News & Media

27 March 2008 Ease Out Rule

RWWA Stewards in conjunction with the Breeders Owners Trainers Reinsmen Association (BOTRA) have for some time been reviewing the “Ease Out” Rule presently applicable to Harness Racing in Western Australia.

In reviewing this matter a questionnaire was circulated to industry participants seeking their views on the current “Ease Out” Rule and possible improvements.

After consideration the RWWA Stewards on 17th March 20078, made a recommendation to the Integrity Assurance Committee (IAC) to amend Local Rule 164. The intent of the amendment was to provide greater protection to horses making three wide moves until a point entering the back straight on the final occasion as it was acknowledged that a horse obliged to race wider than that with a lap to travel had its winning opportunity significantly reduced.

The IAC adopted the recommendation. Therefore effective 1st May 2008 the following Local Rule will apply:

LR164. Changing Positions (Easing Out)

(1) Notwithstanding Rule 163(1)(b), a driver may make another horse cover more ground than necessary where;

(a) the driver does so on or after entering the front straight with one lap of the race to run provided that any horse being made to cover extra ground is obliged to race no wider than three wide until entering the back straight on the final occasion; or

(b) the driver does so prior to entering the front straight with one lap of the race to run and the other horse is not maintaining or improving its position,

and provided that the driver does so only to the extent necessary to obtain an improved position for the driver’s horse.

(2) For the obviation of doubt, nothing in this local rule authorises any act which is contrary to any rule other that Rule 163(1)(b).

The amendment will be closely monitored over a six month period to determine if it has impacted on the style of racing, incidence of interference or betting confidence.

John A. Zucal
RWWA Chairman of Stewards

For more information contact:
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777