Integrity Matters

The effects of corrupt activity, perceptions of corrupt activity and of integrity interventions in harness racing have been explored in a study commissioned by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) and conducted by the Melbourne Law School on behalf of the University of Melbourne.

The study focuses on former harness racing participants Shayne and Greg Cramp, who were convicted on race fixing charges at the Melbourne Magistrates Court and subsequently disqualified from participating in the industry for 12 years.

Most of us welcome the warmer weather associated with the coming change of season. Unfortunately, warmer weather also means there is also increased risk that our horses will encounter a slithery pasture companion.

Read on to find out more about what a snake bite can mean to your horse.

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) understands the education and mentoring of young and inexperienced participants is vital to increasing and retaining participation levels within the industry and maintaining high levels of professionalism.

HRV recently approved the Participant Mentoring Policy, which aims to limit reoffending under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) by educating, supporting and guiding participants, particularly those who are inexperienced. 

The Victoria Licensing Policy was approved by the HRV Board on 1 July and was endorsed by the Victorian Racing Integrity Board (VRIB).

The policy has been recently updated and significantly enhanced and strengthened regarding former licensed persons seeking to re-enter harness racing industry in Victoria after periods of disqualification.

Integrity Matters' vets continue their look at electrolytes, this time with a focus on bicarbonate.

Bicarbonate or good old baking soda: Why is this common substance so important in the horse's body? Read on to find out what "bicarb" really does in the horse.

HRV Stewards continue to take a zero tolerance approach regarding any person who breaches the following directions and requirements, which are in place to protect the health and wellbeing of all persons involved in the harness racing industry.  

This industry notice is a timely reminder of the current protocols in place and these requirements apply to all race meetings and trials conducted in Victoria.

All licensees need to complete a new online training module this season, which canvasses key integrity information.

The scenario-based and interactive training module covers race fixing, drug administration and race day treatment, sexual harassment, animal welfare and deregistration.

Respiratory disease is second only to musculoskeletal disease as a recognised cause of poor performance in racehorses.

The syndrome of ‘equine asthma’ is also increasingly recognised as a common cause of inflammation in the lower airways of performance horses.

Ringworm, or dermaphytosis, is a highly infectious and contagious fungal disease of the skin that can affect most animals, including horses and humans.

Integrity Matters' vets continue their look at electrolytes, this time with a focus on chloride.

The saying is "where sodium goes, chloride follows". Read on for an overview about what this means inside the horse’s body.

Integrity Matters' vets continue their look at electrolytes, this time with a focus on potassium