Chapter 100. Horses
11VAC10-100-10. Generally.
The conduct of horse racing, with pari-mutuel wagering, shall be safe to the participants and humane to the horses as well as being of the highest quality and free of any corrupt, incompetent, dishonest or unprincipled practices.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 1, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-20. Registration requirements.
No horse may start in a race unless the horse's certificate of foal registration, eligibility certificate or other registration document from the appropriate breed registry is on file with the racing secretary. The certificate of foal registration, eligibility certificate or other registration document must be filed with the racing secretary by the owner, or in his absence by his trainer or authorized agent before the horse may start in a race. However, the stewards may for good cause, in their discretion, waive this requirement, if the horse is otherwise correctly identified to the stewards' satisfaction and the complete past performances of the horse are available to the public. When the stewards waive this requirement, they must submit written notification to the commission.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 2, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-30. Lip tattoo requirements.
No horse may start in a race without a legible lip tattoo number or readable microchip applied by the designated personnel appropriate to the breed of horse. In harness racing, no Standardbred may start in a race without a legible lip tattoo, a freeze brand number, or readable microchip applied by the designated personnel appropriate to the breed of horse.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 3, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 25, eff. August 8, 2000; Volume 23, Issue 18, eff. May 31, 2007; Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 19, 2021.
11VAC10-100-40. Names of horses.
No horse may be entered or raced under any other name than the name listed on its certificate of foal registration, eligibility certificate or other registration document. In the event a horse's name is changed, the horse's former name shall be shown parenthetically in the daily race program the first three times the horse races after its name is changed. In the event a horse is named after completing published workouts, it shall be the trainer's responsibility to notify the stewards and racing secretary of the horse's name so that the published workouts may be correctly attributed and the public notified.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 4, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-50. Ringers.
No horse may be entered or raced, if it has been determined that the horse was knowingly entered or raced under a name other than its own by the owner or trainer. No horse may be entered or raced, if it has been determined that the owner or trainer knowingly participated in or assisted in the entry or racing of some other horse under the horse's name.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 5, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-60. Concealed identity or ownership.
No person shall, at any time, cause or permit the correct identity or ownership of a horse to be concealed or altered, and no person shall refuse to reveal to any racing official the correct identity or ownership of any horse he owns or trains.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 6, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-70. Nerved horses.
No horse that has been "high nerved" may be entered or raced. A horse that has been "low heel nerved" may be entered and raced. The following provisions shall apply to horses that have been "high nerved" or "low heel nerved":
1. A "high nerved horse" means a horse whose nerves have been desensitized by any means at or above the fetlock, including volar, palmar or plantar nerves;
2. Lack of feeling at the coronary band at the front of the foot is prima facie evidence that a horse has been nerved in contravention of this regulation;
3. Incisions over nerves at or above the fetlock are evidence that the horse has been "high nerved," even if partial or complete feeling is present at the front of the coronary band of the foot;
4. A "low heel nerved horse" means a horse whose posterior branch only of the palmar digital nerves have been desensitized by any means below the fetlock;
5. A horse that has been "low heel nerved" must have the procedure designated on its certificate of foal registration, eligibility certificate, or other registration document, and this designation must be certified by the practicing veterinarian who performed the procedure;
6. The primary responsibility rests with the owner to see that the certificate of foal registration, eligibility certificate or other registration document is properly designated and certified by the practicing veterinarian when a horse is low nerved;
7. Prior to being entered, a horse, that has been "low heel nerved" must be examined and approved by the commission veterinarian for racing;
8. The racing secretary shall maintain a list of horses that have been "low heel nerved" and shall cause this list to be prominently displayed in the racing office; and
9. The primary responsibility rests with the trainer to see that all horses that have been "low heel nerved" and are under his supervision are immediately added to the list of nerved horses maintained by the racing secretary.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 7, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-80. Certificate of veterinary inspection.
