Section 017-7-54 - Racing Violations1. Although a leading horse is entitled to any part of the track, except after selecting his or her position in the homestretch, neither the driver of the leading horse nor any other driver in the race shall engage in any of the following conduct, which shall be considered violations of driving rules: A. Change either to the right or left during any part of the race when another horse is so near that it causes another horse to shorten its stride, or causes the driver of such other horse to pull out of stride or move away from the offending horse to avoid contact.B. Jostle, strike, hook wheels, or otherwise interfere with another horse or driver.C. Cross sharply in front of a horse or cross over in front of a field of horses in a reckless manner, endangering other drivers or horses.D. Swerve in and out or pull up quickly.E. Crowd a horse or driver by "putting a wheel under such horse".F. "Carry a horse out" or "Sit down in front of a horse", take up abruptly in front of other horses so as to cause confusion or interference among the trailing horses, or do any other act which constitutes what is commonly known as helping.G. Let a horse pass inside needlessly.H. Laying off a normal pace and leaving a hole when it is well within the horse's capacity to keep the hole closed.I. Change course after selecting a position in the homestretch, or swerve in or out, or bear in or out, in such manner as to interfere with another horse or cause another horse to change course, take back or break.J. To drive in a careless or reckless manner.K. Cause any horse or a field of horses to excessively slow down their speed.L. Cause the Judges to believe that the horse is being driven with design not to win, or in a manner inconsistent with an attempt to win.M. Commit any act which impedes the progress of another horse or causes another horse to "break".N. Failure to set, maintain or contest a pace comparable to the class of race.O. Leaving the Course. In the event a horse or part of the horse's sulky leaves the course and in the opinion of the Judges, the action gave the horse an unfair advantage over other horses in the race, or the action helped the horse improve its position in the race, the horse may be disqualified or placed. If, in the opinion of the judges, a horse or sulky is forced off the course as a result of the actions of another horse or driver, or as a result of a break from such horse's gait, or unforeseen circumstances such as an accident, the judges may determine the appropriate order of finish. Further, the Judges may impose a penalty on the driver for such action even if the horse was not disqualified or placed.P. Whips. Drivers will be allowed to use only black whips not to exceed 4 feet, plus a snapper not longer than 6 inches. No leather or unusual material may be used. The conventional snapper shall not be knotted and tape is only permitted on the handle of the whip. All other modifications of the whip are prohibited.Q. Whipping. Unnecessary, excessive or brutal use of the whip is prohibited. Evidence, such as cutting, welting or visible injury, etc. shall be determined by the Judges, State Steward, or State Veterinarian at any time. Failure to abide by the following shall be considered illegal use of the whip:(1) All drivers must keep a line in each hand beginning when the horse is behind the starting gate and continuing through the finish of the race.(2) Whipping shall be restricted to elbow and wrist action only and the whipping arm shall not be raised above the driver's shoulder height.(3) Drivers shall not move their whipping arm in a blatant or exaggerated manner and the lines shall remain reasonably taut during the race.(4) Drivers shall not use the whip below the level of the shaft, forward of the race bike's wheels.(5) Drivers shall not place the whip between a horse's legs.(6) Drivers shall not strike another horse or driver with the whip.(7) Drivers are permitted to use their hand or the whip in a sliding or gliding manner above the level of the shaft.(8) Drivers shall not use the handle of the whip on a horse.(9) Drivers shall not use whip on a tired horse, on a horse that is not visibly responding, or when the horse is not in contention in a race.(10) Drivers shall not use the whip without giving a horse time to respond to a previous application of the whip. Penalties for violating this paragraph shall be considered Level 2 violations. Penalties for violating this paragraph shall be considered Level 2 violations.
R.Goads. The use of any goading device, (including the butt end of a whip), chain, or mechanical devices or appliances other than the ordinary whip, upon any horse in any race shall constitute a violation of this rule. Penalties for violating this paragraph shall be considered Level 1 violations as described in Chapter 17.
S. Drivers must be seated in an upright position.T. Handholds must be positioned with the driver's elbows in front of the plane of the torso to ensure adequate control of the horse. The placing of both lines in one hand to permit the necessary adjustment of the horse's equipment, such as ear plug removal, is allowed.U. After the word "Go" is given both feet must remain in the stirrups or heel plates, except for removal of earplugs or for adjusting the convertible bridle, until the finish of the race.01-017 C.M.R. ch. 7, § 54