1 Colo. Code Regs. § 208-1, ch. 7

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 22, November 25, 2024
Chapter 7 - RULES OF THE RACE-HORSES
100REGISTRATION, ELIGIBILITY, WORKOUTS

Registration

7.100 - After horses have been registered with the racing secretary, listing their owners, a horse will not be transferred (unless claimed at the meet) without permission of the Board of Stewards who will require a notarized bill of sale or the proper transfer authorization.
7.102 - The purchase or transfer of any horse at any racetrack, whether by private sale, claiming or public auction, does not guarantee the new owner a stall for the horse unless approved by the racing secretary. The management has the right to allocate stalls.
7.104- (Modified Effective date May 15, 2017) Prior to entry in a race at a race meeting sanctioned by the Commission, double registered horses shall be declared by the owner or trainer in writing to the racing secretary as to under which single breed registry the horse shall compete. No changes shall be made after an entry has been accepted for such horse during that race meet. However, if such horse is entered in a claiming race, all certificates of registration must be in the racing secretary's office and will be transferred to any successful claimant.

Eligibility

7.108 - Either special conditions on eligibility, which have been officially adopted by the relevant horseman's association or racing association for any stake or trial race entry form, or specific conditions set forth in the racing condition book that were in place at the time of nomination or entry, shall override any racing rules determining eligibility to run in all races run in conjunction with that entry or condition, including but not limited to the finals and as approved by the Division Director.
7.110 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2017) If any entry from any person whose license has been suspended or revoked and the suspension or revocation would be in effect at the time of the race the entry shall be void. If any entry fee has been paid and the entry is noticed before the draw has taken place, the entry fee shall be refunded; otherwise the entry fee shall be forfeited. Should the entry not be noticed until after the race has been run, any money or prize won by the entry shall be returned for redistribution.
7.112 - Any horse that has been the subject of a fraudulent practice may be disqualified by the stewards of the meet for no longer period than the duration of the meet and they shall report the circumstances to the Commission for proper action.
7.114 - A horse on the stewards' veterinarian's, schooling or starter's list shall not be eligible to be entered.
7.116 - A horse which has started in a race which is not recorded by the Daily Racing Form or a similar publication approved by the stewards shall not be entered at a racetrack unless the owner and/or trainer has submitted to the racing secretary satisfactory performance records. Suitable publications and satisfactory performance records shall show where and when the horse raced, the distance, the weight carried, the horse's finishing position and time and the amount of money earned. Such information submitted to the racing secretary shall be signed and sworn to by the owner and/or trainer of the horse.

Workouts

7.120 - The stewards, the track veterinarian/a veterinarian approved by the Commission for such purpose or the Division veterinarian may, for cause, order a horse to be worked at a specific distance and effort.
7.122 - Before accepting the entry of any horse, the stewards may require the horse to have additional official workouts. If any owner or trainer refuses to work out a horse as directed by the stewards, entry of the horse shall be denied.
7.124 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2015) Any horse that has not run at a meet in the sixty (60) days prior to the race in which it is sought to be entered shall have at least one (1) official workout before being eligible to start an official race. A horse that has never run at a meet or has not run in the six (6) months prior to the race in which it is sought to be entered must have a minimum of two (2) official workouts before being eligible to start in an official race. Workouts beyond sixty (60) days will not be accepted. All first time starters must have an approved work OUT from the starting gate prior to entry.
7.126 - A horse may not be permitted to race whose recent workouts have not been properly recorded with the clocker.
7.128 - Before any horse is permitted to start, the stewards shall be satisfied that its published past performance, whether in races or workouts, shall be of a sufficient number and acceptable time to enable the public to make a reasonable assessment of its capabilities.
7.130 - Every licensee exercising a horse shall correctly identify the horse being exercised, if requested, and if working, the licensee shall state the distance and the point on the racing strip where it is intended to start the workout.
7.132 - The trainer is responsible to the clocker for the proper identification of the horse working out.
7.134 - A workout other than an official workout may not be approved for publication.
7.136 - Absolutely no devices other than authorized riding equipment may be used for any workouts.
7.138 - Permission must be obtained from the stewards to exercise or work a horse between races. A

public announcement must be made giving the name of the horse and explaining the purpose for the horse being on the racing strip.

