Section 140. Starter

Part III. Starting a Race

The horses and jockeys, lead ponies and riders, and outriders shall be under the supervision of the starter from the time the horses enter the racing surface until the race is started. While the horses, jockeys, lead ponies and pony riders are under his supervision, the starter shall:

1. Grant a delay to allow for the substitution of an injured jockey or for the repairing of broken equipment;

2. Load the horses into the starting gate in the order of their post position or, with the approval of the stewards, load the horses into the starting gate by dividing the field and loading the horses from each section simultaneously;

3. Report to the stewards any delay in the start; and

4. Recall the horses from a false start where a starting gate is not used.

However, the starter, in his discretion, may:

1. Allow other jockeys to dismount during any delay;

2. Unload the horses from the starting gate, if there is a lengthy delay in the start of a race; and

3. Load a fractious horse out of post position order.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR662-05-01 § 3.1, eff. September 26, 1991; amended, Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. July 1, 2002.

Statutory Authority

§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.