Standardbred Canada's board of directors has voted and approved a motion put forward by the By-Laws/Rules & Regulations/Licensing Committee which will see an ad-hoc rule that will enforce the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission whipping rules for the duration
of the 2009 racing meet.
A recommendation has also been made that the rule be taken up, in due course, with the board of directors and that a consistent, Canada-wide whipping policy be sought and implemented.
Standardbred Canada is the regulating body for harness racing in Newfoundland and Labrador. SC received a request from officials in Newfoundland to change the current SC Rules (Regulation #3 - Rules 15.17 to 15.20) to those of the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission (Rules 311 to 318).
There are only 14 race dates left in the 2009 meet at St. John's Racing and Entertainment Centre, the SC board approved that the proposed MPHRC Rules 311 to 318 should be implemented on a trial basis until such time that the SC board and industry can work towards setting standard whipping rules across the nation.
The new rules will become effective in Newfoundland on August 1, 2009.
Click here to view the new rules.