W. Va. Code R. § 178-1-45

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 178-1-45 - Running of the Race

45.1. Equipment. The following provisions apply to the equipment used in connection with the running of a race:

45.1.a. All riding crops are subject to approval and enforcement by the stewards and inspection by the clerk of scales and outrider, and shall meet the following requirements:

45.1.a.1. Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in racing and training, only as follows:

45.1.a.1.A. Maximum weight of eight ounces;

45.1.a.1.B. Maximum length, including flap, of 30 inches;

45.1.a.1.C. Minimum diameter of the shaft of three-eighths (3/8) inch; and

45.1.a.1.D. Shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material.

45.1.a.2. The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications:

45.1.a.2.A. Length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of one (1) inch;

45.1.a.2.B. Width a minimum of eight-tenths (0.8) of an inch and a maximum of one and six-tenths (1.6) inches;

45.1.a.2.C. No reinforcement or additions beyond the end of the shaft;

45.1.a.2.D. No binding within seven (7) inches of the end of the shaft; and

45.1.a.2.E. Shock absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of the shaft.

45.1.b. No bridle shall exceed two (2) pounds.

45.1.c. The use of plastic bridles and/or reins is prohibited unless they are steel reinforced.

45.1.d. The starter shall give permission to add blinkers to a horse's equipment or to discontinue the use of blinkers.

45.1.e. Riding crops and/or blinkers may be used on two (2) year olds as well as other first time starters if schooled or reviewed by the starter with the riding crops and/or blinkers, and approved by the starter and the stewards before time of entry.

45.1.f. A horse's tongue may be tied down with clean bandages, gauze or tongue strap. Under no circumstances shall the material to be used as a tongue-tie be furnished by anyone other than the trainer of the horse on which it is to be used. No employee of the association may tie the tongue, replace, or repair a tongue-tie.

45.1.g. The stewards or their designee may give permission during the current meeting for any change of equipment from that which a horse carried in its previous race.

45.1.h. A horse starting in a race shall not be shod with ordinary or training shoes, nor shall the horse run without shoes unless by permission of the stewards and after announcement to the public.

45.1.i. Horseshoes on which the trailing portion of the shoe is turned down are prohibited at licensed racetracks in West Virginia.

45.2. Racing Numbers. The following provisions apply to racing numbers:

45.2.a. Each horse shall carry a conspicuous saddle cloth number corresponding to the official number given that horse on the official program.

45.2.b. A jockey shall wear a number on his or her right arm and this number and the saddle cloth number shall correspond to the number of the horse in the official program.

45.2.c. In the case of an entry that includes more than one horse, each horse in the entry shall carry the same number, with a different distinguishing letter following the number. As an example, two horses in the same entry shall appear in the official program as 1 and 1A.

45.2.d. Each horse in the mutuel field shall carry a separate number or may carry the same number with a distinguishing letter following the number.

45.3. Jockey Requirements. The following provisions apply to requirements imposed upon jockeys in connection with the running of a race:

45.3.a. In riding a race, a jockey shall be neat in appearance and the judgment of the stewards controls in this regard. A jockey shall dress in jockey attire including, cap, jacket, white or light breeches, and top boots. A jockey's first name and/or middle name and/or surname, or initials representing the first letters of the jockey's first name and/or middle name and/or surname, may be printed on the side of a jockey's breeches in black lettering not to exceed 32 square inches. The names(s) or initials on a jockey's breeches must be those of the jockey wearing the breeches.

45.3.b. A jockey must wear a safety vest when riding in an official race. The safety vest must comply with or exceed one of the following minimum standards: British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA): 2000 Level 1; Euro Norm (EN) 13158: 2000 Level 1; American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2681-08 or F1937; Shoe and Allied Trade Research Association (SATRA) Jockey Vest Document M6 Issue 3; or, Australian Racing Board (ARB) Standard 1.1998.

45.3.c. A jockey must wear a safety helmet when riding in an official race. A jockey is responsible for providing sufficient evidence that his/her helmet meets or exceeds one of the following safety standards: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM 1163); UK Standards (EN-1384 and PAS-015 or VGI); Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZ 3838 or ARB HS 2012); or Snell Equestrian Standard 2001.

45.3.d. A jockey shall wear the colors of the owner or owners of the horse he or she is riding, unless otherwise approved by the stewards and a jockey shall have a number on the saddlecloth of his mount corresponding to the number of the horse as exhibited in the official program.