7.140 - A horse shall not be worked while under the influence of any unauthorized medication.
200ENTRIES AND NOMINATIONS

Entering

7.200 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2017) No horse shall be qualified to start in a race unless it has been, and continues to be, entered in that race. No horse shall be allowed to start in a race in which it has been entered unless it meets all eligibility requirements and is in fit condition to race. The licensed owner or trainer making the entry must be licensed prior to race time.
7.202 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2017) Before post time of the start of the race, a certificate of registration from the appropriate breed registry must be in the office of the racing secretary.
7.204 - Entries will not be accepted on a horse unless the horse has been approved for racing at the meet by the association.
7.206 - (Deleted Effective date May 15, 2017)
7.207 - (Added Effective date May 15, 2017) At the time of entry, the authorized person submitting the entry is responsible for the participation of the horse into the published race as provided by the Racing Secretary. If a later declaration of a horse from a carded race, other than a veterinarian scratch, is received, the authorized person submitting the entry may be subject to administrative action.
7.208 - A horse shall not be permitted to enter unless it is conditioned by a licensed trainer.
7.210 - All horses shall be registered with the racing secretary in the name of the true owner(s).
7.212 - The entry of a horse must be in the name of its true ownership. Registration certificates and leases of horses shall be filed with the racing secretary within forty-eight (48) hours of the horse's arrival at the racetrack. All transfers of ownership of horses racing at a meet shall be approved by the stewards.
7.214 - Any owner who has a share in a horse which is less than equal to the shares of any other owner is not entitled to enter that horse in a race as the owner without the written approval of the larger shareholders.
7.216 - All persons authorized to enter a horse shall, upon making an entry, be required to furnish the name of the jockey who rides their horse, or if this is not possible, then within one (1) hour after the time of draw. If a jockey has not been named within one hour, the stewards shall name the jockey that will ride the horse.
7.218 - A jockey's fee shall be considered earned when the jockey is weighed out by the clerk of scales. In the event an owner or trainer elects to remove a jockey from his or her mount after naming a rider at the time of the draw, the stewards, after consultation with the owner, trainer and jockey, may require a double jockey fee to be paid. The fee to be paid is equal to that earned by the jockey who rode the horse. The fee shall not be considered earned when a jockey(s), of their own free will, take themselves off their mounts, where injury to the horse or rider is not involved. Any conditions or considerations not covered by the above rule shall be at the discretion of the stewards. All jockey protests must be filed prior to the race.
7.220 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2017) A horse may be entered in two races on a single day provided that one of those races is either a stake or handicap race. The declaration of the horse must be provided to the stewards before 9:00 AM the day which the races are to be run.
7.222 - Except to correct an error or as provided in Section 7.110, an alteration shall not be made in a nomination or entry after closing.
7.224 - A trainer may not enter more than two (2) horses for any one (1) overnight event. When a trainer enters two (2) horses for the same overnight race, a preference must be expressed and in no case may two (2) horses under one (1) ownership or one (1) trainership be drawn into an overnight race to the exclusion of a single entry. For Colorado Bred races an Owner or Trainer may enter three (3) horses not to exclude a single entry.

Coupled Entries

7.230 (Renumbered 7.224 effective date 4/14/24)
7.232 (Deleted effective date 4/14/24)
7.234 (Deleted effective date 4/14/24)
7.236 (Deleted effective date 4/14/24)

Nominations

7.240 - Pursuant to these Rules nominators to stakes may before the time set for the close of entries for a stake, transfer a horse's engagement. In the event a transfer is made, the nominator is relieved of any further liability for the continuation of the engagement. The person(s) to whom the engagement is transferred shall assume all liability from the time of the transfer forward and the horse shall be entered in the name of the person to whom the engagement was transferred.
7.242 - A person shall not be prohibited from nominating or sustaining a horse while the person is under suspension or revocation; however, the owner at the time set to pass the entry box must be in good standing.
7.244 - Nomination, sustaining, entry and starting fees are not refundable in the event a horse dies or fails to start for any reason, except as provided for in these Rules.
7.246 - In a stake race all horses nominated and entered shall be allowed to compete unless the specific conditions of the race state otherwise.
7.248 - Any stake or handicap races having six (6) or more separate interests at scratch time cannot be cancelled.
7.250 - If a stake race is cancelled, all subscriptions and fees paid in connection with that race shall be refunded.

