Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for race starts.
- Race fields, distances and start types are confirmed.
- Past problems with particular horses during race starts are noted.
- Operation of mobile and other start equipment is confirmed prior to commencement of race meeting.
- Contingency plans are arranged in case of malfunction in start equipment.
- Rules of racing relating to starting a race are defined and complied with.
- Hazards associated with the start of a race are defined and strategies employed that minimise the risk of injury and comply with OHS and racing safe operating procedures .
- Race meeting protocols and instructions are relayed to mobile driver and other staff .
- Start harness race using mobile barrier or standing start conditions.
- Starters are verified and identified and colours and approved gear are noted.
- Horses are sent to warm up.
- Race start time is confirmed with stewards.
- Horses are called to score-up under clerk of course supervision.
- Drivers are requested to assume start positions within time and safety constraints.
- Incidents are managed to minimise the risk of injury to staff and horses and reported to stewards and/or veterinarian.
- Non-starters are declared after conferring with stewards.
- Permission to start race is confirmed with stewards.
- Race start is initiated and gates are operated once horse position is stable and at appropriate place on track for mobile barrier starts.
- Complete post-race activities.