45.4. Jockey Advertising. The following provisions apply to jockey advertising:

45.4.a. A jockey shall not wear advertising or promotional material of any kind (whether for a nonprofit or for-profit entity) on clothing within one (1) hour of or during a race, unless:

45.4.a.1. The material advertises or promotes the Jockeys' Guild in the form of the picture of a jockey's boot or the picture of a wheelchair, with no additional picture or logo;

45.4.a.2. The material is the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund logo, with no additional picture or logo; or

45.4.a.3. The picture or logo has previously been approved by the current owner, the association, and the stewards under the process set forth in this subsection, and this approval is reflected in the Racing Commission's official records; and

45.4.a.4 The material complies with the size restrictions of subparagraphs 45.4.b.2.A., 45.4.b.2.B. and 45.4.b.2.C. of this subsection; or the following criteria are met:

45.4.a.4.A. The material meets the advertising standards listed in subdivision 45.4.b. of this subsection; and

45.4.a.4.B. The jockey obtains the written approval established in subdivision 45.4.d. of this subsection.

45.4.b. Advertising or promotional material displayed on jockey clothing shall:

45.4.b.1. Not compete with, conflict with, or infringe upon sponsorship agreements applicable to the racing association race or to the race meet in progress; and

45.4.b.2. Comply with the following size restrictions;

45.4.b.2.A. A maximum of 32 square inches on each thigh of the pants on the outer side between the hip and knee and 10 square inches on the rear of the pant at the waistline at the base of the spine;

45.4.b.2.B. A maximum of 24 square inches on boots and leggings on the outside of each nearest the top of the boot; and

45.4.b.2.C. A maximum of six (6) square inches on the front center of the neck area (on a turtleneck or other undergarment).

45.4.c. A sponsorship shall not be permitted by a person or entity whose message, business reputation, or ongoing business activity may be considered as obscene or indecent to a reasonable person.

45.4.d. For advertising or promotional material addressed in subparagraphs 45.4.a.4.A. and 45.4.a.4.B. of this subsection, approval in writing of all three (3) of the following shall be required:

45.4.d.1. The managing owner of the horse, or the owner's authorized agent;

45.4.d.2. The licensed racing association, which shall grant approval if it reasonably determines the material meets the standards in paragraph 45.4.b.1. of this subsection; and

45.4.d.3. The stewards, who shall grant approval if they reasonably determine the material meets the standards in paragraph 45.4.b.2. and subdivision 45.4.c. of this subsection.

45.4.e. Written approval for advertising and promotional material shall be evidenced by completion and return of the "Request to Wear Advertising and Promotional Materials" set forth in table 178-1C at the end of this rule. The form shall be completed and submitted to the stewards not later than a time designated by the stewards.

45.4.f. As a condition for approval of advertising or promotional material, either the owners, the stewards, or the licensed racing association may require a personal viewing of the proposed material as it is to be displayed, to determine that the requirements of this subsection are met.

45.4.g. This rule shall not prohibit the sponsor of a licensed racing association race or race meeting from displaying advertising or promotional material on an association saddlecloth if it does not interfere with the clear visibility of the number of the horse.

45.4.h. Advertising content other than that approved in this rule shall not be permitted.

45.5. Weighing Out. The following provisions apply to weighing out:

45.5.a. The clerk of scales shall weigh out each jockey for his or her respective horses in each race not less than 20 minutes before the time fixed for the race, unless otherwise authorized by the stewards. In case of substitution of a rider after the original rider has been weighed out, the substitute rider shall be weighed out as promptly as possible and the name of the substitute and his or her weight publicly announced and displayed.

45.5.b. Every jockey who is to ride shall report and weigh out at the appointed time, unless excused by the stewards. Every jockey who has an engagement to ride in a stakes race shall report into the jockey room no later than one (1) hour before post time of that race, unless permission is granted to do otherwise by the stewards. Jockeys shall not leave the jockey room, except to view the races from a point approved by the stewards or to ride in a race, unless permission is granted by the stewards.

45.5.c. No jockey may carry overweight in excess of two (2) pounds without the consent of the owner or trainer and no jockey shall be allowed to ride more than five (5) pounds overweight.

45.5.d. Any overweight shall be declared by a jockey to the clerk of scales at the time appointed in advance of a race. The clerk of scales shall report to the stewards any failure on the part of any jockey to comply with this subdivision.

45.5.e. The clerk shall have all jockey overweights displayed and/or announced publicly and any change in the amount of an overweight after the jockey's declaration pursuant to subdivision 45.5.d., shall be displayed and/or announced publicly.

45.5.f. If any underweight is discovered after wagering has commenced and before the actual start of the race, the horse shall be returned to the paddock and the weight shall be corrected and announced publicly.

45.5.g. The association shall provide the only attendants who may assist jockeys in weighing out. The attendants must hold an occupational permit issued by the Racing Commission.

45.5.h. A jockey's weight shall include his or her clothing, boots, saddle and its attachments and any other equipment except the bridle, bit, blinkers, goggles, number cloth, and safety equipment including helmet, vest, over-girth, reins and breast collar.

45.5.i. A jockey shall ride a race with the same clothing, boots, saddle and its attachments, and any other equipment not excepted from the jockey's weight under subdivision 45.5.h., that the jockey had on or had in his or her possession when the jockey weighed out for that race.

45.5.j. Upon the stewards' approval, jockeys may be allowed up to three (3) pounds more than published weights for inclement weather clothing and equipment.

45.6. Paddock to Post. The following provisions apply to paddock to post activities:

45.6.a. Every horse shall be saddled by his or her trainer in the paddock unless permission has been granted by the stewards to saddle elsewhere.

45.6.b. The post parade shall not exceed 12 minutes, except in cases of unavoidable delay. Horses shall be allowed to break formation and canter, warm up, or go as they please to the post, unless otherwise directed by the stewards. Horses shall start without unnecessary delay once they have reached the post.

45.6.c. After the horses enter the racing strip, no jockey shall dismount and no horse shall be made available to the care of an attendant without the consent of the stewards or the starter. The horse shall be free of all hands other than those of the jockey, assistant starter or Racing Commission veterinarian before the starter releases the barrier.

45.6.d. If a jockey is injured on the way to the starting gate so as to require another jockey for his or her replacement, the horse shall be taken to the paddock and re-mounted with a replacement jockey who shall ride over the uncompleted portion of the route of the parade to the starting gate.

45.6.e. If a jockey is thrown from the horse on the way from the paddock to the starting gate, he or she shall remount the horse, return to the point where he or she was thrown and then proceed over the route of the parade to the starting gate. A horse shall carry his or her assigned weight from paddock to starting gate and from starting gate to finish.

45.6.f. In case of an accident occurring to a jockey, to his or her horse, or equipment, the stewards or the starter may permit the jockey to dismount. The stewards may permit the horse to be cared for during the delay and may permit all jockeys to dismount, and all other horses to be cared for during the delay.

45.6.g. If a horse leaves the racing strip while moving from paddock to starting gate, the horse shall be returned to the racing strip at the nearest practical point to that at which the horse left the racing strip. The horse shall complete his parade to the starting gate from the point at which the horse left the racing strip.

45.6.h. No person shall willfully delay the arrival of a horse at the starting gate.

45.6.i. No person, other than the rider, starter, or assistant starter shall be permitted to assist a horse in obtaining a start.

45.6.j. The starter shall load thoroughbreds into their positions in the starting gate in alternating sequence, with the thoroughbred assigned to the post closest to the inside rail and the thoroughbred assigned to the post position nearest to the middle of the field being loaded first, and so on, until the field is properly loaded. When there are less than seven (7) thoroughbreds running a race, they may be loaded in the starting gate in the order of their positions beginning from the inside rail. Vicious and unruly horses may be loaded out of sequence in the discretion of the starter.

45.7. Post to Finish.

45.7.a. The following provisions apply to the start of a race:

45.7.a.1. The starter is responsible for assuring that each participant receives a fair start.

45.7.a.2. If the stewards suspect a false start has occurred, they shall post the inquiry sign and may disqualify the horse(s), declare it a non-starter, or take no action.

45.7.a.3. If, for any reason, the doors in front of any stall in a mechanical or electrically operated gate fail to open, thereby preventing a horse from starting when the starter dispatches the field, the entire amount wagered on the affected horse shall be refunded: Provided, that the horse is not part of an entry or part of a mutuel field.

45.7.b. The following provisions apply to interference, jostling or striking:

45.7.b.1. A jockey shall not ride carelessly or willfully so as to permit his or her mount to interfere with, impede or intimidate any other horse in the race.

45.7.b.2. No jockey shall carelessly or willfully jostle, strike, or touch another jockey or another jockey's horse or equipment.

45.7.b.3. No jockey shall unnecessarily cause his or her horse to shorten its stride or engage in other actions so as to give the appearance of having suffered a foul.

