The first major rewrite
of the rules governing Australia's Thoroughbred racing industry will take
effect from 1 March.
Racing Australia Chair, Frances Nelson QC, said the rewrite was a modernisation
and reordering of the Australian Rules of Racing, but did not change the
substance or effect of existing rules.
"Racing Australia's purpose in commissioning this rewrite was to make it
easier for racing participants to navigate and comply with the Australian Rules
of Racing," Ms Nelson said.
The introduction of the new version will not affect decisions made or
procedures commenced under the existing Rules. Matters like Stewards'
decisions, investigations underway, penalties imposed, liabilities incurred,
licences granted or being processed, will continue to apply under the new,
rewritten Rules.
The new version represents a significant change to the language, structure and
numbering of the existing Australian Rules of Racing. To assist with
transition, a new Schedule has been included with comparative tables
cross-referencing the existing and new version of all rules.
For the first time, a Table of Contents is also included to help users in
locating relevant rules. The Rules are also divided into 13 parts, which
contain various divisions, to further assist navigation and identification of
relevant rules.
In addition, in the new version, each individual rule has been named to provide
a brief description of the rule's subject matter. For example, the existing AR
137 is referred to in the rewritten Rules as "AR 131 Riding
offences".
The rewritten Rules also contain the following 5 schedules:
- Schedule 1 - Prohibited Substances Lists (currently AR 177B, AR 178B & AR 178C)
- Schedule 2 - Trainer & Owner Reform (TOR) Rules (currently Schedule 1)
- Schedule 3 - Syndicate Rules (currently AR 69 - AR 69P & Syndicate Regs (a) - (k))
- Schedule 4 - List of Restricted Races (currently AR 1A)
- Schedule 5 - Table of Comparative Provisions
The rewrite was undertaken in consultation with Principal Racing Authorities and the Chairmen of Stewards' Committee. The draft new version has been with PRAs and Stewards since December to ensure smooth transition on 1 March.
A copy of the rewritten Rules-which do not take effect until 1 March-is available on the Racing Australia website: www.racingaustralia.horse.
