Race Day Regulations 2009 -2010
Horses
Registration of proof of identity
All Quarter Horses need to be registered with AQHA or AmQHA to be allowed to participate. Proof of registration is required.
Naming and Form of Horses
All new horses registered with VRQHA must retain their previous or original name, and also their previous racing form if transferring from a different racing club.
- 62kg is the minimum weight. Jockeys weights will be announced on race day by the Race Announcer.
- Weight handicapping -After 7 wins weight will be raised by 1kg for each subsequent win.
- Max weight 70 kg. Weight reduced by half a kg if horse does not run a place.
Behaviour
Any horse observed to have any significant issues identified by stewards on a particular race day must complete a barrier trial with a minimum of two other horses to the steward’s satisfaction before it can race again.
Bans
Any horse banned in TB for bad behaviour or bleeding will not be accepted by VRQHA.
Barrier Certificate
All horses need to have a Barrier Certificate before they can race. They will need to be trialled with a minimum of two other horses in front of stewards. Where horses are transferring from the TB industry they will need to show a barrier certificate which is less than 12 months old.
Weight
- 62kg is the minimum weight. Jockeys weights will be announced on race day by the Race Announcer.
- Weight handicapping -After 7 wins weight will be raised by 1kg for each subsequent win.
- Max weight 70 kg. Weight reduced by half a kg if horse does not run a place.
Jockeys
- All Jockeys need approval from a Steward prior to riding in their first race with VRQHA.
- New Jockeys will need to complete a Barrier Trial with other horses, or be able to provide a reference from the stable where they ride track work, to prove that they are a proficient rider.
- The Minimum Age for VRQHA jockeys is 16 years of age. Proof of age will need to be sighted by a Steward.
- Jockeys are not allowed to bet on race Days.
- Jockeys shall not be affected by drugs or alcohol (random urine samples will be taken)
- Jockeys are required to be at the track one hour prior to their first race.
- Jockeys are not permitted to leave the confines of the Jockey area unless given permission from a Steward.
- Bad Language and behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Ambulance subscriptions are mandatory and proof must be able to be produced if asked.
- VRQHA ID must be able to be produced at race meetings
- Jockeys must not discuss proceedings of protest with anyone except the Steward or Race Day Official
Strappers
- Ambulance subscriptions are mandatory and proof must be able to be produced if asked.
- The minimum age for strappers is 13 years old
- VRQHA ID must worn and visible at all times during race meetings
- Bad Language and behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Appropriate Clothing and shoes must be worn
Trainers
Rules and Regulations
All trainers need to be familiar with the Rules of Racing.
New Trainers
New trainers will require an Interview via email or telephone by steward where personal interview not available.
Minimum Age
The minimum age for a trainer’s licence is 18 years old
ID
VRQHA ID must be worn and visible at all times during race meetings Ambulance subscriptions are mandatory and proof must be able to be produced if asked.
Behaviour
Bad Language and behaviour will not be tolerated.
Race Day
- All trainers must be at the race track 1 hour prior to race. In the event of an emergency and anticipated late arrival the Trainer must ring the steward to let them know. It will be at the steward’s discretion if the trainer’s horse is allowed to race.
- Trainers and horses are not permitted to leave until 30 minutes after the horse’s last race.
- Horses must be in the stalls 1 hour prior to race and trainers must have all horses’ paperwork at the stalls.
Presentation of horses in mounting yard
- Horses must present in mounting yard 15 minutes prior to race. Trainers will incur a $50 fine for first offence if not on time. Second offence horse will be scratched.
- Trainers/owners are required to present themselves and their horse in the place getters stalls in the winning circle for presentations photos and interviews.
Protests
At the finish of a race the Trainer and Jockey must immediately approach the Head Steward and lodge a protest. The cost of the protest is $50 however this is refunded if the protest is upheld. The jockey and trainer will then be taken into a private room where a discussion will be held with a panel, consisting of the Head Steward, the Race Day Manger and the Race Starter. The opposing jockey and trainer will also be asked to speak to the panel.
The panel will then make their decision, using all of the information available to them, (including Video and camera evidence if required). Once the decision has been made both parties will be notified. While the protest is being heard, all other horses can, under the direction of the Head Steward, leave the mounting yard and jockeys will be weighed out.
Nominations
Nominations close 5pm Friday in the week prior to race meetings. Confirmation of nominations will be forwarded to trainers once nominations time has closed. Jockeys name are to be registered with the nomination of horse. Nominations will be on website on Saturday following close of nomination.
Rules on scratching and refunds
- The Nomination fee must be paid by Friday prior to race meeting.
- Unpaid fees will result in horses being scratched.
- If horse is scratched at track on vet advice then nomination fee will be refunded. No other refund will be available.
- Nominations close 5pm Friday in the week prior to race meetings. Confirmation of nominations will be forwarded to trainers once nominations time has closed. Jockeys name are to be registered with the nomination of horse.
- Nominations will be on website on Saturday following close of nomination
General Rules
- All participants at the race meeting will conduct themselves in such a manner as not to offend any other participant or the paying public.
- No alcohol to be consumed in the horse stall area.
- Bad language or unruly behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Participants must direct racing complaints or issues to the head steward.
- Participants must direct other complaints and issues in writing to the VRQHA President
- Trainers and jockeys will discuss proceedings of protests with The Stewards only. Discussions with anyone else will not be tolerated.
Horse Stall Area
- All people in horse stall area are to be Registered Trainers, Strappers, Jockeys or Owners -for safety reasons, no children are allowed.
- ID tags must be displayed.
- This area is closed to the general public.
