Harness Racing Display Competition
Harness Racing offers a showcase of horse training and tradition, with drivers guiding their horses in sulkies (lightweight carts) around the track. It’s not as common at Shows as it once was, but remains a great way to celebrate the history and skill of this unique equine sport.
Competition Regulations
For Agricultural Show Societies insured under AgShows NSW Insurance Program Harness racing displays can be a thrilling addition to your Show program. To ensure safety and maintain insurance coverage, Shows must strictly adhere to the following rules and regulations.
At Least 1 Month Prior
To hold a harness racing display, you must:
- Notify AgShows NSW of the intended date of your display.
- Have the track inspected and approved by a Harness Racing NSW Accredited Racing Club Steward (HRNSW ARCS) from a local HRNSW Club.
- Implement any recommendations made by the HRNSW ARCS.
- Ensure the track has: -A secure outside fence, and -Flexible inside marker pegs (required before approval).
- Adhere to the approved horse limit as set by the inspecting HRNSW ARCS.
- Obtain a formal letter from the HRNSW ARCS confirming:
- Track approval, and
- The number of horses permitted in the display.
7. Final track check by the HRNSW ARCS must be conducted. Their approval is final and non-negotiable.
8. Track Centre Protocol: During the harness racing display, the following must be enforced:
- No activity in the centre of the track.
- All vehicle movements in the centre to stop.
- All rides or amusements in the centre to cease.
- Children and non-essential personnel must vacate the centre.
- Any horse activity (e.g. show jumping) in the centre must pause during the display.
9. Supervision: A person with suitable horse experience must start and supervise the display.
10. Prizes: No cash or prize money is allowed. Suitable rewards include:
- Trophies -Produce
- Harnesses
- Gift vouchers
11. Safety Requirements: The following must be present throughout the event:
- Clerk of the Course on track
- St John’s Ambulance or NSW Ambulance personnel in attendance
- A veterinarian on call and available
- No on-course betting (no bookmakers or totalisators)
12. All participating drivers and horses must be licensed with HRNSW.
13. No whips are to be carried during the display.
14. Waivers: All drivers must sign a participation waiver prior to the event.
Public liability cover is extended to Show Societies for these displays only when all rules are followed. Coverage also applies to local HRNSW Accredited Racing Club Stewards/Officials, but only when acting within their usual duties.