This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and
universities.
| Rule |
Rule 3769-6-06 | Shares in dead heat.
Effective:
January 1, 2006
In the event of a two horse dead heat, each horse's earnings shall be credited with equal purse as follows: (A) Dead heat for first share first and second money; (B) Dead heat for second share second and third money; (C) Dead heat for third share third and fourth money; (D) Dead heat for fourth share fourth and fifth money; (E) Dead heat for fifth share fifth money and sixth money; Paragraphs (A) to (E) of this rule apply in dividing all purses or prizes whatever the number of horses running a dead heat and whatever places for which the dead heat is run.
Last updated August 13, 2025 at 8:48 AM
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Rule 3769-6-07 | Claims.
(A) Any horse starting in a claiming race
shall be subject to claim for its entered price. (B) All claims must be made in writing on forms and in
envelopes furnished by the permit holder. (C) Both forms and envelopes must be filled out completely
and must be sufficiently accurate to identify the claim or the claim will be
void. (D) Notwithstanding any designation of sex or age appearing
on the racing program or in any racing publication, the claimant of a horse
shall be solely responsible for determining the age or sex of the horse
claimed.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:02 AM
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Rule 3769-6-08 | Persons eligible to claim.
(A) Any Ohio licensed owner or any person
holding an eligibility to claim license may make a claim for any horse subject
to claim. Claims may be made by an authorized agent but only for the account of
the person for whom they are agent. (B) An eligibility to claim license may
be issued by the Ohio state racing commission subject to rules 3769-2-18,
3769-2-26 and 3769-2-30 of the Administrative Code, to any applicant who
provides a completed fingerprint card, the name of a licensed trainer who will
assume the responsibility for the care of the horse claimed, along with the
requisite fee. (C) An eligibility to claim license is
valid until the successful claim or purchase of a horse. The successful
claimant or purchaser will apply for an owner's license prior to entering
the horse. (D) Any person claiming a horse under this rule must also
comply with rules 3769-6-14 and 3769-6-15 of the Administrative
Code.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:03 AM
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Rule 3769-6-11 | Title vested when horse becomes starter.
(A) Each horse shall run for the account
of the person in whose name it starts, but title to the claimed horse shall be
vested in the claimant from the time it becomes a starter as defined in rule
3769-1-01 of the Administrative Code. If more than one person shall enter claim
for the same horse, they shall cast lots to determine the right to consummate
the claim in the presence of the stewards, and the one determined by lot shall
become the owner of the horse. (B) A claim will be voided if the horse
is a starter and the horse: (1) Dies on the
racetrack, or; (2) Suffers an injury
which requires the euthanasia of the horse as determined by a regulatory
veterinarian while the horse is still on the racetrack. (C) A claim is voidable at the sole
discretion of the new owner for up to one hour after the race is made official
for any horse that: (1) Is vanned off the
track after the race at the discretion of a regulatory veterinarian,
or; (2) Is determined by a
regulatory veterinarian to have visibly bled (epistaxis) while on the racetrack
and is placed on the vets list (D) When a horse is placed on the
veterinarian's list pursuant to paragraph (C) of rule 3769-6-11 of the
Administrative Code, the claimant is deemed to have voided the claim unless
they decide to accept the horse. If they decide to accept the horse, the
claimant will contact the Stewards and/or regulatory veterinarian within one
hour after the race was made official to inform them of their acceptance of the
horse.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:03 AM
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Rule 3769-6-12 | Deliver to paddock.
Effective:
January 1, 2006
Any horse that has been claimed shall, after the race has been run, be taken to an area designated by the stewards. If a test is required the horse shall be taken to the test barn and shall remain in the care of the original trainer until released by the commission veterinarian who shall there after release to the claimant.
Last updated August 13, 2025 at 8:48 AM
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Rule 3769-6-15 | Moving and racing restrictions of claimed horse.
Effective:
February 2, 2008
No thoroughbred horse claimed in Ohio may be raced in another state, except in a stake race, for a period of sixty days.
Last updated August 13, 2025 at 8:48 AM
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Rule 3769-6-19 | Agreement prohibited.
Any person who shall offer or enter into an
agreement to claim or not to claim, attempt to prevent another person from
claiming any horse in a claiming race, attempt by intimidation to prevent
anyone from running a horse in any race for which it is entered, or any owners
running horses in a claiming race who make an agreement for the protection of
each other's horses may be fined, suspended, and/or referred to the
commission for further action.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:03 AM
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Rule 3769-6-23 | Jockey reporting time.
Every jockey who is engaged to ride in a race shall
report to the scale room on the day of the race at the time required by the
officials. They shall then report their engagements and overweight, if any, to
the clerk of the scales.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:03 AM
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Rule 3769-6-24 | Weighing out time.
(A) All jockeys engaged for a race shall
be weighed out not less than twenty minutes before the post time for the next
race. (B) A jockey's weight shall include
their clothing, boots, saddle and its attachments, and any other equipment
except the riding crop, bridle, bit, reins, safety helmet, safety vest,
blinkers, goggles, and number cloth. A safety vest shall weigh no more than two
pounds.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:04 AM
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Rule 3769-6-25 | Safety helmet and vest.
(A) Any person mounted on a horse or
stable pony, all valets, and all persons working in or around the starting gate
must wear a properly secured safety helmet at all times. The safety helmet must
comply with one of the commission approved safety standards or later
revisions. (B) Any person mounted on a horse or
stable pony, all valets, and all persons working in or around the starting gate
must wear a properly secured safety vest at all times. The safety vest must
comply with one of the commission approved safety standards or later
revisions.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:04 AM
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Rule 3769-6-26 | Jockey attire.
The jockey shall be weighed out fully dressed in
their riding clothing of cap, jacket, breeches, and boots. Their weight shall
include saddle with attachments including undergirth, stirrups, webbing, and
weight pad, if weight pad is needed. The weight shall not include safety
helmet, safety vest, bridle, or whip. They shall wear an arm number
corresponding to their saddle cloth number. The jockeys helmet cover will match
the corresponding saddle cloth color. Whips shall conform with rule 3769-6-60
of the Administrative Code. The clerk of scales shall have the duty of checking
the whips used by riders in a race. The bridle shall weigh not more than two
pounds. The use of spurs is prohibited.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:04 AM
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Rule 3769-6-27 | Weights.
The owner or their representative shall be
responsible for the weight their horse carries. No horse may carry more than
two pounds overweight without consent of its owner or trainer, but in no case
shall a horse carry more than seven pounds overweight, except in a stakes race
where no more than ten pounds overweight shall be permitted.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:04 AM
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Rule 3769-6-29 | In hands of starter.
Effective:
February 2, 2008
(A) Horses shall be in the hands of the starter from the time they arrive on the track until the start is effected. All horses shall parade and carry their weight from paddock to starting post, and no jockey shall dismount without permission of the starter. Attendants may not care for horses during the parade except by permission of the starter. (B) Each horse shall parade past the stewards' stand unless excused by the stewards. (C) After a horse enters the track and passes the stewards' stand, only the hands of the pony person assigned to the horse, the jockey, an assistant starter, an outrider on a lead pony or the track veterinarian may touch the horse before the start of the race. (D) After entering the track, not more than twelve minutes shall be consumed in the parade of the horses to the post except in cases of unavoidable delay. After passing the stewards' stand once, horses will be allowed to break formation and canter, warm up or go as they please to the post. When horses have reached the post, they shall be started without unnecessary delay.
Last updated August 13, 2025 at 8:50 AM
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Rule 3769-6-30 | Fair start.
Effective:
January 1, 2006
(A) The starter shall give such orders and take such measures not in conflict with the rules of racing, as are necessary to secure a fair start. (B) Should an accident or malfunction of the starting gate, or other unforeseen event during a race, compromise the fairness of the race or safety of race participants, the stewards may declare individual horses to be nonstarters, exclude individual horses from one or more parimutuel pools, or declare a no contest and refund all wagers except as otherwise provided in the rules involving multi-race wagers. (C) Any owner or trainer who desires his or her horse not to be tailed or tonged at the starting gate by the assistant starters shall, at the time of entry, submit a written request to the starter and said horse will not be tailed or tonged.
Last updated August 13, 2025 at 8:50 AM
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Rule 3769-6-31 | Starter's assistants.