An official test for equine infectious anemia is required and must be conducted by a laboratory approved by the United States Department of Agriculture for each horse within the enclosure. The following provisions shall apply:
1. Horses entering the Commonwealth of Virginia must be accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection signed by an accredited veterinarian. This certificate shall give an accurate description of each horse;
2. The Certificate of Veterinary Inspection shall indicate that each horse has been officially tested and found negative for equine infectious anemia within the past 12 months. The test must be valid to cover the time the horse is expected to be within the enclosure;
3. Horses originating in the Commonwealth of Virginia must be accompanied by a report of an official negative test for equine infectious anemia conducted within the past 12 months. The test must be valid to cover the time the horse is expected to be within the enclosure;
4. For the purposes of this regulation, an "approved laboratory" means a laboratory approved by the Deputy Administrator, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture;
5. For the purposes of this regulation, an "accredited veterinarian" means a veterinarian approved by the Deputy Administrator to perform functions required by cooperative state-federal disease control and eradication programs;
6. The Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or report of an official negative test shall be attached to the health certificate, certificate of foal registration, eligibility certificate or other registration document; and
7. The primary responsibility for the presentation of the foregoing documents shall rest with the owner of the horse or his trainer or authorized agent.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 8, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-90. Vision.
No horse may be entered or raced unless it has unimpaired vision in at least one eye. No horse currently afflicted by ocular disease affecting its vision may be entered or raced.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 9, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-100. Published workouts for Thoroughbreds.
Except in steeplechase or as otherwise may be specifically exempted by the commission, no Thoroughbred may be entered or raced unless its most recent workouts have been recorded and made generally available to the public by being prominently displayed in the grandstand and clubhouse, published in periodicals of general circulation, announced to the public or included in the closed-circuit broadcast. The following provisions shall apply to published workouts:
1. No horse may be entered to race for the first time in its life unless it has a minimum of two published workouts;
2. No horse may start in a race unless it has a published workout within the past 30 days or has raced within the past 30 days; and
3. No horse may start in a race unless the stewards, in their discretion, determine that the horse's published past performances, whether in races or workouts, are sufficient to enable the public to make a reasonable assessment of its capabilities.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 10, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-110. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 11, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 25, eff. August 8, 2000; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-120. Official publication statistics.
For Thoroughbreds, in determining eligibility, allowances and penalties, the reports, records and statistics as published in the Daily Racing Form and its monthly charts or similar publication or corresponding official publications of any foreign country, shall be considered official, but the records and statistics may be corrected until 45 minutes prior to post time of the race. For Standardbreds, in determining eligibility, the eligibility certificate and any records the United States Trotting Association may provide shall be considered as official. For American Quarter Horses, in determining eligibility, the registration certificates and records of the American Quarter Horse Association shall be considered as official.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 12, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-130. Valuation of purse money.
The amount of purse money earned in foreign races is credited in United States currency on the day the purse money was earned for the purposes of determining penalties and allowances. There shall be no appeal for any loss on the exchange rate at the time of transfer from that of another country to United States currency.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 13, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-140. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 14, eff. September 26, 1991; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-150. Stewards' List.
A. The stewards shall maintain a Stewards' List of the horses that are ineligible to be entered in a race because of poor or inconsistent performance or behavior on the racetrack that endangers the health or safety of other participants in racing.
B. The stewards may place a horse on the Stewards' List when there exists a question as to the exact identification or ownership of said horse.
C. A horse that has been placed on the Stewards' List because of inconsistent performance or behavior may be removed from the Stewards' List when, in the opinion of the stewards, the horse can satisfactorily perform competitively in a race without endangering the health or safety of other participants in racing.
D. A horse that has been placed on the Stewards' List because of questions as to the exact identification or ownership of said horse may be removed from the Stewards' List when, in the opinion of the stewards, proof of exact identification or ownership, or both, has been established.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 15, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-151. Veterinarian's List.
The commission veterinarian shall maintain a Veterinarian's List of those horses determined to be unfit to compete in a race due to physical distress, unsoundness or infirmity. A horse placed on the Veterinarian's List shall be removed from the list only after being demonstrated to the satisfaction of the commission veterinarian that the horse is then raceably sound and in fit physical condition to exert its best effort in a race. A horse may be required to perform satisfactorily in a workout or qualifying race to demonstrate its physical fitness, and if so a blood or urine, or both, post-work test sample may be taken from the horse.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-152. Starter's List.
No horse shall be permitted to start in a race unless approval is given by the starter. The starter may maintain a Starter's List of all horses that are ineligible to be entered in any race because of poor or inconsistent behavior or performance in the starting gate. Such horse shall be refused entry until it has demonstrated to the starter that it has been satisfactorily schooled in the gate and can be removed from the Starter's List. Schooling shall be under the direct supervision of the starter.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-160. Filly or mare bred.
