Queensland harness racing barrier trials update

Racing Queensland advises that the following barrier trial schedule will be operational at Queensland harness meetings until Saturday, October 31: 

• Day meeting trials are to be held prior to Race 1. 
• Night meeting trials are to be held prior to Race 1. 
• Trials are limited to no more than three (3) trials each day.

Should nominations be received for more than three trials, RQ will determine which horses gain starts and which trial type may go ahead (Mobile, Stand or Green Trial). 

In instances where ballots are required, normal balloting conditions will apply. These include:

• Horses that are unqualified from the start type;
• Horses that have been stood down;
• Horses that have not raced or passed a qualifying trial in the last six months;
• Trainers who are applying for a change of gait or for their horse to race unhoppled;
• Trainers seeking re-inclusion for their horse into the draw (ODM, RODM, ODS or RODS);
• A C-Grade Driver who is attempting to obtain their license;
• Horses resuming from a spell, eight weeks or longer;
• Hores that have been balloted from a recent trial; and
• Horses that are being prepared for an upcoming feature race.

The ballot order may vary at the handicapper's discretion to be fair to those horses that may have recently received a trial ballot, or when feature races that horses are being prepared for are imminent.

Trial changes have been made to ensure that integrity, animal welfare and track preparation remain paramount throughout each race meeting.

RQ appreciates the support of the industry with regards to these short-term schedule changes. 

RQ will continue to work with the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, race clubs and industry on a long-term schedule for the conduct of trials at race meetings.