Welfare & Integrity
Harness Racing SA (HRSA) is committed to ensuring that harness racing in South Australia is conducted with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and animal welfare.
At the centre of HRSA’s strategy and governance framework is a clear and unwavering position:
From the Board through to all participants, the welfare of the horse is paramount.
This commitment is embedded in HRSA’s mission, vision and values, and underpins every aspect of the organisation’s operations, decision-making and regulatory approach.
Our commitment to welfare
HRSA board and team believe that:
- Horses are central to the industry and must be treated with care, respect and dignity at all stages of their lives.
- Welfare extends beyond race day to include training, transport, retirement and life after racing.
- Maintaining high welfare standards is essential to sustaining public confidence, industry integrity and sustainability and is central to our values and mission.
This commitment is driven at a governance level by the HRSA Board and is reflected operationally through policies, stewardship. and industry education.
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Integrity and stewardship
HRSA employs Stewards to ensure that harness racing is conducted fairly, openly and transparently, in accordance with:
- The Australian Harness Racing Rules
- Local rules, regulations, and HRSA policies
Stewards play a critical regulatory role in protecting both the integrity of the sport and the welfare of participants and horses.
Their responsibilities include:
- Monitoring racing, training, trials and breeding activities
- Investigating breaches of the rules
- Enforcing penalties where required
- Supporting a safe and compliant racing environment
Stewards have wide-ranging powers under the Australian Harness Racing Rules, enabling them to take action where these standards are not met.
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Protecting horses and participants
HRSA maintains a proactive and robust integrity framework to ensure:
- A level playing field for all participants
- Clean racing outcomes, achieved through fair means
- A safe working environment for drivers and industry participants
This includes a stringent drug testing regime for both horses and participants.
Any confirmed presence of prohibited substances carries serious consequences, reflecting HRSA’s zero-tolerance approach to breaches that may compromise welfare or integrity.
Harness racing in South Australia relies on the confidence of participants, stakeholders and the wagering public—making integrity and welfare inseparable priorities.
- Stewards Reports
- Appeals – Pending
- Race Results and Replays
- Trial Results
- Industry Notices
- Individual Horse Sectional Times
- HRSA Policies
- Finalised Inquiries
- Appeals
- Whips
- Welfare – Life After Racing
- Social Media Policy
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Reporting a welfare concern
HRSA encourages all participants, stakeholders and members of the public to report any concerns relating to the welfare of horses.
If you observe or become aware of a potential welfare issue, you can:
Contact HRSA directly
- Phone: (08) 8285 0700
- Email: saharness@saharness.org.au
- Mail: PO Box 1112, Gawler SA 5118
When reporting a concern, please provide as much detail as possible, including:
- Location and time of the incident
- Identification of the horse (if known)
- Description of the concern
- Any supporting information or evidence
All reports are taken seriously and will be reviewed by HRSA Stewards and a full investigation will follow where deemed necessary and involving appropriate authorities as needed.