Pennsylvania Code
Title 7 - AGRICULTURE
Part VIII - State Horse Racing Commission
Subpart D - Standardbred Rules of Racing (Harness)
Chapter 205 - RULES OF STANDARDBRED RACING-TEMPORARY REGULATIONS
RACING RULES/CONDUCT OF THE RACE
Section 205.420 - Passing lane
Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
(a) With the approval of the Commission, a licensed racing entity may remove the solid inside hub rail and extend the width of its homestretch up to 10 feet inward in relation to the width of the rest of the track to create the so-called passing lane. The licensed racing entity shall provide the Commission with an architectural rendering of the passing lane and a certification of the track's dimensions.
(b) The passing lane shall not be used by the lead horse. The passing lane may only be used during the final 1/8 of the race. A driver who goes into the passing lane and passes another horse before the last 1/8 of the race may be disqualified by the Presiding Judge.
(c) A horse, other than the lead horse, may be driven into the passing lane to attempt to pass another horse. A horse driven into the passing lane which does not gain ground on the lead horse may be considered blocking the rest of the field if the horse impedes the progress of the trailing horses. If in the opinion of the Presiding Judge a driver blocks another horse's forward progress while in the passing lane, that horse may be placed for interference.
(d) A driver using the passing lane must first have complete clearance of the pylons. Any horse or sulky running over of pylons or going to the inside of the pylons shall be disqualified as set forth below.
(e) Pylons will be:
