VICTORIAN RACING QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION INC.
RULES OF RACING To take effect 1st January 2010
The Rules of Racing of the Victorian Racing Quarter Horse Association Inc (VRQHA) are derived from the official Australian Rules of Racing published by the Australian Racing Board Ltd (ARB). In this context it should be understood that the VRQHA is fulfilling the function of both a Principal Racing Authority and a Club for the purposes of these Rules and that the VRQHA has no association with the ARB.
Where a specific rule is amended by the VRQHA for implementation and enforcement for racing conducted by the VRQHA then that rule will maintain the paragraph numbering as exists in the ARB Rules of Racing however will be renumbered from AR.x to AAR.x.
The VRQHA amended Rules are contained in Annex 1. Where the VRQHA has considered that specific ARB Rules of Racing are not applicable or enforceable with racing conducted by the VRQHA then they will not be implemented. The Rules not implemented by the VRQHA are contained in Annex 2.
The ARB Rules (as amended 1st June 2009) are included as Annex 3 for reference. All ARB Rules not included as a VRQHA amended Rule in Annex 1, or not included in the list of Rules not implemented by the VRQHA in Annex 2, will be implemented and enforced by the VRQHA with the following changes of definition to the ARB Rules to apply:
- “Apprentice” or “Apprentice Jockey” not used. “Chairman of Stewards” means the Chief Steward of the VRQHA.
- “Club” means the VRQHA.
- “Deputy Registrar of Racehorses” and “Deputy Registrar” means the Secretary of the VRQHA.
- “Document of Description” means the document which bears that name and which has been issued by the VRQHA in relation to the identity of the racehorse described therein and where applicable shall include a copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the relevant Stud Book.
- “Executive Officer” means the Secretary of the VRQHA.
- “Foal Identification Card” is not used.
- “National Gear Register” means the VRQHA Gear Register.
- “National Stewards Embargo Register” means the VRQHA Stewards Embargo Register.
- “Principal Racing Authority” means the VRQHA and any similar organisation recognised by the VRQHA.
- “Promoter” not used.
- “Racing Calendar” means the official website of the VRQHA www.vrqha.com.
- “Registered Club” means the VRQHA.
- “Registrar of Racehorses” and the “Registrar” means the Secretary of the VRQHA.
- “Riders Agent” is not used.
- “RISA” is not used.
- “Stud” means a person, Firm or Company engaged in the breeding of horses for racing.
- ”Stud Book” means the official Stud Book registries of the Australian Studbook, Australian Quarter Horse Victorian Racing Quarter Horse Association Inc. Rules of Racing (1st August 2008) Page 3 of 79 Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Paint Horse Association of Australia, Australian Appaloosa Association and the Australian Stockhorse Society.
- “Thoroughbred Identification Card” is not used.
These Rules may from time to time be rescinded or altered and new Rules made by the VRQHA. Versions of the ARB Rules of Racing after the amended version issued on 1st June 2008 will only apply when advised by the VRQHA. The version of the VRQHA Rules of Racing in force will be those published on the official VRQHA Website: www.vrqha.com
ANNEX 1 ARB RULES OF RACING AMENDED FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY THE VRQHA
AAR.1A
A Maiden Race is one restricted to horses which at the time of starting have never won any advertised flat race for prize money.
A CLASS ONE RACE is one restricted to horses which, at the time of starting, have not won more than one advertised flat race for prize money.
A CLASS TWO RACE is one restricted to horses which, at the time of starting, have not won more than two advertised flat races for prize money.
A CLASS THREE RACE is one restricted to horses which, at the time of starting, have not won more than three advertised flat races for prize money.
a CLASS FOUR RACE is one restricted to horses which, at the time of starting, have not won more than four advertised flat races for prize money.
A CLASS FIVE RACE is one restricted to horses which, at the time of starting, have not won more than five advertised flat races for prize money.
A CLASS SIX RACE is one restricted to horses which, at the time of starting, have not won more than six advertised flat races for prize money.
A Maiden Race or any Class Race may also be restricted by the age of horse and/or sex of horse.
A SPECIAL CONDITIONS RACE is one restricted to horses by entry criteria other than Class, age or sex such as a breed specific race or promotional race.