With the approval of the stewards, the starter
shall be required to appoint additional assistants in sufficient number, which
in any event shall be no less than eight, so as to insure that each starting
horse in each race of that day's live racing program will be promptly and
efficiently loaded in the starting gate. Neither the starter nor their
assistants shall strike or use abusive language towards a jockey upon penalty
of disciplinary action by the stewards. Neither the starter nor their
assistants shall exercise excessive force or abuse upon a horse upon penalty or
disciplinary action by the stewards.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:05 AM
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Rule 3769-6-32 | Alter position of assistants.
The starter shall change the positions of their
assistants on the track for each race and shall not designate their respective
positions until after the horses have left the paddock.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:05 AM
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Rule 3769-6-33 | Outriders.
Effective:
January 1, 2006
There shall be two or more outriders in all races at all running horse racing meetings on each day that racing occurs.
Last updated August 13, 2025 at 9:39 AM
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Rule 3769-6-35 | Horse must carry full weight and jockey must remain mounted.
(A) Each horse shall carry the full
weight assigned for that race from the paddock to the starting point and
throughout the race. (B) After the horses enter the track,
no jockey may dismount nor entrust their horse to the care of an attendant
except in case of an accident or injury to the jockey or the horse or in the
event of an equipment problem, and then only with the prior consent of the
starter. (C) During any delay in which a
jockey is permitted to dismount, all other jockeys may, with the permission of
the starter or the stewards, dismount for the same period of time and their
horses may be attended by assistant starters or pony persons.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:05 AM
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Rule 3769-6-38 | Failure to operate.
If when the starter gives the signal for the start
of any race, the doors at the front of one or more of the stalls should fail to
open, causing the occupant or occupants to be left, or if a horse is not in the
starting gate stall when the field is dispatched, thereby causing a horse to be
left, the starter shall notify the stewards immediately, who shall notify the
parimutuel department that such horse or horses so left shall be deemed for all
purposes not to have participated in said race but to have been withdrawn
therefrom immediately subsequent to the finish of the next preceding race; and
the permit holder shall thereupon make disposition of wagers upon such horse or
horses in accordance with such notification by the stewards, and pursuant to
the provisions of rule 3769-4-38 of the Administrative Code. If such a
situation should arise with respect to a race for which nominating, eligibility
or starting fees have been paid, all fees paid with relation to the horse or
horses left shall be refunded to the nominator or the respective
nominators.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:06 AM
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Rule 3769-6-39 | Discipline by starter.
Effective:
January 1, 2006
The starter may, with the approval of the stewards, discipline jockeys for rule infractions at the post or for disobedience of the starter's instructions by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars and/or suspension of not more than five days. However, the stewards may impose a more extended suspension. Such suspension shall begin at the close of the day's racing.
Last updated August 13, 2025 at 9:40 AM
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Rule 3769-6-41 | Starter approval.
Effective:
January 1, 2006
No horse shall be permitted to start without being approved by the starter.
Last updated August 13, 2025 at 9:40 AM
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Rule 3769-6-42 | Starter's list.
The starter and/or their assistants shall school
such horses as may be necessary and shall prepare a list of horses not
qualified to start, a copy of which shall be delivered to the racing secretary.
The starter's list shall be posted in the racing secretary's office
with the list of horses not qualified to start.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:06 AM
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Rule 3769-6-43 | Not permitted to wager on race.
No starter or assistant starter shall either
directly or indirectly wager on any race, engage in any betting transaction;
nor shall they directly or indirectly receive presents, gratuities,
remuneration, tips from any person or persons, or have any interest in any
horse under penalty of immediate suspension or revocation of license and/or
being referred to the commission for further action.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:06 AM
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Rule 3769-6-47 | Leading horse and fouls.
A leading horse when clear is entitled to any part
of the track. If a leading horse, or any other horse in a race, swerves or is
ridden to either side so as to interfere with, intimidate or impede any other
horse or jockey, or affect the outcome of a race, it is a foul. If a jockey
strikes another horse or jockey, it is a foul. If in the opinion of the
stewards, a foul has been committed, any offending horses may be disqualified
by the stewards and the jockey fined and/or suspended.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:06 AM
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Rule 3769-6-48 | Shall be ridden out.
Every horse shall be ridden out unless injured. Any
jockey who, without adequate cause, shall rein in before crossing the finish
line or who shall fail to use their utmost exertion to obtain a winning
performance from the horse ridden by them may be suspended, ruled off, or may
be subject to such other penalty as the stewards or commission may
impose.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:07 AM
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Rule 3769-6-49 | Weighing in.