Any filly or mare that has been covered by a stallion shall be reported to the racing secretary prior to being entered in a race. The racing secretary shall prominently display in the racing office a listing of the fillies and mares that have been bred and the names of the stallions to which they have been bred. No filly or mare that has been covered by a stallion may be entered in a claiming race unless a written release from the stallion owner is attached to the certificate of foal registration, eligibility certificate or other registration document indicating the stallion service has been paid or satisfied.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 16, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-170. Equipment.
Equipment must be used consistently on a horse, and a trainer must obtain permission from the paddock judge to change the use of any equipment on a horse from its last previous start. The paddock judge shall maintain a list of the equipment worn by each horse and inform the stewards immediately of any change in its equipment. The following provisions shall apply to equipment:
1. A horse's tongue may be tied down with a clean bandage or gauze;
2. No Thoroughbred may race shod in anything other than ordinary racing plates, e.g., bar shoe, mud calks, without the permission of the stewards and the public being informed through appropriate means;
3. No Thoroughbred may race in a bridle weighing more than two pounds;
4. Use on a horse of other than an ordinary whip either in a race or workout including any goading device, chain, spurs, electrical or mechanical device, appliance or any means which could be used to alter the speed of the horse is prohibited, except spurs may be used in steeplechase races pursuant to 11VAC10-160-150; and
5. For Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and Arabians, an ordinary whip shall weigh one pound or less, be 30 inches long or less and have not more than one popper. No stingers or projections extending through the hole of a popper or metal part on a whip shall be permitted.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 17, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 25, eff. August 8, 2000; Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-180. Sex alteration.
A horse which has been gelded or spayed shall be so designated on the certificate of foal registration, eligibility certificate or other registration by the owner or his trainer or his authorized agent, and certified by the practicing veterinarian. The owner shall also inform the appropriate breed registry that the sex of the horse has been altered.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 18, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-190. Racing soundness examination.
All horses racing on the flat or over jumps that are entered to race must be examined by the commission veterinarian or his assistant veterinarians prior to racing to determine the horse's fitness for racing. The trainer of each horse shall promptly identify the horse to be examined, and the examination is to take place outside of the horse's stall. The horse may be led at a walk or trot as requested by the examining veterinarian. For Standardbreds, the racing soundness examination shall consist of the commission veterinarian observing the horse during its warmups prior to racing.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 19, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-100-200. Post-mortem examination.
A horse which suffers a breakdown on the racing surface, either during training or racing hours, and dies or is euthanized or a horse that dies while stabled within the enclosure shall be subject to a post-mortem examination at the discretion of the stewards. The following provisions shall apply:
1. The written consent of a steward authorizing the removal of the remains shall be obtained;
2. The stewards may take control of the bodily remains of the deceased horse and order an appropriate post-mortem examination to be conducted to determine the cause of death; and
3. It shall be the responsibility of the licensee at all times to prevent the unauthorized removal from the enclosure of the remains of a deceased horse.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 20, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-210. Walkover.
If at post time for a stakes race, futurity or other special event, there is only one horse or horses representing only one wagering interest, then the stewards shall declare the race a walkover. However, the horse or horses shall start and complete the course before a winner is determined, but for wagering purposes, the stewards shall declare the race "no contest." For a walkover in a steeplechase race, the horse or horses shall report to the starter and gallop across the finish line, but they shall not be required to complete the course.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 21, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 25, eff. August 8, 2000.
11VAC10-100-220. Dead heat.
Purses, prizes or awards for a race in which a dead heat has occurred shall be divided equitably by determination of the stewards. For Standardbreds, where heat racing is employed and the race winner is required to win two heats, a horse finishing in a dead heat for first place shall be considered a winner.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 22, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-230. Carrying assigned weight.
Each horse shall be raced to the finish by the jockey or driver to give their best effort to win the race. For all horses racing on the flat or over jumps, they shall carry their assigned weight, including the jockey, from the post parade to the start and to the finish. For Standardbreds, the horse must pass the finishing point with the driver seated in the sulky and both of the driver's feet must be in the stirrups.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 23, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-100-240. Injured horse.
Each horse, which suffers an injury during a workout or during a race, shall be pulled up by the jockey or driver as soon as safety permits to the horse and others utilizing the racing surface. All measures shall be taken to stabilize the condition of the horse until the horse ambulance and a veterinarian arrive to render assistance.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-04-01 § 24, eff. September 26, 1991.