I wasn't sure where to plonk this, so here will do
https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/art...are-framework/
At the bottom of the article you will find a link to HRV's 27 page update of the animal welfare framework (plenty of Appendixes)
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I wasn't sure where to plonk this, so here will do
https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/art...are-framework/
At the bottom of the article you will find a link to HRV's 27 page update of the animal welfare framework (plenty of Appendixes)
I notice that the stewards are getting pretty slack at enforcing the whip rule, in particular
AHRR 156(4)(a) states:
“For the purposes of sub-rule (3) a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following circumstances which are not exclusive:-
(a) If the whip is applied excessively, continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.”
Drivers now go rat-a-tat-tat giving the horse 3 successive hits without time to respond to the first 'flick'
Here is an example from the last race I watched
http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...21#KIC06052106
Not terrible stuff even if it is to a 2yo having only its 2nd start but it contravenes the above rule
I fear we are getting lax at enforcing the flicking rule
R1 at Ballarat tonight - Jackie Barker on the winner is using a strong side arm action
http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...21#BAC17112103
Yes, her action appeared extravagant. It is a little difficult to separate cracks with the whip from slaps with the reigns but I counted at least 25 from the point of the turn. Going by the stewards comment they didn't see an issue. Maybe they will when they watch a replay.
R9 at Melton tonight, Lance Justice was just flicking Sew What - I think not. At present I would have to say we are virtually seeing no change to drivers actions
Hi, Kev you are right but thankfully the whip actions today pale in comparison to the drivers of the past. Have a look at the caning Gammalite received in this race https://harnesslink.com/new-zealand/...e-40-years-on/ and Pure Steel in the 1980 Hunter Cup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H15YyIMzXlk. Both of those horses received canings on more than one occassion. Drivers today would end up in jail carrying on like that.
I reckon you might be right Rod, Teddy's hand was above his head while Bruce looked like he was beating a rug
Forgot to mention the worst case of all with whip abuse. Take a look at this 1971 video of Mount Eden winning the Miracle Mile https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8QBn0RYCkY&t=8s I'm sure harness racing enthusiasts have seen it more than once. Just take a look at Jack Miles wielding the whip up the straight. The champ was a mile in front but, the driver was determined to keep the horse honest. Unfortunately for Jack, the clearest part of that video was him belting the crap out of the horse.
Glad we don't use these old videos as a means of promoting Harness racing amongst the younger generation the Millenials would be outraged rightly so. :o
Old gallops videos, just as bad.
Compare Greg Sugars whip action with that of Kate Gath and Aaron Dunn (whenever the replays are posted!)
He might have finished 3rd but top 6 qualify for the semis
I like The Candyman as a horseman (in the Gavin Lang mould)
http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...21#BAC16122108