AAR.2
Any person who takes part in any matter coming within these Rules thereby agrees with the Victorian Racing Quarter Horse Association and to be bound by them.
AAR.5
These Rules shall come into operation on the First day of January, 2010.
AAR.7
The VRQHA shall have the control and general supervision of racing that it conducts and not in limitation of all powers conferred on it or implied by these Rules, shall have power, in its discretion:
(a) To hear and decide appeals as provided for in its Rules or by law.
(b) To license jockeys, trainers and others on such terms and conditions as it shall think fit, and at any time to suspend, vary or revoke any such licence without giving any reason therefore.
(c) To inquire into and deal with any matter relating to racing and to refer and/or delegate any such matter to stewards or others for investigation and report and/or for hearing and determination and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, to inquire at any time into the running of any horse upon any course or courses, whether a report concerning the same has been made or decision arrived at by any Stewards or not.
(d) To punish:
(i) any person contravening the Rules or disobeying any proper direction of any official, or
(ii) any licensed person or official whose conduct or negligence in the performance of his duties has led, or could have led, to a breach of the Rules.
(e) At any time to exercise any power conferred on Stewards by the Rules.
(f) To confirm, adopt or enforce any punishment imposed by the Committee or Stewards of any Racing Club in Victorian Racing Quarter Horse Association Inc. Rules of Racing (1st January 2010) the Commonwealth or in any other country.
(g) To make reciprocal arrangements with any such Club for the recognition or enforcement of each other’s punishments.
(h) To annul or mitigate any punishment incurred within its territory.
(i) Not used.
(ii) Not used.
(j) To publish on the official VRQHA website any punishment imposed or any decision made by the VRQHA Committee or the Stewards.
(k) To recognise any Association of Registered Clubs or Race Meetings, or other Racing Body approved by it, and approve of its rules, articles or constitution.
(l) To register owners, horses, jockeys and other riders, trainers and the employees of them.
(m) To allot dates on which race meetings may be held within its territory.
(n) To prescribe the forms to be used under the Rules.
(o) Not used.
(p) To appoint a Subcommittee or Subcommittees of its Members and to delegate to any Subcommittee so appointed all or any of its powers under these Rules.
(q) To appoint such persons as the VRQHA thinks fit for the purpose of hearing and deciding appeals as provided for in its Rules or by law, and for that purpose to delegate to such persons any of the VRQHA’s powers under these Rules.
(r) Notwithstanding the provisions of AR.10 and AR.10A, to appoint such person or persons as the VRQHA thinks fit to hear and adjudicate upon any matter or charge brought by the Stewards relating to a breach of such of the Rules as may be specified by the VRQHA; and to delegate to any appointee or appointees so much of its powers as would enable them to discharge the responsibilities of their appointment.
(s) Not used.
AAR.8
To assist in the control of racing, Stewards shall be appointed according to the Rules with the following powers:
(a) To make, alter, or vary all or any of the arrangements for the conduct of any race meeting under their control.
(b) Not used.
(c) To enter upon and control all lands, booths, buildings, stands, enclosures, and other places used for the purposes of the meeting, and to expel or exclude any person from the same.
(d) To regulate and control, inquire into and adjudicate upon the conduct of all officials and licensed persons, persons attendant on or connected with a horse and all other persons attending a racecourse.
(e) To punish any person committing a breach of the Rules.
(f) To determine all questions arising or objections made in reference to racing at the meeting. Victorian Racing Quarter Horse Association Inc. Rules of Racing (1st August 2008)
(g) To order the examination of any horse for the purpose of ascertaining its age or identity, or for any other purpose connected with the Rules.
(h) To disqualify any horse entered for any race at a meeting which is removed from the course contrary to the orders of the Committee of the Club or the Stewards, or which is not produced at their request.
(i) To require any nominator to satisfy them that he and any horse nominated by him is subject to no disability under the Rules.
(j) To take or cause to be taken any sample from any horse and to make or cause to be made any test to determine whether any prohibited substance is present in the system of the horse. (jj) To take or cause to be taken from any rider either prior to or after riding in any race, trial or track work any sample, and/or to appoint officials or other persons to take such samples. Further, to make or cause to be made any test to determine whether any banned substance as defined in AR.81B is present in such sample.
(k)
(i) Not used.
