Chapter 160. Steeplechase Racing
11VAC10-160-10. Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Field" means the spaces between the fences, the space between the starting point and the first fence, and the space between the last fence and the finish.
"Steeplechase racing" means horse racing conducted over a surface including obstacles.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 1, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-160-20. Generally.
The provisions of 11VAC10-140, Flat Racing, shall apply equally to the conduct of steeplechase racing, except where this chapter specifies otherwise.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 2, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-160-30. Overweights.
If the overweight is more than one pound, the jockey shall declare the amount of the overweight to the clerk of scales no later than 60 minutes before post time. If the overweight exceeds 10 pounds, a substitute jockey must be named, except that an amateur jockey may carry more than 10 pounds of overweight. No rider may carry more than 195 pounds in a race.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 3, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 18, May 1, 2015.
11VAC10-160-40. Weighing out.
If a horse is equipped with a martingale, breast-plate or yoke, then this equipment must be put on the scale and included in the jockeys' weight.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 4, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-160-50. Tongue ties.
The material used as a tongue tie shall be supplied by the horse's trainer, who shall affix the tongue tie in the paddock, except by the permission of the stewards, the tongue tie may be affixed in the horse's stall prior to going to the paddock.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 5, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-160-60. Identifying equipment.
Each horse shall carry a conspicuous saddlecloth number which corresponds to the number of the horse as listed in the daily racing program. In the case of a coupled entry, each horse making up the coupled entry shall carry the same number with a distinguishing letter.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 6, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-160-70. Post parade.
No horse shall be jumped over an obstacle on the way to the starting gate.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 7, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-160-80. Starting.
Horses may be started either by a starting gate, barrier or a flag.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 8, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-160-90. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 9, eff. September 26, 1991; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-160-100. Remounting after fall.
Any horse losing its rider during the running of a race may not be remounted.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 10, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 18, May 1, 2015.
11VAC10-160-110. Weighing in.
If a jockey weighs in at less than the weight at which he weighed out, the horse shall be disqualified unless the stewards are satisfied that such shortness of weight was caused by exceptional circumstances.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 11, eff. September 26, 1991.
11VAC10-160-120. Fences.
Any course and obstacles over which steeplechase races are to be conducted must conform to the standards established by the National Steeplechase Association. The following shall be a general guideline, when conditions permit:
1. There shall be at least five fences in every mile;
2. Wings shall be a minimum of 20 feet long and a minimum of 6 feet at their highest point; and
3. Beacons shall be a minimum of 4 feet in height.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 12, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-160-130. NSA (National Steeplechase Association) licenses.
A trainer shall not be permitted to train horses for steeplechase races unless he possesses the appropriate permit from the commission and a trainer's license from the National Steeplechase Association. A jockey shall not be permitted to ride horses in steeplechase races unless he possesses the appropriate permit from the commission and a jockey's license from the National Steeplechase Association.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 13, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-160-140. Minimum age.
No horse shall be entered or shall start in a steeplechase race unless it is at least three years old.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 14, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.
11VAC10-160-150. Use of spurs.
Spurs may be used in steeplechase races, provided that they are of a type that will prod but not cut. All spurs must be approved by the stewards.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-05-03 § 15, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.