Standards and rules
Local Rules of Racing
The local Rules of Racing for thoroughbreds are set by the Control Body Racing Queensland. View the Queensland thoroughbred Rules of Racing on the Racing Queensland website. This document includes the Australian Rules of Racing as set by Racing Australia and the Local Rules as set by Racing Queensland.
For information about other industry policies visit the Racing Queensland policy page.
Queensland rider overweight directive – December 2022
QRIC and RQ thoroughbred race meeting abandonment protocols
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and Racing Queensland have released revised procedures for the postponement and abandonment of thoroughbred race meetings.
Following recent weather impacts to race meetings across the State, the controlling bodies collectively determined that a revised, transparent, and current set of procedures was to be implemented.
The procedure outlines the methods undertaken by the controlling bodies in identifying, consulting and ultimately, determining the suitability of a race meeting to proceed.
Key industry stakeholders were extensively consulted in the development of the new procedures, including the Australian Trainers Association, the Queensland Jockeys Association, the Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association, and the Country Racing Advisory Panel.
Click here to read the new protocols.
Racing Australia Code of Practice amendments –
1 June 2023
Racing Australia (RA) has introduced amendments to the Code of Practice, tightening animal welfare protocols for race day. Amendments include:
- Horses that have not started for 12+ months
- Cardia Arrhythmias detected during post-event inspections
- Compulsory reporting of major fractures, orthopaedic surgery and approval of affected horses to return to racing
- Veterinary Inspections for 12-year-old horses
- Reinstatement of a retired racehorse
See here for the Racing Australia Code of Practice amendments.
Queensland Overweight Jockeys Directive
QLD Metropolitan, Provincial and TAB Country Meetings
See here for the overweights which are permitted at all Queensland Metropolitan, Provincial and TAB Country
Meetings.
Approved racing gear
The Australian Chairmen of Stewards have agreed on a uniform approach to gear that is permitted under AR. 140B.
The gear approved for use in Australia and the conditions associated with its use is detailed in the Register of National Approved Gear.
Personal Property Securities Act
The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 came into effect in 2012.
Any owner of a horse or greyhound who enters into an agreement for the training or care of an animal may be affected by this legislation. This includes all types of ownership, agistment and training.
Failure to register an interest in a horse or greyhound could result in other parties gaining possession of the horse or greyhound in certain circumstances.
For information visit the PPS webpage or contact the Australian Government Help Line: 1300 007 777 or email: enquiries@ppsr.gov.au
Standards and rules
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has approved a new licensing standard to assess applications and renewals for participants in the racing industry. The licensing standard is based directly on the licensing scheme policy previously used by Racing Queensland.
Thoroughbred Licensing Standard as at July 2021.
Thoroughbred Penalty Guidelines
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has created Penalty Guidelines for the thoroughbred code of racing to provide transparency to all stakeholders on decision-making relating to breaches of the Rules of Racing of Racing Queensland constituted by the Australian Rules of Racing and the Local Rules (Thoroughbred Racing) made by Racing Queensland from time to time (collectively called ‘the Thoroughbred Rules of Racing’).
Thoroughbred Penalty Guidelines
Penalty Guidelines for Whip Breaches
Equine Traceability Enforcement Standard
The ‘Equine Traceability Enforcement Standard’ (the Standard) is to ensure the effective enforcement of the traceability rules so that the Commission is able to safeguard the welfare of horses that are or have been involved in racing under the RIA.
Equine Traceability Enforcement Standard
Contact us for further information
Level 2
60 Kingsford Smith Drive
ALBION QLD 4010
Ph: 1300 087 021 (Reception hours are 8.30am–4pm, Mon–Fri)
Our postal address is:
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission
PO Box 650, Hamilton Central,
QLD 4007