Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part IV - Horse Racing Commission
Chapter 163 - RULES OF RACING
THE STARTER
Section 163.361 - Duties of starter
Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
(a) Only the starter or a deputy starter approved by him and by the stewards may start a race.
(b) The starter shall give the orders and take the measures necessary to insure a fair start.
(c) The decision of the starter as to the validity of a start shall be final, likewise, his decision as to whether or not a horse was locked in the gate shall be final, unless otherwise established by examination of the film of the race.
(d) The starter may appoint his assistant subject to the approval of the stewards.
(e) A horse is in the hands of the starter from the moment it enters the track on the way from paddock to post. The horse remains in his hands until off time.
(f) In case the alignment of the horses at the post is delayed, the starter may permit jockeys to dismount and their mounts to be attended.
(g) If, after reaching the starting post, a horse is so badly injured as to make it impractical or impossible for him to run in the race, the starter may, in the interest of time saving, excuse that horse, but shall notify the stewards before he starts the race. A horse so excused shall to all intents and purposes be considered as excused by the stewards.
