Section 180. Scratches

For flat racing, a horse may be withdrawn from or "scratched out" of a race after the closing of entries under the following conditions:

1. Scratches shall be made in a manner prescribed by the racing secretary;

2. Scratches are subject to the approval of the stewards;

3. A horse may be scratched from a stakes race, futurity or other special event until 45 minutes before post time for the race for any reason;

4. No horse may be scratched from an overnight race without the approval of the stewards;

5. In making a determination on whether to permit a horse to be scratched from an overnight race, the stewards may require a report from a veterinarian, who possesses a permit issued by the commission, attesting to the physical condition of the horse;

6. Scratches, once approved by the stewards, are irrevocable; and

7. Any horse that has been scratched or excused from starting by the stewards because of a physical disability or sickness shall not be permitted to race again until the horse has been removed from the Veterinarian's List by the commission veterinarian and the expiration of six calendar days following the day on which such horse was scratched or excused.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR662-04-02 § 18, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002; Volume 26, Issue 20, eff. May 29, 2010.

Statutory Authority

§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.