At the conclusion of any handicap, stake or
sweepstakes race, upon pulling up after a race, each jockey shall return to the
place of weighing, in public view or adjacent to the winners circle, and there
dismount, but not before permission to do so has been asked and obtained of the
stewards, and be weighed in by the clerk of scales. If a jockey's horse is
in such condition that they cannot ride it to the scales, or if they are ill or
injured, they may walk or may be carried to the scales, or they may be excused
by the stewards from weighing in. In all races other than a stake or handicap
race, the stewards may declare the race official prior to the time that each
jockey weighs in. However, each jockey shall still be required to weigh in
immediately after dismounting.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:07 AM
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Rule 3769-6-51 | Must take own equipment off.
No person shall assist the jockey in taking their
equipment off their horse except by permission of the stewards.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:07 AM
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Rule 3769-6-54 | Must weigh in.
If a jockey who is not excused does not weigh in,
they may be fined and/or suspended.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:07 AM
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Rule 3769-6-55 | Weighing in and weighing out.
(A) The jockey shall be weighed out fully
dressed in their riding cloth of cap, jacket, breeches, and boots. Their weight
shall include saddle with attachments including under-girth, stirrups, webbing,
and weight pad, if weight pad is needed. The weight shall not include safety
helmet, safety vest, bridle, or riding crop. (B) Upon approval of the stewards, the
jockeys may be allowed up to three pounds more than published weights to
account for inclement weather clothing and equipment. (C) The post-race weight of jockeys
includes any sweat, dirt and mud that have accumulated on the jockey,
jockey's clothing, jockey's safety equipment, and over-girth. This
accounts for additional weight, depending on specific equipment, as well as
weather, track and racing conditions. (D) A jockey shall weigh in at no less
than the same weight at which they weighed out, and if under that weight, and
after consideration of mitigating circumstances by the board of stewards, their
mount may be disqualified from any portion of the purse money. In the event of
such disqualification, all monies wagered on the horse shall be refunded unless
the race has been declared official. (E) The use of spurs is
prohibited. (F) No horse shall be disqualified for
being overweight.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:08 AM
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Rule 3769-6-59 | Subject to fine or suspension.
If any jockey is guilty of violating rules with
respect to weight or weighing, or if they fail to bring in their weight out,
they may be fined and/or suspended.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:08 AM
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Rule 3769-6-60 | Riding crop restrictions.
(A) Although the use of a riding crop is
not required, a jockey who uses a riding crop during a race shall do so only in
a manner consistent with exerting their best efforts to win. (B) In any race in which a jockey will
ride without a riding crop, an announcement of that fact shall be made over the
public address system. (C) An electrical or mechanical device or
other expedient designed to increase or retard the speed of the horse, other
than a riding crop approved by the stewards pursuant to paragraphs (K) and (L)
of this rule shall not be possessed by anyone or applied by anyone to a horse
at any time at a location under the jurisdiction of the
commission. (D) A riding crop shall not be used on a
two-year-old horse in races before April first of each year. (E) Allowable uses of a riding
crop: (1) The riding crop may
be used at any time, without penalty, if, in the opinion of the stewards, the
riding crop is used to avoid a dangerous situation or preserve the safety of
other riders or the horses in the race; (2) If necessary, during
a race, a riding crop may be used in a backhanded or underhanded fashion from
the three-eighths pole to the finish line. This use will not be counted toward
the use of the crop six times in the overhand fashion, as allowed in this rule.