45.7.c. The following provisions apply to maintaining a straight course:

45.7.c.1. When the way is clear in a race, a horse may be ridden to any part of the course, but if any horse swerves, or is ridden to either side, so as to interfere with, impede or intimidate any other horse, it is a foul.

45.7.c.2. The offending horse may be disqualified, if in the opinion of the stewards, the foul altered the finish of the race, regardless of whether the foul was accidental, willful or the result of careless riding.

45.7.c.3. If the stewards determine the foul was intentional, or due to careless riding, the jockey may be held responsible and his or her occupational permit may be disciplined.

45.7.d. The following provisions apply to disqualification:

45.7.d.1. When the stewards determine that a horse shall be disqualified for interference, they may place the offending horse behind such horses as in their judgment it interfered with, or they may place it last.

45.7.d.2. If a horse is disqualified for a foul, any horse or horses in the same race owned or trained by the same interests, may also be disqualified.

45.7.d.3. Possession of any electrical or mechanical stimulating or shocking device by a jockey, horse owner, trainer or other person authorized to handle or attend to a horse shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this rule and is sufficient grounds for the stewards to scratch or disqualify the horse.

45.7.d.4. Should the stewards determine that there is more than one (1) incident of interference in a race where disqualification is warranted, the stewards shall deal with the incidents in the order in which the incidents occurred during the race from start to finish; except in the case where the same horses are involved in multiple incidents. Once a horse has been disqualified, it should remain placed behind the horse with which it interfered. The stewards shall make a conscious effort to place and maintain as placed, every and all horses placed behind others for interference.

45.7.e. All horses shall be ridden out past the finish line in every race. A jockey shall not ease up or coast to the finish, without reasonable cause, even if the horse has no apparent chance to win prize money. A jockey shall give a best effort during a race, and each horse shall be ridden to win.

45.7.f. The following provisions apply to the use of a riding crop:

45.7.f.1. Although the use of a riding crop is not required, any jockey who uses a riding crop during a race shall do so only in a manner consistent with the provisions of this rule.

45.7.f.2. No electrical or mechanical device or other expedient designed to increase or retard the speed of a horse, other than the riding crop approved by the stewards, shall be possessed by anyone, or applied by anyone to the horse at any time on the grounds of the association during the meeting, whether in a race or otherwise. Licensees shall take action to ensure that devices are not being used.

45.7.f.3. Riding crops may be used on two (2) year olds, as well as other first time starters, if schooled or reviewed by the starter with the riding crop and approved by the starter and the stewards before the time of entry.

45.7.f.4. All riders who elect to use a riding crop during a race, may, without limitation:

45.7.f.4.A. Show or wave the riding crop without touching the horse;

45.7.f.4.B. Use the crop in an underhand position without the wrist rising above the shoulder:

45.7.f.4.B.1. prior to the final one-eighth (1/8) mile of the race on the hind quarters or shoulder; or

45.7.f.4.B.2. with both hands on the reins to tap the horse on the shoulder;

45.7.f.4.C. Use the crop as necessary to control the horse for the safety of the horse and rider.

45.7.f.5. A rider who elects to use a riding crop, except as permitted above, may not:

45.7.f.5.A. Use the crop more than six (6) times during the race;

45.7.f.5.B. Use the crop more than two (2) times without allowing the horse to respond by:

45.7.f.5.B.1. Pausing the use of the crop before resuming again; or

45.7.f.5.B.2. Pushing on the horse with a rein in each hand with the crop in the up or down position; or

45.7.f.5.B.3. Showing the horse the crop without making contact; or

45.7.f.5.B.4. Moving the crop from one hand to the other;

45.7.f.5.C. Use the crop before or after the finish of the race;

45.7.f.5.D. Use the crop on the head, flanks or other part of the horse than the shoulder or hind quarters;

45.7.f.5.E. Use the crop on a horse that is clearly out of contention or has obtained its maximum placing; or

45.7.f.5.F. Use the crop on a horse that is showing no response.

45.7.f.6. A rider who elects to use a riding crop may not under any circumstance:

45.7.f.6.A. use the crop in an excessive or brutal manner;

45.7.f.6.B. use the crop to the extent of causing injury to the horse;

45.7.f.6.C. use the crop from an arm position with the wrist above the helmet; or

45.7.f.6.D. willfully strike another rider or horse with the crop.

