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Effective 1st February 2021, the Australian Rules of Racing listed below have been amended [click on the link to view full details].

1. AR 69 – Scratching of horses for Group or Listed races
2. AR 104 – Trainers must keep treatment records
3. AR 106 – Saddling a horse
4. AR 113 – Electronic devices not permitted while riding
5. AR 122 & AR 123 – Helmets & Safety Vests
6. AR 241 – Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at trial, etc
7. AR 267 – Prohibitions on conduct of trainers during suspension
8. Schedule 1, Part 2, Division 3 - Prohibited List B Thresholds

The amendments are important changes that all licensed person should ensure they understand, as summarised below.

AR241 - Prohibited Substances Detected at Barrier Trials – Important Rule Amendment

Effective 1 February 2021, AR241 has been amended whereby if a horse has been presented to an official barrier trial and a prohibited substance is detected in a sample taken from a horse before or after such trial, the trainer or any person who was in charge of such horse breaches the Rules of Racing.

The amendment to the rule includes all substance prohibited under Prohibited List A and B. Accordingly the use of such substances as furosemide (lasix), acepromazine (sedative) and phenylbutazone (ani-inflammatory) are strictly prohibited at all times when a horse is competing in an Official Barrier Trial.

The current prohibitions when passing a test either after a suspension or otherwise in a gallop or Official Barrier trial remain in place. Horses jumping out, other than when passing a test or being passed to race, are not subject to the prohibition.

AR104 – Treatment Records

In addition to recording the date, time, name of medication, dosage, name and signature of person administering the treatment, trainers are now required to include the reasons for treatments being given to each horse. Updated Racing NSW treatment record forms are available at:

Horse Treatment / Medication Record

AR113 – Mobile Phones whilst riding

AR113 has been amended to prohibit any person when mounted on a horse from holding or using a mobile phone of any other electronic device.

AR123 – Use of Lights on Harness

 Currently AR122(6) requires all riders when mounted on a horse in darkness, to wear a light affixed to their helmet. AR123(4) has been introduced with allows a person mounted on a horse in darkness to choice of either wearing a light affixed to their helmet or a harness/brace that has safety warning lights worn over that persons clothing, as pictured below.

AR267 – Suspended Trainers additional Prohibitions

Amendments to AR267 include trainers now specifically being prohibited from participating, in any way including the giving of instructions, and may not enter a mounting yard, scales area or horse stalls unless th suspended trainer is a registered owner of a horse competing at the race meeting.