By Chris Roots
Harness Racing Australia chairman Geoff Want can expect a backlash at the consultation forum in Melbourne this week on banning whips.
NSW representatives United Harness Racing Association president Darren McCall and Matt Rue were disappointed about a statement issued ahead of the meeting.
Persuader: A backlash is expected on a forum to discuss the banning of whips in harness racing.Credit: Jay Cronan
"One of the roles of chairman is to look ahead; to ensure that this industry is in the strongest position to withstand constantly changing participant and community expectations," Want wrote. "I sincerely believe that the whip-free direction set by our annual general meeting late last year is a vital step in helping to secure our long-term sustainability."
He went on to give the rationale about the move towards whip-free racing, which shocked McCall. "We are getting told what is going to happen again," McCall said. "They asked us to a meeting about the issue to consult with drivers and trainers, but they don't want to listen to us.
"We haven't changed our position that the whip is necessary for safety reasons and integrity issues. We thought the meeting would be a forum for discussion, but we are just going to be told no more whip."
Want indicated the HRA had commissioned a safety device to correct horses in races. It would be trialled in coming months. He said HRA would discuss use guidelines with the driver representatives and get feedback from trials.
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