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.