JMAC who won the WDC was amazed at that way they drive down there including the push out rule where you can push a horse out three wide
In New Zealand harness racing, the "push out" rule is part of Rule 869 of the NZ Rules of Harness Racing and its associated regulations. It essentially governs a driver's ability to move their horse outwards on the track and outlines specific conditions to prevent interference with other runners.
Key aspects of the rule include:
A driver is permitted to move outwards and ease another runner up the track, provided the horse being moved can be shifted out without causing interference to that horse or any other horse.
A horse (and its driver) is not allowed to move outwards once the nose of a wider runner coming forward is in line with or past its sulky wheel, and must remain in position until the wider runner is fully past.
Breaches of this rule, often cited as Rule 869(4)(6)(b)(c), are considered an offence and can result in penalties such as fines for the driver involved.
If you watch enough of racing Down Under you will see why they are great drivers when they come up here
This rule is designed to ensure fair racing and prevent one driver from deliberately blocking or forcing a potentially passing horse into a disadvantageous position or off the track