45.7.f.7. After the race, horses may be subject to inspection by a Racing Commission veterinarian looking for cuts, welts or bruises in the skin. Any adverse findings shall be reported to the stewards.

45.7.f.8. The giving of instructions by any permit holder that if obeyed would lead to a violation of this subdivision may result in disciplinary action also being taken against the permit holder who gave such instructions.

45.7.f.9. Riding Crop Violations. A jockey who violates the provisions of this riding crop rule may be subject to discipline by the stewards and/or the Commission. The stewards and/or the Commission shall consider aggravating and mitigating factors when determining the appropriate penalty for a violation of the provisions of this riding crop rule.

45.7.f.10. All jockeys shall be provided with a copy of this riding crop rule in English or Spanish, and shall be required to sign an acknowledgement that they have read and understand the rule.

45.7.g. If a horse leaves the racing strip after the start, the stewards shall disqualify the horse.

45.7.h. If a horse becomes incapacitated during the running of the race or is otherwise unable to finish, best efforts shall be made to dismount, unsaddle and remove the horse from the racing strip without passing the public stands. Further, the horse shall not be euthanized on the racing strip in the direct view of the public unless authorized by a Racing Commission veterinarian or his or her designee.

45.7.i. If a horse is in distress, it shall remain on the racing strip until a Racing Commission veterinarian and the equine ambulance arrive and remove the horse.

45.7.j. During the running of the race, the stewards shall exclude all unauthorized persons from the racing strip.

45.7.k. The following provisions apply to the order of finish:

45.7.k.1. The official order of finish shall be decided by the placing judges with the aid of the photo finish system, and in the absence of the photo finish film record, the video replay. The photo finish and video replay are only aids in the placing judges' decision. The decision of the placing judges shall be final in all cases.

45.7.k.2. The nose of the horse shall determine the placement of the horse in relationship to other horses in the race.

45.7.l. The following provisions apply to returning after the finish:

45.7.l.1. After a race has been run, the jockey shall ride promptly to the place designated by the stewards, dismount and report to the clerk of scales to be weighed in. Jockeys shall weigh in with all pieces of equipment with which they weighed out.

45.7.l.2. If a jockey is prevented from riding to the designated unsaddling area because of an accident or illness to the jockey or the horse, the jockey may walk or be transported to the scales, or may be excused from weighing in by the stewards.

45.7.m. The following provisions apply to unsaddling:

45.7.m.1. Only persons authorized by the stewards may assist the jockey with unsaddling the horse after the race.

45.7.m.2. No one shall place a covering over a horse before it is unsaddled and the jockey has removed the equipment that is to be included in his or her weight.

45.7.n. The following provisions apply to weighing in:

45.7.n.1. A jockey shall weigh in at no less than the same weight at which he or she weighed out, and if under that weight, and after consideration of mitigating circumstances by the stewards, his or her mount may be disqualified from any portion of the purse money.

45.7.n.2. In the event of such disqualification, all monies wagered on the horse shall be refunded unless the race has been declared official.

45.7.n.3. A jockey's weight shall include clothing, boots, saddle and its attachments and any other equipment except the bridle, bit, blinkers, number cloth and over-girth, reins, and breast collar.

45.7.n.4. Upon approval of the stewards, jockeys may be allowed up to three (3) pounds more than published weights to account for inclement weather clothing and equipment.

45.7.n.5. The post-race weight of a jockey includes any sweat, dirt, and mud that may have accumulated on the jockey, jockey's clothing, jockey's safety equipment, and over-girth. This accounts for additional weight depending on specific equipment, as well as weather, track, and racing conditions.

45.7.o. The following provisions apply to dead heats:

45.7.o.1. When two (2) or more horses run a dead heat, the results of the dead heat are final.

45.7.o.2. The owners of the horses in a dead heat shall divide equally the purse money involved.

45.7.o.3. If a dead heat is for first place, each horse shall be considered a winner of the amount received according to paragraph 45.7.o.2 of this subdivision.

45.7.o.4. When a dead heat is run for second place and an objection is made and sustained as to the winner of the race, the horses which run the dead heat for second place shall be considered to have run a dead heat for first place.

45.7.o.5. Owners shall divide equally all moneys and other prizes and if no agreement can be reached as to which of them shall receive a cup, plate, or other indivisible prize, they shall draw lots for it in the presence of one (1) or more of the stewards.

45.7.o.6. In case of a dead heat for win, each of the horses involved is a winner for the purpose of this subdivision.

W. Va. Code R. § 178-1-45