Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part IV - Horse Racing Commission
Chapter 163 - RULES OF RACING
RACING OFFICIALS-THE STEWARDS
Section 163.341 - Duties of stewards

(a) The three stewards shall be on duty during race time, which means from 1 hour before post time for the first race of the day until the time the result of the last race of the day has been made official.

(b) At least one of the stewards, or his deputy, shall be on duty within call of the racing secretary from the time of the opening of overnight entries each morning until after the time allowed for filing of protests or objections to entries or assignment of post positions.

(c) A steward may appoint his own deputy for a period not to exceed 1 racing day.

(d) If there are less than three stewards present at race time, the State steward, or in his absence, a remaining steward shall appoint another qualified person to act as steward pro tem.

(e) The three stewards shall be present and on duty in the stand whenever a race is being run. During race times, they shall remain at the stand, in the paddock or otherwise readily available to the participants at the meet.

(f) When a vacancy occurs among the racing officials, other than the stewards, prior to post time of the first race of the day, or when a vacancy occurs after the racing of the day has started, the stewards have the power to immediately fill the vacancy. An appointment shall be effective only for the day. If the association fails to fill the vacancy before the following day or fails to secure Commission approval for the appointment, the stewards may reappoint the official from day-to-day pending action.

(g) The appointment shall be reported immediately to the Commission.

(h) The stewards shall take notice of questionable conduct with or without complaint thereof and may undertake proceedings upon their own initiative.

(i) In default of designation by the trainer, the stewards may substitute a jockey of their selection on a horse if they deem it appropriate.

(j) The stewards may place a horse in the temporary charge of a trainer of their selection if they deem it appropriate.

(k) It is the duty of the stewards to see to it that horses arrive at the starting post as nearly as practical at the advertised post time. A person responsible for delay in arrival of a horse will be subject to fine or penalties.

(l) In case of accident, casualty or a sudden impairment that would reasonably be likely to impair the ability of a horse to perform occurring prior to off time, the stewards may excuse the horse. A detailed written record of each excusing shall be indicated on the daily report.