Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for race driving. It includes practicing race driving skills, following rules of racing, interpreting form, and observing race meeting procedures and protocols.

The unit applies to individuals with trial driving experience, who use specialised knowledge and technical harness driving skills in the racing industry.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with applicable state/territory animal welfare and workplace health and safety legislative requirements.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with the relevant Principal Racing Authority (PRA) for current requirements. 

Pre-requisite Unit

The prerequisite unit of competency for this unit is:

• RGRPSH402 Drive horses in pacework and fast work.

Note the following chain of prerequisites that also apply to this unit. 

Unit Sector

Performance services horse (PSH)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c4b8489-f7e1-463b-81c8-6ecce6c192a0

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria of this unit. There must be evidence that the individual has prepared for and demonstrated safe race driving skills with three different standardbred horses, including:

• researched race information, rules and protocols, including:

• individual horse's form and expected performance
• assessed track shape and surface in relation to risks and horse performance
• obtained relevant race driving licence

• practiced techniques for driving in races, including:

• use of approved gear and equipment to control horse – pulling hobble shorteners, blinds and hoods
• pre-race and post-race procedures – warm up and warm down
• standing and mobile starts
• push out techniques when driving in a field.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• information about races and horses, including:

• classes of races
• race nomination, acceptance and scratching documents and procedures
• form guides, stewards' reports, internet, race observations
• industry terminology, jargon and abbreviations

• principles and practices of race driving:

• types and purpose of approved gear and personal protective equipment
• drug testing procedures
• permits, licence and eligibility requirements to drive in races
• potential race problems and suitable evasive action techniques

• racing industry standards and expectations relevant to preparing for race driving:

• communication procedures within stable and wider racing industry
• animal welfare requirements
• safety requirements, including safe operating procedures
• applicable rules of racing and race meeting protocols.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• racing training establishments, and training and race tracks

• resources, equipment and materials:

• variety of standardbred horses assessed as suitable for the skill and experience of the individual to practise driving skills
• appropriate racing industry-approved gear, correctly fitted and appropriate for individual, horse and activity
• sources of information on previous races and horse performances

• specifications:

• trainer instructions and related documentation.

Training and assessment strategies must show evidence of the use of guidance provided in the Companion Volume: User Guide: Safety in Equine Training.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c4b8489-f7e1-463b-81c8-6ecce6c192a0