(ii) On any course (whether a race meeting is being conducted thereon or not) to search any licensed person or any gear or equipment used by or about to be used by him and to take possession of any article or thing found as a result of such search which the Steward or Stewards making such search believe could afford evidence of a breach of or an offence under these Rules.
(l) To order down any rider without assigning any reason and if they think fit to substitute another rider. (ll) To adjudicate on the claim by any rider that a nominator or trainer of a horse had refused to honour a riding engagement, and to make an order regarding the engagement and/or any compensation considered appropriate.
(m) To prohibit any horse from starting in any race.
(n) To order the removal from any horse of any shoes, racing plates, equipment or gear which has not been approved or is in their opinion unsuitable, unsafe or ineffective.
(o) To order any rider to alter the length of his stirrups.
(p) In exceptional cases to extend the time allowed for weighing-out, declaring weight, for starting or for any other thing required by the Rules, or conditions of a race.
(q) If the conditions are in their opinion unsafe for racing, or in case of urgent necessity, or with the permission of the Committee of the Club for any other reason,
(i) to postpone any race or races whether before or after the commencement of the meeting to a later time on that day, or to such other day as the Committee of the Club may decide subject to the approval of the body responsible for allotting race dates in the area; and/or
(ii) to alter the distance of any race.
(r) To remove at any time during the hours of racing in their discretion the Judge, Starter, Clerk of Scales, Clerk of Course, Timekeeper, or other official and appoint a substitute for any such official.
(s) To appoint any official or any deputy or assistant necessary for the conduct of a meeting if the Committee of the Club have failed or omitted to do so. Victorian Racing Quarter Horse Association Inc. Rules of Racing (1st January 2010)
(t) To refuse or reject the nomination of any horse at any time for any period and/or until such horse has trialled, barrier trialled or passed any required veterinary examination to their satisfaction.
(u) To order the withdrawal of a horse from any race at any time before the start if in their opinion it is unfit to run or unable to start without unreasonable delay.
(v) To inquire at any time into the running of any horse in a race whether or not a report concerning the same has been made or a decision arrived at by the Stewards.
(w) To report within fourteen days of the holding of any race meeting to the VRQHA the running of any horse at such meeting which in their judgment is inconsistent with any previous or subsequent performance or performances of such horse.
(x) To publish on the official VRQHA website any punishment imposed or any decision made by them in the exercise of their powers under these Rules.
(y) To exercise any other powers and duties laid down for them by the VRQHA.
(z) Not used.
AAR.14
No horse shall be entered for and no horse shall run in any race or barrier trial unless it has been identity recorded by the VRQHA and has been issued a Document of Description.
AAR.15
(1) Every application to identity record any horse shall be in accordance with the appropriate VRQHA forms as published on the official VRQHA website.
(2) The VRQHA may allow or reject any application for identity recording of any horse.
AAR.19
No horse shall be identity recorded with a name other than the name of which the horse is registered by a recognised Stud Book.
AAR.43
No race shall be 800 metres or longer. Where possible races should be conducted at surveyed distances of 201m, 275m, 302m, 320m, 365m, 402m, 603m and 795m.
AAR.44
Horses 16 years of age and older are able to race provided they have a vet clearance on each race day, prior to racing.
AAR.45
2 year old horses are eligible to race after January 1st of their 2 year old year.
AAR.46B
The official results and horse performance records for races run under these Rules are those recorded by VRQHA and published on the official VRQHA website.
AAR.47
(1) No horse shall be entered for or run in any race except for one for which it is eligible under these rules.
(2) A horse shall be eligible for any race only if it possesses the qualifications (if any) imposed by the conditions of the race.
(3) Any horse that runs in a race for which it was ineligible, or in which it carried less than the weight prescribed by the conditions of the race, shall be disqualified for the race.
(4) Any person who enters or runs a horse in a race for which it was ineligible may be penalised.”
(5) A horse shall be eligible to nominate and be accepted for 2 races they are eligible to run in on any given race day
AAR.53A
(1) An attack of bleeding shall be the appearance of blood at both nostrils, irrespective of quantity, unless in the opinion of the Stewards such bleeding was caused by external trauma.
(2) If a horse suffers an attack of bleeding at any time the fact of such bleeding shall be reported by the Trainer without delay to the Stewards.
