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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 3769-6 | Claiming; Jockey and Starter Rules

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 3769-6-01 | Winnings.
 

Winnings shall include all prizes up to the time appointed for the start and shall apply to all races in any country and shall embrace walking over or receiving forfeit but shall not include second money or lower or the value of any prize not paid in money.

Last updated March 7, 2023 at 1:40 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-02 | Winnings start on January first.
 

Winnings during the year shall include all winnings from January first preceding the start.

Last updated March 7, 2023 at 1:40 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-03 | Winner of certain sum.
 

"Winner of a certain sum" shall mean winner of a single race of that value unless otherwise expressed in the conditions.

Last updated March 7, 2023 at 1:40 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-04 | Contributions deducted.
 

In estimating the net value of a race to the winner, all sums contributed by its owner or nominator shall be deducted from the amount it won. In estimating the value of a series of races in which an extra sum of money is won by winning two or more races, the extra sum shall be estimated in the last race by which it was finally won. Foreign winnings shall be estimated on the basis of the normal rate of exchange on the day of the winning.

Last updated March 7, 2023 at 1:41 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-05 | Gross earnings.
 

On and after January 1, 1981, the winnings of a horse in a stake race shall be computed on the value of the gross earnings.

Last updated March 7, 2023 at 1:41 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-06 | Shares in dead heat.
 

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 March 10, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Rule 3769-6-07 | Claims.
 

(A) Any horse starting in a claiming race shall be subject to claim for its entered price. All claims must be made in writing on forms and in envelopes furnished by the permit holder. Both forms and envelopes must be filled out completely and must be sufficiently accurate to identify the claim or the claim will be void.

(B) 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 8/15/1977
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 he/she is 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. An eligibility to claim license is valid for thirty days from the date of purchase. Should a person successfully claim a horse within thirty days such person shall purchase an owner's license prior to starting said horse. Should a person not successfully claim a horse within thirty days of purchase, the license shall be considered null and void, but such person may purchase additional eligibility to claim licenses until a successful claim has been made.

(C) 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Rule 3769-6-09 | Time for depositing claim.
 

The permit holder shall provide a locked box in which claims shall be deposited in a sealed envelope. The stewards and racing secretary shall have keys to the box. No money shall accompany the claim. The claim shall be deposited in the box no later than ten minutes before the scheduled post time of the race in which the claim is made. Once a claim is deposited it may not be removed. Personnel receiving claim shall note the time and date when received. The stewards shall certify its validity and direct the racing secretary to authorize delivery of the horse if the claiming price is on deposit.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/14/1968, 1/1/1985, 6/1/1993
Rule 3769-6-10 | Information on claims restricted.
 

No official or other employee of a permit holder shall give any information as to the filing of claims until after the race has been run.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-11 | Title vested when horse becomes starter.
 

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 3769-1-38 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. In any case, the claimant shall take the claimed horse whether it be alive or dead, sound or unsound, or injured during the race or after it.

Last updated February 2, 2023 at 11:26 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-12 | Deliver to paddock.
 

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 March 10, 2023 at 11:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 8/15/1977, 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-13 | Failure to deliver.
 

Any person who refuses to deliver a horse claimed out of a claiming race, shall be fined and/or suspended by the stewards and liable to the penalties set forth in rule 3769-6-99 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-14 | Restriction on sale of claimed horse.
 

No horse claimed out of a claiming race shall be sold or transferred to anyone within thirty days of the day it was claimed except in another claiming race nor shall such horse remain in the same stable or under the care or management of its former owner or trainer.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-15 | Moving and racing restrictions of claimed horse.
 

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 March 10, 2023 at 11:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-16 | Claiming prices determined.
 

A claimed horse may be entered in subsequent claiming races for such claiming price as the claimant of said horse may determine.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 10/15/1976, 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-17 | Cannot claim own horse.
 

No person can claim his own horse or cause his horse to be claimed directly or indirectly for his own account nor shall any person claim more than one horse from any one race. When a stable consists of horses owned by more than one person, trained by the same trainer, not more than one claim may be entered on behalf of such stable in any one race. The stewards shall suspend any person who violates this rule and the commission may rule off the offender in addition to any other penalty provided for in rule 3769-6-99 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-18 | One claim per race.
 

No authorized agent, although representing several owners, shall submit more than one claim for any one race.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-19 | Agreement prohibited.
 

Any person who shall offer or enter into an agreement to claim or not to claim, or attempt to prevent another person from claiming any horse in a claiming race, or 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, and/or suspended or referred to the commission for further action.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-20 | Written consent.
 