Close of entry and draw

7.260 - For stakes races if a horse is not named through the entry box by the actual closing time for entries, the horse shall be considered declared.
7.262 - If any race fails to fill and is declared off, the names of all the horses that were entered shall be publicly posted in the office of the racing secretary not later than one (1) hour after the day's draw.
7.264 - Nominations shall close at an advertised time and no nomination shall be accepted thereafter, except that if an hour for closing of nominations for a stake race has not been designated, nominations may be mailed or telegraphed up to midnight of the day of closing, provided they are received in time for compliance with every other condition of the race.
7.266 - The racing secretary may postpone the closing of the entry box for any race that has not been filled by closing time. If the closing of a race is postponed, the racing secretary shall publicly announce the postponement stating the reason for it.
7.268 - If a nomination or entry is not received or an error is made concerning the information contained in the nomination or entry, the nominator or person making the entry must provide sufficient proof prior to the completion of the draw that the nomination or entry was properly made and submitted or the entry shall not be considered.
7.270 - The racing secretary shall, without delay, compile and post a list of the entries after the close of entries.
7.272 - A race which has closed shall not be declared off except by the stewards.
7.274 - In determining the maximum number of starters which may run in a race the capacity of the starting gate and the width of the racing strip must be considered. The track width must allow a minimum of five (5) feet per starter.
7.276 - If a race is divided into two (2) or more divisions, horses under the same ownership or trainership shall be placed in separate divisions with horses under the same ownership being divided first. The division they shall compete in shall be drawn by lot.
7.278 - If any race is declared off because of insufficient entries, the association may split any overnight race.
7.280 - In the event the number of entries which could draw into an overnight race exceeds the number which because of racing strip or starting gate limitations may start, the starters shall be determined by lot or the race split. Likewise, in split races the starters and post positions shall be determined by lot.
7.282 - Post positions shall be determined publicly by lot in the presence of the racing secretary or assistant.

Also-Eligible and Preferred Lists

7.290 - A list of horses not to exceed six (6) may be drawn from the overflow entries as "also eligibles" to start if originally carded horses are scratched. Horses which gain a position in a race from the also eligible list shall take the outside post position in order drawn from the also eligible list.
7.292 - The racing secretary shall keep a list of all horses excluded from races because of too many entries, and they are to have preference in any race in which they may afterwards be entered in accordance with the system adopted by the racing secretary for the meet. This shall be known as the preferred list. Any system that is adopted shall be retained throughout the meet.
7.294 - A horse shall not be put on or remain on the preferred list if the owner and/or trainer rejects the opportunity to start the horse.
7.296 - Horses whose names appear in the entries and have an opportunity to start will be referred to as in-today horses and will not be given consideration should they be entered for the following race day and the race overfill. An in-today horse shall have preference over the second choice of an entry.
7.298 - A current preferred list will be posted and any claim of error must be made prior to the drawing of the races.
7.300 - When entering horses on the preferred list a claim of preference must be made at time of entry and noted on the entry or the preference shall be lost.

