Licensing and Registration

The HRNSW Registration & Licencing Department provides a range of services to Participants.

Such services include:

• Changes/Transfer of Ownership of Standardbreds;
• Registration of Syndicates (including company names);
• Clearances of Standardbred horses into Australia (inbound) and out to New Zealand, USA and Europe (outbound);
• Registration of Studs, Studmasters and AB technicians and the recording of mare services;
• Registration of Lease Agreements;
• Registration and renewal of Racing Colours;
• Registrations of foals including microchipping, DNA parenting confirmation and naming (which can be undertaken once the foal has been positively DNA tested);
• Licensing of Participants (ie: Trainers, Drivers, Stablehands, etc.

All applications in relation to these activities must be made on the relevant forms and be submitted with the required payment as specified on the form.

Forms

To download current HRNSW forms please click DOWNLOAD FORMS to be directed to the forms page.

Fees

To download the current schedule of HRNSW Licence & Registration fees please click DOWNLOAD FEES to be directed to the fees page.

Contact

If you require any further information please contact:

Grant John Wootton
Registrar & Licencing Officer
Ph:     02 9722 6613
Email:gwootton@hrnsw.com.au

 

Question & Answers

Q. How do I get a licence? 

A. (1) The ideal start for someone who has little experience in the industry is a Stablehand licence. This allows the holder to assist a trainer in the preparation of a horse for racing purposes;

A. (2) If an applicant is more experienced (ie: subsequent to completing six months as a licenced Stablehand) they are eligible to apply for a C Grade Trainer or C Grade Drivers licence. To obtain these licences the participant makes application on the appropriate form, which is submitted to the HRNSW Registrar & Licencing Officer.

Click here to access the current HRNSW Licencing Policy, which provides valuable information regarding the licencing process in NSW.

Q. I want to race a horse with a group of friends. How many people can join a partnership?

A. Up to 20 people may own a horse in partnership, while more than 20 requires the forming of a “syndicate”. There is no restriction on the number of owners if less than 20 owners wish to form a syndicate.  

Q. I want to race a horse in my own colours. Can I do that?

A. Yes. Usual combinations of jacket and sleeve designs are indicated on the colours registration form but imaginative designs are encouraged. Send a description to the Registrar & Licencing Officer for approval and they will discuss any necessary changes with you. Colours that use corporate logos require authorisation from company owners. 

Q. How do I register my new foal?

A. Studmasters will issue a Certificate of Service to the breeder of the foal. This certificate must be completed and lodged within 4 weeks of foaling with the required fee. Importantly foals DO NOT have to be notified to the State that originally issued the Certificate of Service to the Studmaster and the foal's eligibility for futurity races may be affected by where it is registered. Before lodging your Certificate of Service, check with your home States Futurities Coordinator as to the eligibility of your foal for futurity racing.  

Q. When should I lodge a transfer of ownership or a lease?

A. The Rules of Harness Racing require these forms to be lodged within 7 days of the transaction date OR BEFORE the horse next races, whichever comes first. This must be strictly adhered to in relation to the payment of any prizemoney. Back dating these forms WILL NOT alter the payment process and late lodgement fees may be applied. 

Q. How do I go about naming a horse?

A. Submit a completed name application, showing all white markings, the actual freeze brand symbols (for horses foaled before 2019) and the required fee to HRNSW. Once the Registrar is satisfied that your names meet the conditions (outlined on the application form) the selected names are then submitted to Harness Racing Australia (HRA) for approval. Under normal circumstances this process takes 2 to 3 days. HRNSW submits daily lists to HRA for approval.  

Q. I am importing a horse from overseas for racing. What do I need to do?

A. You must lodge the signed transfer of ownership from the overseas owners with HRNSW. Then contact HRA (03) 9227 3000 to pay the import fee and have the export certificate released to the State Controlling Body.