News & Media

08 May 2008 Interim Approval Withdrawn For Carbon Fibre American Wheels

Harness Racing Australia (HRA) yesterday commissioned an extraordinary teleconference with all state Chairmen of Stewards to review the use of carbon fibre American sulky wheels in Australia.

HRA, who are responsible for the approval of equipment usage in Australian harness racing, were represented by Chief Executive, Rod Pollock. Also present was Tom Gibson, Director of Human Impact Engineering – the firm which conducts testing on harness racing equipment, including safety vests, helmets and sulky wheels, for HRA.

Interim approval for the use of the carbon fibre American sulky wheels was granted in December 2007 by HRA whilst testing continued on the product.

Fractures have been reported in nine carbon fibre American sulky wheels throughout Australia and New Zealand since the interim approval was granted, with two serious fractures to the wheels occurring in the past fortnight on Victorian tracks.

Owing to safety concerns and consistent with all other Australian Harness racing jurisdictions, RWWA Stewards have withdrawn permission to use the carbon fibre American sulky wheels in Western Australia from midnight tonight.

The approval has been withdrawn until the manufacturer submits further product samples for testing. Industry participants who have already purchased sets of the wheels should retain them until that testing is complete, however until that time they cannot be used in races or trials until otherwise advised.

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