Engagements

7.310 - If a horse is sold by private treaty, or at a public auction, the written acknowledgement of both parties is necessary to prove the fact that it was sold with its engagements, but when a horse is sold or claimed out of a claiming race, the horse's engagements are included, unless the advertised conditions of the race state specifically to the contrary.
7.312 - Engagements or rights of entry are valid when a horse is sold with its engagements properly transferred. If a horse with engagements is registered in the name of a partnership, in the event of the death, of one of the partners the horse's engagements remain valid for the surviving partners. No engagement or right of entry shall become void upon the death of the nominator unless the conditions of a race state otherwise.
7.314 - A transfer of a horse or its engagements shall not be permitted until the horse has run in the race it has been entered to run, except as provided in Section 7.110.
7.316 - A horse's engagement shall become void whenever a payment that is due is unpaid. When this occurs all prior payments become forfeit. Race conditions may, however, specifically provide for late payments in order to make a horse eligible for a race.
400DECLARATIONS AND SCRATCHES

Declarations

7.400 - The declaration of a horse out of an engagement is irrevocable.

Scratches

7.410 - An eligible horse shall not be declared from an engagement without the Board of Stewards' approval.
7.412 - The Board of Stewards shall have the authority to declare a horse from an engagement when it appears that there is a violation of the Law or of these Rules.
7.414 - In races other than stakes races, scratches may only be made by permission of the Board of Stewards and this right shall be determined by lot when necessary. Horses on the also eligible list shall have a preference to scratch over horses originally drawn in the race. However, all veterinarian and stewards scratches shall supersede any other type scratch. In the alternative, the scratching of also eligibles will be determined at the commencement of the meet by the Board of Stewards.

A horse's primary obligation to start shall be the first race in which it originally draws a post position, except, within the time period specified by the Board of Stewards and with the Board's approval. The racing secretary shall post scratches and the horses that draw in from the also eligible list to start.

The owner or trainer of any horse eligible which is not intended to start shall notify the racing secretary not later than the designated scratch time for the race.

7.416 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2017) The Division or association veterinarian(s) shall have the authority to declare a horse from a race at any time after making a determination that the horse is not in fit condition to race and shall notify the Board of Stewards immediately and provide documentation in a timely manner.
7.418 - Horses may be declared from a stakes race without cause no later than forty-five (45) minutes to post time for the race.
500 WEIGHTS

Allowances

7.500 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2013) All allowances, except sex allowances, are optional and can only be claimed at time of entry by the trainer or the trainer's designee. In the event of a jockey change at the time of the draw, an apprentice jockey allowance may be claimed during the same time period permitted for a jockey change. Sex allowances must be claimed and cannot be waived.
7.502 - A horse shall start with only the allowance to which it is entitled at the time of starting, regardless of its allowance at the time of entry.
7.504 - Horses not entitled to the first allowance in a race shall not be entitled to the second, and so on.
7.506 - Omission to claim an allowance is not cause for disqualification.
7.507 - (Added Effective date May 15, 2016) Claim of a weight allowance to which a horse is not entitled will not disqualify said horse unless a timely protest as required by Rule 6.202 is made in writing and lodged with the board one hour prior to the running of the first race of the day.
7.508 - A horse shall not be given an allowance for failure to finish second or in any lower place in any race.

Penalties

7.510 - Horses incurring penalties for a race shall not be entitled to any of the weight allowances for that race.
7.512 - Penalties are mandatory.
7.514 - A horse shall not incur a penalty or be barred from any race for having been placed second or lower in any race.
7.516 - When the decision of a race is in dispute, all horses involved in the dispute with respect to the winner's credit shall be liable for all penalties attached to the winning of that race until a winner has been adjudged.
7.518 - Penalties will not be recognized against horses or jockeys for winning races on racetracks that are not recorded by the Daily Racing Form or a similar publication approved by the stewards.
7.520 - A horse shall not incur a penalty for a placement from which it is disqualified, but a horse placed through a disqualification of another horse shall incur the penalties of that placement. No placement, however, shall make a horse ineligible to a race which has already been run.
7.522 - Except in handicap races which expressly provide otherwise, two year old fillies shall be allowed three pounds, and fillies and mares three years old and upward, shall be allowed five pounds before September 1 and three pounds thereafter in races where competing against male horses.

