Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION
Chapter 1 - ADMINISTRATION
Section 017-1-14 - Eligibility To Race In Maine

Universal Citation: 01 ME Code Rules ยง 017-1-14

Current through 2024-13, March 27, 2024

1. No horse may start in a race unless a valid electronic eligibility at the proper gait is obtained. In order to maintain a valid eligibility record on a horse that is racing, if that horse is sold or leased, the seller/lessor may deliver the registration certificate or application to transfer the horse to the clerk of the course for updating and processing. If everything is in order, the eligibility record will be updated and the registration certificate, application for transfer or lease forwarded to the USTA.

2. It is the trainer's responsibility to ensure the accuracy of eligibility records.

3. Any horse on lease must race in the name of the lessee.

4. Canadian horses or horses that have raced at Canadian tracks are not excused from these rules.

5. It is a Level 1 violation of these rules to fraudulently tamper with or alter an electronic eligibility record.

6. Only the Clerk of Course or Presiding Judge may make changes on an eligibility record.

7. No Horse that is 15 years of age is eligible to perform in any race except matinees, licensed agricultural fair races, races exclusively for amateur or club drivers as sanctioned by the USTA, or non-betting racing under saddle events and no electronic eligibility shall be issued for such a horse except for a performance in such races. No Horse that is older than 15 years of age is eligible to perform in any race. The following limitations also apply:

A. Any horse that was placed on the steward's list for any type of lameness during its 14-year-old season is not eligible to race as a 15-year-old.

B. A 15-year-old horse that is placed on the steward's list for any type of lameness during its 15-year old season is no longer eligible to race.

C. 15 year-old horses are limited to a maximum of three starts in a calendar month.

8. Only the firstborn foal of a mare in any one year shall be eligible to race in the State of Maine, with the exception of twins carried by the natural mother to term.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.