Virginia Law

The stewards receive and hear all objections lodged by trainers, owners, jockeys or drivers after the completion of a race, and all protests lodged by holders of a permit before or after the completion of a race under the following provisions:

1. The stewards shall keep a written record of all objections and protests;

2. Jockeys shall indicate their intention of lodging an objection in a manner prescribed by the stewards;

3. Drivers shall indicate their intention of lodging an objection immediately after the race by reporting to the patrol judge;

4. If the placement of the starting gate or line is in error, a protest must be made prior to the time that the first horse enters the starting gate or line;

5. Protests, other than those arising out of the running of a race, shall be in writing, clearly stating the nature of the protest, signed by the holder of a permit making the protest, and filed with the stewards at least one hour before post time of the race out of which the protest arises;

6. Protests arising out of the running of a race must be made to the stewards as soon as possible after the completion of the race but before the race is declared official. The stewards may call and examine any witness regarding the protest;

7. Until a final determination is made on an objection or protest and any administrative remedies and all appeals thereof are exhausted, the purse money for the race shall be retained by the horsemen's bookkeeper or licensee and paid only upon the approval of the stewards or commission; and

8. A participant or holder of a permit may not withdraw a protest without the permission of the stewards.