Scale of Weights

7.530 - In races of intermediate lengths, the weights for the shorter distance shall be carried. 7.532- [Repealed eff. 7/1/2007]
600RUNNING OF THE RACE (PADDOCK TO POST)

Equipment

7.600 - Under no circumstance shall the material to be used as a tongue tie be furnished by anyone other than the trainer of the horse on which it is to be used. An association employee shall not be permitted to tie the tongue or replace or repair a tongue tie.
7.602 - (Deleted Effective date May 15, 2016)
7.604 - (Adopted Effective date May 15, 2018) Only the standard riding crop may be applied to a horse at any time during the running of a race or in workouts or training. All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards and the clerk of scales.
(1) Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed only as follows:
a. Maximum weight of eight ounces;
b. Maximum length, including flap, of 30 inches;
c. Minimum diameter of the shaft of three-eighths inch; and d. Shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one-millimeter throughout its circumference.
(2) The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications:
a. Length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of one inch;
b. Width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;
c. No reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the haft;
d. No binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and e. Shock absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of the shaft.
7.606 - (Deleted Effective date May 15, 2016)
7.608 - Bar plates may be used only with the consent of the Division Veterinarian. No traction devices will be allowed that extend beyond the outer wall of the hoof more than 1/8 of an inch or that encases the sole of the hoof or completely encircles the hoof. The Commission may limit the height of toe grabs for any breed at a live race meet. Toe grabs with a height greater than the maximum set by the commission, bends, jar caulks, stickers and any other traction device worn on the front hooves of horses while racing or training on all surfaces, are prohibited. The horse shall be scratched and the trainer may be subject to fine for any violation of this rule.

Racing Numbers and Colors

7.610 - Associations shall furnish standard racing colors.
7.612 - Owners may use their own suitable colors in lieu of using those furnished by the association. All colors must be registered with the racing secretary by scratch time for the day they are to be used.
7.614 - International racing colors shall be used for helmet and saddlecloths unless otherwise approved by the Commission.
7.616 - Colors must be kept clean and in good repair.
7.618 - Deleted effective March 30, 2005.
7.620 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2017) A jockey shall wear a colored helmet corresponding to the colored saddle cloth number of the horse in the official program. In the case of a stakes race, the helmet cover will match the designated number assigned in the official program.

Jockey Requirements

7.630 - Maximum Overweight- A horse shall not carry more than two (2) pounds overweight without consent of its owner, the owner's agent, or the owner's representative but shall not carry more than seven (7) pounds overweight in any race.
7.631 - [Repealed eff. 7/1/2007]
7.632 - A jockey shall fulfill all duly scheduled riding engagements unless excused by the stewards. A jockey shall not be forced to ride a horse which is believed to be dangerous or be forced to ride over a racing strip believed to be unsafe. However, if the stewards determine that a jockey's refusal to fulfill a riding engagement is unwarranted by the facts, the jockey may be subject to disciplinary action.
7.633 - (Deleted Effective date May 15, 2016)
7.634 - Every jockey engaged to ride shall report to the scale room at the time required and shall report their riding weight to the clerk of scales. Once a jockey has reported, the jockey shall not leave the jockey's room except to ride until all engagements for that day have been fulfilled. Jockeys who are allowed to report late to the jockey's room and are not allowed in the grandstand area until their riding engagements are fulfilled.
7.636 - After leaving the jockey's room a jockey cannot re-enter the jockey's room except by permission of the jockey's room custodian. A jockey who is not riding on a given day may not enter the jockey's room during racing hours except by permission of the jockey's room custodian.
7.638 - A jockey shall not be permitted to perform whose abilities, in the opinion of the stewards, are such that the jockey would be unable to properly perform the jockey's duties. The stewards may require a jockey to be given a physical examination at State expense by a doctor designated by the stewards in order to determine a jockey's fitness.
7.640 - A jockey shall not be permitted to perform if, in the opinion of the stewards, his/her ability may be impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs. The stewards may consult with attending medical personnel in making a determination of such impairment.
7.642 - (Deleted Effective date May 15, 2017)
7.644 - Jockeys shall be weighed out by the clerk of the scales not less than ten (10) minutes before time for the race. In case of any change it shall be announced and posted.
7.646 - The jockey's weight shall also include clothing, boots, saddle and attachments and any other equipment except the number cloth, whip, bridle, bit, blinkers, goggles and safety equipment including helmet, vest, over-girth, reins and breast collar.
7.648 - A safety vest for jockeys shall weigh not more than two (2) pounds and shall be designed to provide shock-absorbing protection to the upper body with at least a rating of five, as defined by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).
7.650 - The association shall provide the only attendants who will be permitted to assist jockeys on weighing out.