(A) No person or persons shall enter or allow to be entered in a claiming race, a horse against which any lawful claim is held, either by mortgage, bill of sale or lien of any kind, unless before entering the horse, the written consent of the holder of the outstanding claim shall be filed with the racing secretary.

(B) Any person or persons violating this rule may be fined and/or suspended and referred to the commission by the stewards. The commission may rule off or take other action against such person or persons as they deem appropriate.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-21 | Affidavit by claimant.
 

The stewards may require any person making a claim for a horse to make an affidavit that he is claiming said horse for his own account or as an authorized agent and not for any other undisclosed person. Any person making such affidavit falsely may be subject to penalty by the stewards and/or the commission.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Rule 3769-6-22 | Disputed ownership.
 

Any person who makes a false ownership claim to a horse may be fined and/or suspended or they may be suspended and referred to the commission for any disciplinary action the commission deems advisable.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
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. He or she shall then report his or her engagements and overweight, if any, to the clerk of the scales.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:32 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-24 | Weighing out.
 

(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 his/her clothing, boots, saddle and its attachments and any other equipment except the riding crop, bridle, bit or reins, safety helmet, safety vest, blinkers, goggles and number cloth. A safety vest shall weigh no more than two pounds.

Last updated April 23, 2021 at 9:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 4/23/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-25 | Safety helmet and vest.
 

(A) Any person mounted on a horse or stable pony and all valets on the permit holders' grounds must wear a properly secured safety helmet at all times. Additionally, all employees in the starting gate crew must wear a properly secured safety helmet at all times while performing their duties or handling a horse. For the purpose of this rule, a member of the starting crew means any person licensed as an assistant starter or any person who handles a horse in the starting gate. 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 and all valets on the permit holders' grounds must wear a properly secured safety vest at all times. Additionally, all employees in the starting gate crew must wear a properly secured safety vest at all times while performing their duties or handling a horse. For the purpose of this rule, a member of the starting crew means any person licensed as an assistant starter or any person who handles a horse in the starting gate. The safety vest must comply with one of the commission approved safety standards or later revisions.

Last updated July 1, 2021 at 11:15 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 6/25/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 10/4/1992
Rule 3769-6-25.1 | Safety reins.
 

(A) No jockey, apprentice jockey, exercise person or any person mounted on a horse shall ride, breeze, exercise, gallop or workout a horse on the grounds of a facility under the jurisdiction of the Ohio state racing commission unless the horse is equipped with safety reins. A safety rein is a rein designed and constructed to provide a secure secondary attachment to the bit that is secured to a reinforcement material to prevent failure due to breakage of the rein, or breakage or inadvertent loss of the primary connection to the bit.

(B) This rule is enacted to adopt the safety measures encouraged by the association of racing commissioners international. Upon notification from the association of racing commissioners international that standards for the safety reins have been set, the commission shall send notice to the Ohio horsemen's benevolent and protective association, the jockeys guild, the Ohio thoroughbred breeders and owners, and any other group or persons who request such notice. The notice will indicate that paragraph (A) of rule 3769-6-25.1 of this rule will be enforced on the one-hundred-eightieth (180) day after the date of the notice.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/22/2025
Rule 3769-6-26 | Jockey attire.
 

The jockey shall be weighed out fully dressed in his/her riding clothing of cap, jacket, breeches and boots. His/her 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. He/she shall wear an arm number corresponding to his/her saddle cloth number. His/her whip shall weigh not more than one pound and be approved by the track stewards. Whips shall be limited to thirty inches in length, including a looped popper of not less than one and one-quarter inches in width. 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 2/28/1975, 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-27 | Weights.
 

The owner or his representative shall be responsible for the weight his 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/1973
Rule 3769-6-28 | Sound of bugle.
 

A bugle shall be sounded as the horses come upon the track. After the horses enter the track, the course over which the horses will run shall be closed to all but racing officials until the stewards direct that it be reopened.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-29 | In hands of starter.
 

(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 March 10, 2023 at 11:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 1/1/1985, 1/1/1992
Rule 3769-6-30 | Fair start.
 

(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 March 10, 2023 at 11:34 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
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 his assistants shall strike or use abusive language towards a jockey upon penalty of disciplinary action by the stewards. Neither the starter nor his assistants shall exercise excessive force or abuse upon a horse upon penalty or disciplinary action by the stewards.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:34 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 3/14/1968, 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-32 | Alter position of assistants.
 

The starter shall change the positions of his assistants on the track for each race and shall not designate their respective positions until after the horses have left the paddock.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:34 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-33 | Outriders.
 

There shall be two or more outriders in all races at all running horse racing meetings on each day that racing occurs.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:34 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-34 | Mounted attendant.
 

