W. Va. Code R. § 178-1-46

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 178-1-46 - Protests, Objections and Inquiries

46.1. Stewards to Inquire. The following provisions apply to inquiries by the stewards:

46.1.a. The stewards shall take cognizance of foul riding and may entertain reports from other racing officials, regardless of whether or not a formal complaint is made. The stewards shall not consider a complaint which comes from any person other than the jockey, trainer, or owner of the horse interfered with.

46.1.b. In determining the extent of disqualification, the stewards in their discretion may:

46.1.b.1. declare null and void a track record set or equalled by a disqualified horse, or any horses included with it in an entry due to common ties of ownership or training;

46.1.b.2. affirm the placing judges' order of finish and hold the jockey responsible if, in the stewards' opinion, the foul riding did not affect the order of finish; or

46.1.b.3. disqualify the offending horse and hold the jockey blameless if in the stewards' opinion the interference to another horse in a race was not the result of an intentional foul or careless riding on the part of a jockey.

46.2. Race Objections. The following provisions apply to race objections:

46.2.a. An objection following the running of any race must be made to the stewards before the race is declared official.

46.2.b. The stewards shall make all findings of fact as to all matters occurring during and incident to the running of a race; shall determine all objections and inquiries, and shall determine the extent of disqualification, if any, of horses in the race.

46.2.c. Once the stewards have determined a race objection, any party may make a complaint to the stewards regarding such determination. A complaint must be made in writing to the stewards within 24 hours of their determination.

46.2.d. If a jockey wishes to object to a happening in a race, he or she must notify the clerk of scales immediately upon his or her arrival at the scales for weighing-in. However, when the Quick Official is being used the jockey shall notify the outrider that is equipped with a two-way radio for communication with the stewards, that the jockey wishes to claim an objection. The jockey shall then proceed to the clerk of scales and contact the stewards upon dismounting.

46.3. Protests. The following provisions apply to protests:

46.3.a. A protest shall be made in writing, signed by the complainant and filed with the stewards before post time of the race in question.

46.3.b. A protest, except a protest involving fraud, may be filed only by the owner or his or her authorized agent, the trainer, or the jockey of a horse engaged in the race in which the protest is made or by a racing official of the meeting.

46.3.c. Any person may make a protest involving fraud.

46.3.d. If a claimed horse has had a posterior digital neurectomy and has not complied with the requirements of paragraph 51.1.b.9. of this rule, the claimant has 48 hours from the start of the race from which the horse was claimed to file a protest which shall be supported by an affidavit made by a practicing veterinarian holding an occupational permit and a Racing Commission veterinarian.

46.3.e. Anyone who protests against a horse engaged in a race and who files the protest with the stewards not less than 60 minutes before post time, shall receive immediate consideration. The stewards shall disqualify the horse from starting when there is no proof provided within 30 minutes of post time that the horse is qualified to start.

46.3.f. A protest against the scheduled distance of a race shall be made at least 30 minutes before post time for that race.

46.3.g. A protest may not be withdrawn unless a request to withdraw is submitted in writing and is approved by the stewards.

46.3.h. No person shall make a frivolous protest.

46.3.i. The stewards shall keep a record of all protests and complaints and any action taken on the protests and complaints.

W. Va. Code R. § 178-1-46