Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part V - Harness Racing Commission
Chapter 183 - RULES OF RACING
STARTING
Section 183.231 - Starting gate

Universal Citation: 58 PA Code ยง 183.231

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

(a) The Starter, under the direction, supervision and control of the presiding judge shall have control of the horses from the formation of the parade until he gives the word "go."

(b) After the preliminary warming up scores or score, the starter shall notify the drivers to come to the starting gate. During or before the parade, the drivers must be informed as to the number of scores permitted.

(c) The horses shall be brought to the starting gate as near one-quarter of a mile before the start as the track will permit.

(d) Allowing sufficient time so that the speed of the gate can be increased gradually, the following minimum speeds will be maintained:

(1) For the first 1/8 mile, not less than 11 miles per hour.

(2) For the next 1/16 of a mile not less than 18 miles per hour.

(3) From that point to the starting point, the speed will be gradually increased to maximum speed.

(e) The starting point will be a point marked on the inside rail at a distance of not less than 200 feet from the first turn. The starter shall give the word "go" at the starting point.

(f) When a speed has been reached in the course of a start there shall be no decrease except in the case of a recall.

(g) In case of a recall a light plainly visible to the driver shall be flashed and a recall sounded. Whenever possible, the starter shall leave wings of the gate extended and gradually slow the speed of the gate to assist in stopping the field of horses. In an emergency, however, the starter shall use his discretion to close the wings of the gate.

(h) There shall be no recall after the word "go" has been given. Any horse, regardless of his position or an accident shall be deemed a starter from the time he entered into the starter's control unless dismissed by the starter.

(i) The starter shall endeavor to get all horses away in position and on gait but no recall shall be had for a bad actor or breaking horse.

(j) The starter shall sound a recall only for the following reasons:

(1) A horse scores ahead of the gate.

(2) There is interference.

(3) A horse has broken equipment.

(4) A horse falls before the word "go" is given.

(5) When a horse fails to come to the gate before the gate reaches the pole no more than 1/8 or less than 1/16 of a mile before the start, the field may be turned. The term "failure to come to the gate" shall be interpreted to mean that the horse stops, turns, and goes in a direction opposite from that of the starting gate, or is hopelessly outdistanced.

(6) Each Association must specify in writing to the Commission the exact distance prior to the commencement of their meet and have it clearly defined in their program.

(k) Penalties may be imposed against any driver by the starter, with the approval of the presiding judge, for:

(1) Delaying the Start.

(2) Failing to obey the starter's instructions.

(3) Rushing ahead of the inside or outside wing of the gate.

(4) Coming to the starting gate out of position.

(5) Crossing over before reaching the starting point.

(6) Interference with another driver during the start.

(7) Failure to come up into and stay in position.

(l) No person shall be allowed to ride in the starting gate except the starter and his driver or operator, and a patrol judge, unless permission has been granted by the Commission.

(m) Use of a mechanical loudspeaker for any purpose other than to give instructions to drivers is prohibited. The volume shall be no higher than necessary to carry the voice of the starter to the drivers.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Pennsylvania 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.