Part III. Starting a Race
11VAC10-140-140. Starter.
The horses and jockeys, lead ponies and riders, and outriders shall be under the supervision of the starter from the time the horses enter the racing surface until the race is started. While the horses, jockeys, lead ponies and pony riders are under his supervision, the starter shall:
1. Grant a delay to allow for the substitution of an injured jockey or for the repairing of broken equipment;
2. Load the horses into the starting gate in the order of their post position or, with the approval of the stewards, load the horses into the starting gate by dividing the field and loading the horses from each section simultaneously;
3. Report to the stewards any delay in the start; and
4. Recall the horses from a false start where a starting gate is not used.
However, the starter, in his discretion, may:
1. Allow other jockeys to dismount during any delay;
2. Unload the horses from the starting gate, if there is a lengthy delay in the start of a race; and
3. Load a fractious horse out of post position order.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-01 § 3.1, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-140-150. Unmanageable horse.
If a horse is unmanageable at the starting post, the starter may recommend to the stewards that the horse be excused. If the stewards excuse a horse from a race because it is unmanageable, they shall:
1. Order all money wagered on the unmanageable horse deducted from the pari-mutuel pool and order a prompt refund; and
2. Place the unmanageable horse on the stewards' list.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-01 § 3.2, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-140-160. Starting gate.
Each licensee shall maintain at least two operable starting gates as required by 11VAC10-20-190.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-01 § 3.3, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-140-170. Fair start.
If a door on the starting gate fails to open, a horse is inadvertently loaded into an incorrect post position, or otherwise fails to obtain a fair start, then the starter shall immediately report the circumstances to the stewards. In these circumstances, the stewards shall:
1. Post the "inquiry" sign on the infield results board;
2. Advise the public through the public address system and any other appropriate means to hold all mutuel tickets;
3. Make a determination of whether the horse obtained a fair start after consulting with the starter, other appropriate persons and reviewing the video tape recordings of the race; and
4. If the stewards determine that a horse did not obtain a fair start, they may order a refund on any or all of the portions wagered upon the horse; however, the horse shall be entitled to any purse money earned by its finish in the race.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-01 § 3.4, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-140-180. Nonstarter.
If the horse is declared a nonstarter in a stakes race, futurity or other special event, then any entrance or starting fees shall be refunded.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-01 § 3.5, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-140-190. Assistance prohibited.
Only the jockey may strike a horse at the start of a race. Only the jockey shall be permitted to shout or otherwise assist in breaking the horse away from the starting gate. During the running of a race, no assistance may be rendered by others.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-01 § 3.6, eff. September 26, 1991.