The Harness Racing NSW board will meet at the end of the month to consider introducing a local rule in the wake of the nationwide abolition of the maligned change of tactics rule.
The contentious guideline will be repealed by all states in coming weeks after Harness Racing Australia earlier this week confirmed AHRR44 would be scrapped.
New notice: State controlling bodies will consider local rules after the change of tactics scrapping.
Photo: Katherine Griffiths
It has left the issue in the hands of the state controlling bodies, who can analyse the best way to handle the tricky issue of trainers and drivers adopting different ploys from race to race and its public airing.
"At that board meeting the board members will consider the implementation of a local approach on the change of tactics," Harness Racing NSW chief executive John Dumesny said. "That's for the board members to look at.
"If the board introduce a local policy, no doubt it will be a sensible approach to the situation and will be further consulted with the representative body UHRA [United Harness Racing Association]."
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The Harness Racing NSW board is due to meet at the end of the month.
One option would be for the board to consider the introduction of a local rule that requires trainers with multiple runners in a race to still inform stewards of their tactics.
It is unclear how many states will forge ahead with the introduction of a local rule after HRA's decision to scrap the national edict, which was applauded by large sections of the industry.
HRA is also edging towards a new resolution on the whip rule after 18 months of debate over its merit in the code.
The controlling body announced the imminent banning of whips late in 2016, but withdrew the decision midway through last year.
It is understood a new framework will be announced soon after NSW led a nationwide consultation with participants over the issue.
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Adam Pengilly is a Sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.
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