Paddock to Post

7.660 - All advertised post times must be promptly met. Emergencies which prevent the advertised post time from being met shall be reported to the stewards.
7.662 - (Deleted Effective date May 15, 2013)
7.664 - Every horse must be saddled in the paddock.
7.666 - In the paddock a horse shall be attended by the trainer who shall supervise the saddling. If permission is obtained from the Board of Stewards, a trainer may send another licensed trainer to the paddock as a substitute. Racing Officals in the paddock area are prohibited from saddling or assisting in the saddling of horses in the paddock.
7.668 - All horses shall parade and except for emergencies they shall do so in numerical order. A pony leading a horse in the parade shall not intentionally obstruct the public's view of the horse being led.
7.670 - After entering the racing strip, not more than twelve (12) minutes shall be consumed in the parade of horses to the post except in cases of unavoidable delay. After passing the grandstand once, horses will be allowed to break formation and canter, warm up or go as they please to the post. When horses have reached the post, they shall be started without unnecessary delay.
7.672 - All horses are required to carry their respective weights, except for emergencies declared by the stewards, from the time they leave the paddock for the post parade, through the start and running of the race, up to the finish of the race.
7.674 - If a horse leaves the racing strip during the post parade and goes out of sight of the stewards or causes an unnecessary delay in the start of the race, it shall be scratched.

Walkover

7.680 - If only one (1) horse remains at the time the horses are scheduled to leave the paddock for the post parade and is carrying its assigned weight, that horse shall be ridden past the stewards stand and shall be deemed the winner of the race by reason of a walkover.
7.682 - In match races where one (1) horse pays forfeit, the other need not walkover.
7.684 - In a stakes race, even if all of the horses but one (1) have declared forfeit, that horse shall walkover, except by the written consent of all persons who pay forfeit.
7.686 - A walkover by a horse entitles it to all of the added money and other fees in stakes.
700RUNNING OF THE RACE (POST TO FINISH)

The Start

7.700 - If the conditions for a race include a starting fee, the fee shall be refunded to the owner of the horse prevented from starting the race through failure of the gates to open.
7.702 - The stewards after consulting with the starter shall make the sole decision on the question of what horse(s) is prevented from starting in the race through failure of the gates to open.
7.704 - In the event that a stall door does not open for any reason at the time the starter dispatches the field, but subsequently opens to allow a horse to start, the horse affected may retain any portion of the purse or qualification that may be obtained in the placement of that race. This rule does not affect the pari-mutuel refunds ordered by the pari-mutuel wagering Rules in Chapter 12.
7.706 - If, due to mechanical failure of the gate, horses are allowed to leave at irregular intervals instead of all horses leaving at one time, the decision as to whether the race is official shall be determined by the stewards.

