Section 170. Driver

A person shall submit an application to participate in horse racing as a driver of Standardbreds. The person shall meet all of the requirements set forth in this chapter pertaining to holders of permits, and hold a currently valid provisional or full license as a driver from the United States Trotting Association. The following provisions shall apply to drivers:

1. A driver may be required to take a physical examination from a physician appointed by the stewards to establish that the person is physically fit to safely drive in races;

2. A driver may be required to take an eye examination from a physician appointed by the stewards to establish that the person has eyesight sufficient to safely drive in races;

3. A driver shall wear attire as prescribed by the stewards, including racing colors registered with the United States Trotting Association and a protective helmet, approved by the Snell Foundation or United States Department of Transportation, with the chin strap in place, on the racing surface during racing hours;

4. A driver shall report to the paddock judge, at a time prescribed by the stewards, on those days he has a driving engagement;

5. A driver, once he has reported to the paddock judge, may leave the paddock only to warmup or drive horses in races and may not leave the paddock until his participation in the program is completed;

6. A driver shall fulfill his engagements, and, if he is removed from driving a horse in a race, he shall not drive another horse in the same race; and

7. A driver shall not refuse to be substituted by the stewards without good and sufficient reason.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR662-03-02 § 17, eff. August 14, 1991.

Statutory Authority

§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.