(3) If any Principal Racing Authority has recorded that any horse has suffered an attack or attacks of bleeding such advice shall be prima facie evidence that such horse has suffered an attack or attacks of bleeding.
(4) A horse which has in the opinion of the Stewards suffered an attack of bleeding shall not without permission of the Stewards ¬
(a) be trained, exercised or galloped on any racecourse for a period of two months thereafter;
(b) start in any race for a period of three months, and then only after a satisfactory gallop of at least 400 metres in the presence of a Steward.
(5) If a horse suffers more than one attack of bleeding such horse shall be ineligible to start in any race.
(6) If a horse displays blood at one nostril, the trainer shall without delay report such occurrence to the Stewards.
(7) Unless the Stewards are satisfied that the presence of blood provided for in sub rule (6) was attributable to external trauma, the horse shall before racing again be required to undergo a satisfactory gallop of at least 400 metres in the presence of a Steward.
AAR.103
(1) The top weight allocated for handicap races must not be more than 70 kilograms.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub rule (1), if at the declaration of acceptances for a handicap race the weight allocated to the highest-weighted acceptor is less than 62 kilograms, then all allocated weights for the race must be increased until the highest-weighted acceptor is weighted at 62 kilograms.
(3) the minimum weight allocated for handicap flat races must not be less than 62 kilograms.
AAR.105
Races not run under handicap conditions shall have a level weight of 62 kilograms allocated to each horse.
AAR.117
(1) All horses engaged to be run in any race shall be brought into the saddling paddock no later than 15 minutes prior to the race and shall remain there until ordered to proceed to the starting post.
(2) At any time after the designated time for horses to be brought to the saddling paddock, the Stewards may call on the nominator or trainer to satisfy them that their horse will start, and if the Stewards are not so satisfied, or the nominator or trainer cannot be found, the Stewards may order the withdrawal of the horse and punish the nominator and trainer or either of them.
(3) No horse that has competed in a race shall, without the consent of the Stewards, be removed from the saddling paddock within half an hour of the finish of such race.
AAR.128
The Starter may give all such orders and take all such measures as he considers necessary for securing a fair start. He may report any rider disobeying his orders, or taking any advantage, to the Stewards.
AAR.137A
(1) Only padded whips of a design and specifications approved by a panel appointed by the Australian Racing Board may be carried in races or official trials. Every such whip must be in a satisfactory condition and must not be modified in any way. The Stewards may punish any rider who in a race or trial, or in track work, or elsewhere uses his whip in an excessive, unnecessary or improper manner.
(2) Without affecting the generality of sub rule (1) of this Rule, the Stewards may punish any rider who in a race or trial uses his whip
(a) forward of his horse’s shoulder or in the vicinity of its head; or
(b) when his horse is out of contention; or
(c) when his horse is showing no response; or
(d) when his horse is clearly winning; or
(e) when his horse has passed the winning post.
(3) The Stewards may punish a trainer and/or any other person who by instructions or otherwise is a party to a breach of any part of this Rule.
AAR.145
(1) If a horse carries more than a half a kilogram in a flat race over the weight imposed or declared, the rider and any other person at fault may be punished.
(2) The provisions of sub rule (1) do not apply where prior permission has been provided by the Stewards and public announcement of the actual weight to be carried is advised to the public at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled commencement of the race.
AAR.175
The Committee or the Stewards may punish;
(a) Any person, who, in their opinion, has been guilty of any dishonest, corrupt, fraudulent, improper or dishonourable action or practice in connection with racing.
(b) Any person who corruptly gives or offers any money, share in a bet, or other benefit to any person having official duties in relation to racing, or to any owner, nominator, trainer, rider, or person having charge of or access to a racehorse.
(c) Any person having official duties in relation to racing, or a nominator, trainer, rider, or person having charge of or access to a racehorse, who corruptly accepts, or offers to accept, any money, share in a bet, or other benefit.
(d) Any person who wilfully enters or causes to be entered or to start for any race a horse which, or the owner or nominator of which, he knew to be disqualified.
(e) The owner, nominator, and trainer of any horse entered or run in any race, or trial, under a fraudulently false description and any person having any interest in such horse or any of them.