At no point shall the use of the riding crop rise above the rider's
helmet; (3) Tapping the horse on
the shoulder with the crop in the down position while both hands are holding
onto the reins and both hands are touching the neck of the horse;
and (4) Showing or waving the
crop without contact with the horse and giving the horse time to respond before
striking the horse. (F) Use of the riding crop to make
contact with a horse to maintain focus and concentration, to control the horse
for safety of the horse and rider, or to encourage a horse is allowed, with the
following exceptions: (1) Use of the crop in
any manner, other than underhanded or backhanded as set for in paragraph (E)(2)
of this rule or tapping on the shoulder as set for in paragraph (E)(3) of this
rule resulting in more than six times in the overhanded manner; (2) Use of the crop and
making contact with the horse more than two successive strikes without allowing
the horse a chance to respond; (3) Use of the crop with
the rider's wrist above helmet height; (4) Use of the crop on
the head, flanks, or on any other part of its body other than the shoulders or
hindquarters; (5) Use of the crop
during the post parade or after the finish of the race except if necessary, to
control the horse; (6) Excessive or brutal
use of the crop causing injury to the horse; (7) Use of the crop
causing welts or breaks to the horse; (8) Use of the crop if
the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum
placing; (9) Use of the crop even
though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop; (G) A riding crop shall not be used to
strike another person. (H) After the race, a horse shall be
subject to inspection by a racing official or official veterinarian looking for
cuts, welts, or bruises in the skin. Any adverse findings shall be reported to
the stewards. (I) Use of the crop during workouts shall
be permitted so long as such use does not violate any other provision of the
rule. (J) The giving of instructions by any
licensee that, if obeyed, would lead to a violation of this rule may result in
disciplinary action also being taken against the licensee who gave the
instructions. (K) Only padded/shock absorbing riding
crops which have not been modified in any way may be carried in a
race. (L) During a race, if a jockey rides in a
manner contrary to this rule, the stewards may impose a minimum suspension of
two days, and may impose a minimum fine of two hundred fifty dollars if in the
opinion of the stewards, the violation is egregious or intentional. Factors in
determining whether a violation is egregious include at least the
following: (1) Similar violations
within the last two years; (2) Number of uses over
the total and consecutive limits described in this rule; and (3) Using the riding crop
in the overhanded position more than six times. (M) Riding crops shall have a shaft and a
flap and will be allowed in racing and training only if the riding crop meets
the following specifications: (1) Maximum weight of
eight ounces; (2) Maximum length,
including flap of thirty inches; (3) Minimum diameter of
the shaft of three-eighths inch; and (4) Shaft contact area
must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock
absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one-millimeter
throughout its circumference. (N) The flap is the only allowable
attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications: (1) Length beyond the end
of the shaft a maximum of one inch; (2) Width a minimum of
0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches; (3) No reinforcements or
additions beyond the end of the shaft; (4) No binding within
seven inches of the end of the shaft; and (5) Shock absorbing
characteristics similar to those the contact area of the shaft. (O) The clerk of scales and paddock judge
shall have the duty of checking the riding crop used by jockeys in a
race. (P) All riding crops are subject to
inspection and approval by the commission, stewards, clerk of scales and
paddock judge.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:08 AM
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Rule 3769-6-99 | Penalties commission may impose.
(A) For a violation of any rule in
this chapter and unless a rule specifically precludes the stewards from doing
so, the stewards, upon the concurrence of two such officials, may fine a
licensee an amount not in excess of the amount permitted by section 3769.091 of
the Revised Code and/or suspend licenses, upon the concurrence of two such
officials, for a period not to exceed the length of time permitted by section
3769.091 of the Revised Code and/or refer the licensee to the commission for
further action. Any fine or suspension may be appealed to the
commission. Such appeal shall stay the fine or suspension until further action
by the commission. (B) In addition to any other penalty
provided, or in the event no penalty has been provided, the commission, may,
upon finding a licensee has violated a rule of this chapter, fine the licensee
an amount not in excess of the amount prescribed by law and/or deny, suspend or
revoke any Ohio state racing commission license held by the licensee and/or
rule off any such licensee from all Ohio race tracks. (C) Should the commission find a
permit holder, or a representative of the permit holder has violated a rule in
this chapter, they may fine said permit holder or the representative of the
permit holder an amount not in excess of the amount prescribed by law and/or
deny, suspend or revoke any license and/or permit held by said permit holder or
representative of the permit holder and/or rule off any such permit
holder's representative. (D) Each day during which any
violation of a rule in this chapter continues to occur shall be considered a
separate offense and any person and/or permit holder continuing to violate said
rule or rules may be penalized separately for each day the violation
occurs. (E) Any person who violates any
provisions of the Horse Racing Act or any of the Ohio rules of racing for which
no penalty is otherwise provided, may be denied a license under such rules. A
licensee under such rules may be fined, may have their license suspended or
revoked or may be ruled off. Any permit holder who violates any of the
provisions of the Horse Racing Act or any of the Ohio rules of racing for which
a penalty is not otherwise provided, may have the permit suspended or revoked,
or may be denied a permit upon subsequent application therefor.
Last updated July 14, 2025 at 8:08 AM
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