rules

Rule 16: STARTING OF HORSES as follows: “Fair Start Pole” – (a) At all extended pari-mutuel tracks, the fair start pole shall be erected at a point before the start that is clearly identifiable. The pole shall be distinctive in color in relation to existing pylons and at least two feet above the existing pylons. (b) If a horse has not reached the fair start pole when the horses are released at the starting point by the starter, the Judges shall cause the inquiry sign to be displayed immediately and shall request the horse be refunded.” .

Plainridge will keep the same rules in place regarding hobbles on and off for both trotters and pacers.  If you want  to wear them after racing without, you must qualify with them on.  Same rule if you want to take them off.  If you     have been racing with them on and want to race with them off, you must qualify with them off

Amend Rule 18.09 Whip Regulations/Prohibitions to read as follows: “Drivers will be allowed whips not to exceed four (4) feet, plus a snapper not longer than six (6) inches. The following actions shall be considered as excessive or indiscriminate use of the whip: (a) 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. (b) Whipping shall be restricted to elbow and wrist action only and the whipping arm shall not be raised about the driver’s shoulder height. (c) Drivers shall not move their whipping arm in an exaggerated manner and the lines shall remain reasonably taut during the race. (d) Drivers shall not use the whip below the level of the shaft, forward of the race bike’s wheels. (e) Drivers shall not place the whip between the horse’s legs. (f) Drivers shall not strike another horse or driver with the whip. (g) Drivers shall not use the handle of the whip on a horse. 9 (h) Drivers are permitted to use their hand or the whip in a sliding or gliding manner above the level of the shaft. (i) Drivers shall not use the whip on a tired horse, on a horse that is not visibly responding, or when a horse is not in contention in a race. (j) Drivers shall not use the whip without giving the horse time to respond to a previous application of the whip. (k) Whips shall be no longer than 48 inches with the snapper no longer than six inches in length. No leather or unusual materials 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. (I) Excessive, indiscriminate, visibly injurious or abusive use of the whip is prohibited.” 

Pylon Violations. – “A horse while on stride, or part of the horse’s sulky, that leaves the race course by going inside the pylons which constitutes the inside limits of the course, when not forced to do so as a result of the actions of another driver and/or horse, shall be in violation of this rule. In addition, when an act of interference causes a horse, or part of the horse’s sulky, to cross inside the pylons and the horse is placed by the Judges, the offending horse shall be placed behind the horse with which it is interfered. (a) In races conducted at extended pari-mutuel meetings, for purposes of placing the following shall apply: 1. If a horse while on stride, or part of the horse’s sulky, goes inside two (2) consecutive pylons, the offending horse shall be placed behind all horses that are lapped on to the offending horse at the wire; 2. If a horse while on stride, or any part of the horse’s sulky, goes inside three (3) or more consecutive pylons, the offending horse shall be placed last; 3. If in the opinion of the Judges a horse while on stride, or part of the horse’s sulky, goes inside a pylon(s) and that action gave the horse an unfair advantage over other horses in the race or the action helped improve its position in the race, the horse may be placed at the discretion of the Judges. (b) In races conducted at extended pari-mutuel meetings, for the purpose of penalties, the following shall apply; drivers who in the opinion o the judges leave the racing course when not forced to do so as a result of another driver and/or horse may be subject to a monetary penalty or suspended. Penalties for drivers violating this rule are as follows: 1. For the 1st violation, a monetary penalty of $100 shall be imposed; 2. For the 2nd violation within a year of the 1st violation and within 750 drives of the 1st violation, a monetary penalty of $300 shall be imposed; 3. For the 3rd violation within a year of the 1st violation and within 750 drives of the 1st violation, a minimum monetary penalty of $500 plus a suspension for 3 days shall be imposed; 4. For the 4th violation within a year of the 1st violation and within 750 drives of the 1st violation, a minimum monetary penalty of $1,000 and a suspension for 5 days shall be imposed.”

(Effective 05/01/2017)