Pursuant to section 29 or section 34 of the Racing Act 2003, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated (NZTR) has made the following changes to the Rules of Racing which will come into effect immediately.

Industry consultation has taken place on these proposed amendments and NZTR has sought the views of the Judicial Control Authority (JCA) and the New Zealand Racing Board Dates Committee (NZRB). The NZRB, the JCA and the NZTR Board have approved these amendments.

The purpose of the amendments are:

• To permit the use of ear plugs in horses entered for races or trials; and
• To enable NZTR to disregard disqualifications imposed by foreign racing authorities in particular circumstances, consistent with NZTR’s obligations under the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering.

The text of the proposed amendments is set out below:

Ear plugs

To delete Rule 613(b).

Non-recognition of international disqualifications

To insert new Rule 1105A:

1105A Non-reciprocation of disqualifications

(1) Notwithstanding anything else in these Rules, a person who is subject to any prohibition or disability under these Rules solely because they have been suspended or disqualified by Another Racing Authority, may apply to NZTR for the non-recognition of that penalty.

(2) On receiving such an application, NZTR shall seek comment from the relevant Racing Authority before making a decision.

1. If NZTR is satisfied, in its absolute discretion, that the disqualification or suspension by Another Racing Authority was not procedurally fair, it may declare that the disqualification or suspension will not be reciprocated in New Zealand. To avoid doubt, NZTR may not make such a declaration for any reason other than that the disqualification or suspension was not procedurally fair.

2. Notwithstanding anything else in these Rules, if such a declaration is made, the applicant must be treated, for the purposes of these Rules, as though they had not been disqualified or suspended by Another Racing Authority.