North Dakota Administrative Code
Title 69.5 - Racing Commission, North Dakota
Article 69.5-01 - North Dakota Racing Commission Rules
Chapter 69.5-01-07 - Conduct of Races
Section 69.5-01-07-16 - Race procedures

1. Full weight. Each horse shall carry the full weight assigned for that race from the paddock to the starting point, and shall parade past the stewards' stand, unless excused by the stewards.

2. Touching and dismounting prohibited. After the horses enter the track, no jockey may dismount nor entrust the jockey's horse to the care of an attendant unless, because of an accident occurring to the jockey, the horse, or the equipment, and then only with the prior consent of the starter. During any delay during which a jockey is permitted to dismount, all other jockeys may dismount and their horses may be attended by others. After the horses enter the track, only the hands of the jockey or the assistant starter or an outrider on a lead pony may touch the horse before the start of the race.

3. Outriders. Two licensed outriders shall be mounted and on duty during racing hours and one licensed outrider during training hours. They shall be approved by and work under the direction of the stewards.

4. Jockey injury. If a jockey is seriously injured on the way to the post, the jockey's horse must be returned to the paddock and a replacement jockey obtained. In such an event both the injured jockey and the replacement jockey will be paid by the owner.

5. Twelve-minute-parade limit. After entering the track, all horses shall proceed to the starting post in not more than twelve minutes unless approved by the stewards. After passing the stewards' stand in parade, the horses may break formation and proceed to the post in any manner. Once at the post, the horses must be started without unnecessary delay. All horses shall participate in the parade carrying their weight and equipment from the paddock to the starting post and any horse failing to do so may be disqualified by the stewards. No lead pony leading a horse in the parade shall obstruct the public's view of the horse entered in the race that the lead pony is leading except with permission of the stewards.

6. Striking a horse prohibited. In assisting the start of a race, no person other than the jockey, the starter, the assistant starter, or the veterinarian shall strike a horse or use any other means to assist the start.

7. Delays prohibited. No person may obstruct or delay the movement of a horse to the starting post.