By permission of the stewards and upon payment of not less than a five-dollar fee through the horsemens' bookkeeper, a mounted attendant may lead a horse to the starting post but any horse so led must pass the stand.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:34 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
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 his or her 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-36 | Enclosed starting gate.
 

All starts at thoroughbred meetings shall be made from an enclosed starting gate, and there can be no start until and no recall after the starter has caused the gates to be opened; provided, that in an emergency and with permission of the stewards the start may be made from a starting gate with opened stalls or with a flag or in any other manner that the stewards may prescribe, but no start shall be effected until the starter shall have given the agreed signal for said start and no recall shall be possible after he shall have given the agreed signal.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-37 | Starting positions.
 

Horses shall take their positions in the starting gate in alternating sequence, with the horse assigned to the post position closest to the inside rail and the horse assigned to the post position nearest to the middle of the field being loaded first, and so on until the field is properly loaded, unless in the starter's opinion a horse is unduly fractious or unruly in which case the starter shall be the first authority as to the horse's numerical loading into the starting gate.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 1/1/1985
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 deducted from the purse and refunded to the nominator or the respective nominators.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-39 | Discipline by starter.
 

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 March 10, 2023 at 11:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03; 3769.091
Amplifies: 3769.03; 3769.091
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-41 | Starter approval.
 

No horse shall be permitted to start without being approved by the starter.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/1987
Rule 3769-6-42 | Starter's list.
 

The starter or his 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1971
Rule 3769-6-43 | Not permitted to wager on race.
 

No starter or assistant starter shall either directly or indirectly wager on any race or engage in any betting transaction; nor shall he or they directly or indirectly receive presents, gratuities, remuneration or 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-44 | Jockey must start horse.
 

The horse must be started by the jockey. No other person except the starter or an assistant starter shall be permitted to help in effecting a start by striking a horse or shouting at it or otherwise assisting.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-45 | Must remain on course.
 

If a horse leaves the course, it shall be disqualified.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-46 | Determining foul riding; stewards.
 

Every jockey shall be responsible for making their best effort to control and guide their mount in such a way as not to cause a foul. The stewards shall take cognizance of riding which results in a foul, irrespective of whether an objection is lodged, and if in the opinion of the stewards a foul is committed as a result of a jockey not making their best effort to control and guide their mount to avoid a foul, whether intentionally or through carelessness or incompetence, such jockey or horse may be penalized at the discretion of the stewards.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
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 or intimidate or impede any other horse or jockey, or to cause same, 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 4/1/1971, 5/1/1979
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 his/her utmost exertion to obtain a winning performance from the horse ridden by him/her may be suspended, ruled off, or may be subject to such other penalty as the stewards or commission may impose.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:37 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 11/1/1984
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 he/she cannot ride it to the scales, or if he/she is ill or injured, he/she may walk or may be carried to the scales, or he/she 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:37 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-50 | Must use licensed outrider.
 

Except in stakes and handicap races when permission may be granted by the stewards, no mounted attendant, except a licensed outrider, shall be permitted to lead a horse to the place of dismounting after such horse has been pulled up by the jockey at the end of a race.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:37 AM

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Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-51 | Must take own equipment off.
 

No person shall assist the jockey in taking his/her equipment off his/her horse except by permission of the stewards.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:37 AM

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Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-52 | Covering restricted.
 

No person shall throw any covering over any horse at the place of dismounting until its equipment shall have been removed.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:38 AM

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Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-53 | Weigh in immediately.
 

No jockey shall touch any person or thing before weighing in under penalty of fine and or suspension.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:38 AM

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Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-54 | Must weigh in.
 

If a jockey who is not excused does not present himself/herself to be weighed in, he/she may be fined and/or suspended.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:38 AM

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Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-55 | Weighing in and Weighing out.
 

(A) The jockey shall be weighed out fully dressed in his/her riding cloth of cap, jacket, breeches and boots. His/her 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 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 he/she weighed out, and if under that weight, and after consideration of mitigating circumstances by the board of stewards, his/her 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 1, 2021 at 11:15 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 6/25/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/1985
Rule 3769-6-56 | No disqualification for overweight.
 

No horse shall be disqualified for bringing in overweight.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:38 AM

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Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
Rule 3769-6-58 | Entries may be disqualified.
 

When a horse is disqualified, the other horse or horses in the same race coupled with it as an entry, in the discretion of the stewards, may be disqualified.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:38 AM

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Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
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 he/she fails to bring in his/her weight out, he/she may be fined and/or suspended.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:39 AM

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Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966
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 his or her 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 posiion 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 intential. 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-eights 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 May 2, 2022 at 9:42 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3769.03
Amplifies: 3769.03
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
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 his/her 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 March 10, 2023 at 11:39 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1966, 1/1/1985