Interference, Jostling, Striking, Disqualification

7.710 - A jockey shall not willfully or carelessly, with or without the riding crop, strike or touch any other jockey or any other jockey's horse or equipment.
7.712 - A jockey shall not unnecessarily cause their own nor any other horse to shorten its stride.
7.714 - If a horse or jockey is impeded by another horse or jockey, the aggressor may be disqualified unless the impeded horse or jockey was partly the cause or another horse or jockey was the cause.
7.716 - In a straightaway race every horse must maintain position as nearly as possible in the lane in which it starts. Every horse in the race is entitled to racing room and may not be deliberately impeded. If a horse is ridden or drifts out of its lane in a manner that it interferes with or impedes another horse in any way, it is a foul, and the offending horse may be disqualified when, in the opinion of the stewards, the outcome of the race was affected by the foul. This shall apply whether the foul was caused by the horse or by the jockey, and whether it was caused by carelessness or wilfulness, When the stewards rule that the foul was caused by the horse, in spite of obvious efforts of the jockey to maintain position in its lane, blame shall not be attached to the jockey. But when the stewards rule that the jockey did not make a sufficient effort to prevent the foul, or willfully rode the horse out of its lane, then the jockey may be penalized. A jockey who rides a horse out of its lane or fails to make a sufficient effort to hold a horse in its lane when the horse is lugging either in or out may be penalized even though no actual foul occurs.
7.718 - In races involving a tum(s), a horse is entitled to any part of the racing strip as long as it does not interfere with or impede the progress of any other horse(s). If, in the opinion of the stewards, a horse interferes with or impedes the progress of any other horse(s), the horse may be disqualified and the jockey may be penalized. Every horse in the race is entitled to racing room and may not be deliberately impeded. If a horse is ridden or drifts either in or out, in a manner that it interferes with or impedes another horse in any way, it is a foul, and the offending horse may be disqualified when, in the opinion of the stewards, the outcome of the race was affected by the foul. This shall apply whether the foul was caused by the horse or by the jockey, and whether it was caused by carelessness or willfulness. When the stewards rule that the foul was caused by the horse, in spite of obvious efforts of the jockey to maintain position in its lane, blame shall not be attached to the jockey. But when the stewards rule that the jockey did not make a sufficient effort to prevent the foul, or willfully rode the horse out of its lane, then the jockey may be penalized. A jockey who rides a horse out of its lane or fails to make a sufficient effort to hold a horse in its lane when the horse is lugging either in or out, may be penalized even though no actual foul occurs.
7.720 - If a horse is disqualified for a foul under these Rules, any other horse in the race owned wholly or in part by the same interest or trained by the same trainer, may also be disqualified.
7.722 - If a horse leaves the racing strip during the running of a race it shall be disqualified.
7.724 - (Adopted Effective date May 15, 2018) When the Board determines that a foul has occurred during the running of a race that may require that a film review be held with any jockeys involved in the race, the Board, or the Board's representative, shall verbally notify those licensees of the film review immediately following the determination by the Board that a foul occurred.

A film review is not recorded and the Board has full authority to assess penalties to anyone found to have been responsible for a foul or violation including suspension and fines. The scope of the review is limited to fouls or violations that occurred during the running of the race, but the Board may consider previous riding infractions and/or warnings issued to the jockey in its penalty determination.

Horses Shall be Ridden Out

7.730 - Except where circumstances justify otherwise, every starter shall be ridden to win. Whenever a horse is ridden in a manner inconsistent with winning a race, the jockey shall immediately report the reason for doing so to the stewards who shall determine whether or not there was justification for the jockey's actions.

