBNSW Members Race Bonus will be conducted on numerous race tracks across NSW targeting 20 race meetings kicking off the 2015/16 race season. To view all details of this initiative please visit our HBNSW web site. Harness Breeders NSW 9 August 2015

10 NSW Mini Trot Report ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of the association was held recently and saw the Executive Committee all returned unopposed. The Committee is: President - TERRY JUDD Vice President - ANNE WHEELER Secretary/Treasurer - DARYLL JACKSON Assistant Secretary - JACKI GRAHAM Publicity Officer - DARYLL JACKSON Some other points to come out of the meeting include: Junior members will be able to drive mini trotters with a C Grade licence while obtaining their trial drives. However members must cease driving mini trotters once they have their first registered race drive. Mini trot drivers must drive in a race with no parts of body protruding beyond the sulky The Association will form a policy in relation to the specifications of sulkies The Association will seek to conduct a 2016 Drivers Series that will include invited drivers from 5 Australian states and New Zealand. Continued support of the Carnival of Cups Support the re-introduction of Maxi Trots Introduce a Prohibited Substance Rule Support a new club from Albury. Work with Harness Racing Australia to introduce National Mini Trot Rules Membership fees will remain at their current levels Neck straps to be worn when Quick Hitch Sulky is attached ROSS GIGG DRIVER CHALLENGE Despite wet conditions the recent running of the Ross Gigg Mini Trot Challenge at Newcastle Paceway was a huge success. A driver from each affiliated NSW Mini Trots Club was invited to participate in the challenge while the ponies were supplied by the host club, Newcastle/Maitland. Each participant had five drives on different ponies with a point score determining the eventual winner. Jemma Howard-Coney from Shoalhaven drew first blood defeating Dubbo s Britoney Russon. Codi Rauchenberger was on a hot streak winning the next two events relegating Inner City s Bryse McElhinney to second on both occasions. Penrith/Nepean driver Kellee O Neill gave a dominant display in the fourth heat defeating Molly Turton. Four drivers could still win the challenge going into the final event but a bold front running display by Jemma Howard-Coney gave her another win in the series and therefore she was declared the eventual winner one point in front of Capital representative Codi Rauchenberger. A close third was Kellee O Neill just in front of Bryse McElhinney. FINAL POINTS JEMMA HOWARD-CONEY 48 CODI RAUCHENBERGER 47 KELLEE O NEILL 43 BRYSE MCELHINNEY 39 ALEISHA BOND 33 MOLLY TURTON 33 BRITONEY RUSSON 28 TEGAN JUDD 24 Next season the Newcastle Harness Club has indicated it would like to extend the event to a four week carnival. This would include a height handicap with heats and finals with the Ross Gigg Drivers Challenge and discretionary handicap on the final night. It is proposed to hold this event during the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May. Mini Trots Report 10 August 2015

11 From the Stewards Room NOTICE TO TRAINERS - UNREGISTERED PRODUCTS HRNSW advises that, on 7 July 2015, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issued a notice under section 101 of the AGVET Codes to Randlab Pty Ltd. This notice requires Randlab to stop supplying the products to any person, other than supply authorised under an APVMA permit to enable supply for the purpose of export, and to publish an electronic copy of the notice on the Randlab company website. The notice identifies the following veterinary products which have been supplied by Randlab but are currently unregistered and are not able to be lawfully supplied in Australia:- Randlab Ulcershield Paste for Horses (Omeprazole 370mg/g) Randlab Gastropell Forte Oral Paste for Horses (Omeprazole 100mg/ml) Randlab Zoldronic Acid (Zoledronic Acid 0.45mg/ml) Randlab Ovu-Mate Injection (Altrenogest 50mg/ml) Randlab Joint & Muscle Gel (Diclofenac Sodium 10mg/g) Randlab Meloxicam Paste (Meloxicam 20mg/ml) HRNSW advises that under the Rules of Racing HRR 194, the possession of any unregistered products is an offence. HRR 194 states; A person who procures or attempts to procure or who has in his possession or on his premises or under his control any substance or preparation that has not been registered, labelled, prescribed, dispensed or obtained in compliance with relevant State and Commonwealth legislation is guilty of an offence. Should any Trainer currently have in his possession of any of these substances, they must be removed from his stables immediately and not be used on horses. Trainers should refer all inquiries to their veterinary practitioners or to Randlab. DRIVING STYLE - LAYING BACK Stewards wish to bring to the attention of ALL Drivers that this practice which has been used by a small group of Drivers will from prohibited from 1 August, following which the Rules will be policed. Drivers will be aware that HRR 170(2) states; A driver shall not drive in a race with a part of the driver s body protruding beyond the sulky. To provide guidance to Drivers the Stewards would generally consider taking action where a Driver lays back further than 45 degrees beyond the upright position. This is consistent with the position taken by HRV and RQ. REVIEW OF TRIALS As indicated in a previous EGazette, HRNSW Stewards will continue to attend and review the conduct of trials in order to ensure compliance with the Rules. Several Drivers have received reprimands for conduct which has offended the Rules. Most of the offences, although not all, have resulted from undisciplined use of the whip. Trainers and Drivers are hereby notified that from 1 August, 2015 all breaches identified will be fully investigated and may result in action being taken as if the offence had occurred at a race meeting. From the Stewards Room 11 August 2015

12 Arthur J Gallagher Harness Racing New South Wales INDUSTRY AWARDS NIGHT Saturday 19th September 2015 Doltone House Darling Island Wharf 48 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont Tickets $125 Entertainment Phil Cass Kayla Jo DJ Brandon To purchase tickets contact - Nancy O Grady