(f) Any owner, nominator, lessee, member of a syndicate, trainer, jockey, rider, apprentice, stable hand, bookmaker, bookmaker’s clerk, person having official duties in relation to racing, person attendant on or connected with a horse, or any other person who refuses or fails to attend or give such evidence as directed at any inquiry or appeal when requested by the VRQHA or Stewards to do so.
(g) Any person who gives at any inquiry or appeal any evidence which in their opinion is false or misleading in any particular. (gg) Any person who makes any false or misleading statement or declaration in respect of any matter in connection with the administration or control of racing.
(h) Any person who administers, or causes to be administered, to a horse any prohibited substance ¬
(i) for the purpose of affecting the performance or behaviour of a horse in a race or of preventing its starting in a race; or
(ii) which is detected in any sample taken from such horse prior to or following the running of any race. (hh) Any person who uses, or has in his possession, any electric or electronic apparatus or any improper contrivance capable of affecting the performance of a horse in a race or training gallop.
(i) Any person being an owner, nominator or licensed person who by advertisement, circular, letter, or other means offers to give information concerning his own or other horses in return for any monetary or other consideration, or any person who connives at such practice.
(j) Any person guilty of improper or insulting behaviour at any time towards the Committee, or Stewards, or any official, in relation to their or his duties.
(k) Any person who has committed any breach of the Rules, or whose conduct or negligence has led or could have led to a breach of the Rules.
(l) Any person who attempts to commit, or conspires with any other person to commit, or any person who connives at or is a party to another committing any breach of the Rules.
(m) Any person who obstructs or in any way interferes with, or who attempts to obstruct or interfere with, the conduct of any race meeting, race or trial.
(n) Any person who in their opinion commits or commissions an act of cruelty upon a horse, or is in possession or control of any article or thing which, in their opinion, has been made or modified to make it capable of inflicting cruelty upon a horse.
(o) Any person in charge of a horse who in their opinion fails at any time –
(i) to exercise reasonable care, control or supervision of a horse to prevent the commission of an act of cruelty upon the animal; and/or
(ii) to take such reasonable steps as are necessary to alleviate any pain inflicted upon a horse; and/or
(iii) to provide for veterinary treatment where such treatment is necessary for the horse.
(p) Any person who fails or refuses to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Stewards or any official.
(q) Any person who in their opinion is guilty of any misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour.
(r) Any nominator, trainer or person in charge of any horse who contrary to the orders of the Committee of the Club or Stewards, fails or refuses to produce upon request a horse entered for any race at a meeting or removes such horse from the course.
(s) Any person responsible for the use on any horse of any shoes, racing plates, equipment or gear which has not been approved, or which in their opinion is unsuitable or unsafe.
(t) Any person who obstructs or hinders the Stewards or other official in the exercise of their powers or duties.
(u) Any person who tampers or attempts to tamper with any means of identification of a racehorse as provided for in the Rules.
(v) Not used.
AAR.182
(1) Except with the consent of the VRQHA, a person disqualified by the Stewards or the VRQHA shall not during the period of that disqualification:
(a) – (c) Not used;
(d) Ride any racehorse in any race, trial or test;
(e) Enter or nominate any racehorse for any race or official barrier trial whether acting as agent or principal;
(f) Not used;
(g) Race or have trained any horse whether as owner, lessee or otherwise;
(h) Share in the winnings of any horse;
(j) Participate in any way in the preparation for racing or training of any racehorse.
(2) Except with the consent of the VRQHA, no person who in the opinion of the VRQHA or the Stewards is a close associate of a disqualified person shall be permitted to train or race any horse.
AAR.196
(1) Any person or body authorised by the Rules to punish any person may, unless the contrary is provided, do so by disqualification, suspension, reprimand, or fine not exceeding $5,000. Provided that a disqualification or suspension may be supplemented by a fine not exceeding $5,000.
(2) Unless otherwise ordered by the person or body imposing the penalty, a penalty of disqualification or suspension imposed in pursuance of sub rule (1) of this Rule shall be served cumulatively to any other penalty of suspension or disqualification.
AAR.207
Any entry, scratching or notice required by the Rules to be in writing may be made or given by facsimile transmission or email and such entry, scratching or notice shall be deemed to have been made or given when facsimile transmission or email is received by the addressee.