Use of Whips

7.740 - At all times, the riding crop shall only be used for safety, correction and limited encouragement, and be appropriate, proportionate, professional, taking into account the rules of racing herein. Prohibited use of a riding crop during the running of a race may be reviewed by the Stewards under Rule 7.724. Prohibited use of the riding crop includes, but is not limited to, striking a horse:
(1) On the head, flanks or on any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters, except when necessary to control a horse;
(2) During the post parade or after the finish of the race except when necessary to control a horse;
(3) Excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;
(4) When the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing;
(5) Persistently even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop.
7.742 - (Modified Effective date May 15, 2018) If a horse races without the use of a riding crop it shall be announced over the public address system.
7.744 - Except for extreme safety reasons all riders should comply with the following when using a riding crop:
(1) Initially showing the horse the riding crop, and/or tapping the horse with the riding crop down, giving the horse time to respond before using the riding crop;
(2) The riding crop shall not be used more than twice in succession and the horse must be given a chance to respond before using it again;
(a) "Chance to respond" means the horse has taken at least two complete strides and one of the following actions by a rider:
(i) Pausing the use of the riding crop on the horse before resuming use; or,
(ii) Pushing on the horse with a rein in each hand, keeping the riding crop in the up or down position; or,
(iii) Showing the horse the riding crop without making contact; or
(iv) Moving the riding crop from one hand to the other.
(3) Using the riding crop in rhythm with the horse's stride.
7.746 - When deciding whether or not to review a jockey's use of the riding crop under Rule 7.724, the Stewards will consider how the jockey has used the riding crop during the course of the entire race, with particular attention to its use in the closing state, and relevant factors such as:
(1) The manner in which the riding crop was used;
(2) The purpose for which the riding crop was used;
(3) The distance over which the riding crop was used and whether the number of times it was used was reasonable and necessary;
(4) Whether the horse was continuing to respond;
(5) Whether a post-race inspection by a veterinarian finds cuts, welts or bruises in the skin;
(6) The degree to which the jockey complied with the factors set forth in Rule 7.744.
7.748 - In the event there is a review of a jockey's use of the riding crop, use of the riding crop may be deemed appropriate in the following circumstances:
(1) To keep a horse in contention or to maintain a challenging position prior to what would be considered the closing stages of a race;
(2) To maintain a horse's focus and concentration;
(3) To correct a horse that is noticeably hanging;
(4) To assure the horse maintains a straight course; or,
(5) Where there is only light contact with the horse.

Returning After the Finish

7.750 - After a race, jockeys shall be weighed immediately after pulling up and unsaddling unless excused by the stewards. If a jockey is prevented from riding the horse to the area where the scales are located, the jockey may be excused by the stewards.
7.752 - All horses shall be unsaddled by their respective jockeys upon pulling up at the end of a race. Attendants may hold a horse by the bridle only and may not otherwise assist a jockey in unsaddling. Exceptions to this rule must have the approval of the stewards.

Weighing In

7.760 - If a jockey fails to weigh in or weighs in more than two (2) pounds lighter than the weigh out weight or is guilty of any fraudulent practice with respect to weighing out and in, the clerk of scales shall report to the stewards and the horse may be disqualified and declared unplaced and an appropriate penalty assessed against the jockey.
7.762 - If a horse carries more than two (2) pounds over its proper or declared weight, the clerk of scales shall report to the stewards and appropriate action may be taken against the jockey; however, should the stewards rule that the excess weight was caused by rain or mud, action shall not be taken.

Dead Heats

7.770 - When horses run a dead heat all monies and prizes to which the horses would have been entitled shall be divided equally. When horses run a dead heat for first place, each horse shall be deemed a winner.
7.772 - If the dividing owners cannot agree as to which of them is to have a cup or other prize which cannot be divided, the questions shall be determined by lot in the presence of one (1) or more of the stewards.

Protests, Objections, and Inquiries

7.780 - The stewards shall be cognizant of foul riding. Objections shall be considered only from the jockey, trainer or owner of a horse that has met interference. No frivolous claims of foul shall be made.

Winnings

7.790 - Winnings shall include all money up to the time appointed for the start, and shall apply to all races in any country, and embrace walking over or receiving forfeit, but not second and third money, or the value of any prize not of money or not paid in money. Winnings during the year shall be reckoned from January 1st, preceding.
7.792 - Winner of a certain sum shall mean winner of a single race of that value unless otherwise stated in the conditions.

1 CCR 208-1, ch. 7

38 CR 06, March 25, 2015, effective 5/15/2015
39 CR 07, April 10, 2016, effective 5/15/2016
40 CR 06, March 25, 2017, effective 5/15/2017
41 CR 07, April 10, 2018, effective 5/15/2018
42 CR 06, March 25, 2019, effective 5/15/2019
42 CR 07, April 10, 2019, effective 5/15/2019
43 CR 05, March 10, 2020, effective 5/15/2020
44 CR 07, April 10, 2021, effective 5/15/2021
45 CR 10, May 25, 2022, effective 6/15/2022
46 CR 03, February 10, 2023, effective 6/14/2023
46 CR 10, May 25, 2023, effective 6/14/2023
47 CR 06, March 25, 2024, effective 4/14/2024