N.J. Admin. Code § 13:71-17.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

Section 13:71-17.1 - Starting gate

(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, the starter shall notify the drivers to come up 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 1/4 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 a speed in excess of 18 miles per hour to be determined by the starter in the exercise of his discretion so as to insure a good and fair starting in all races.

(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 drivers shall be flashed and a recall sounded. The starting gate shall proceed, however, out of the path of the horses.

(h) There shall be no recall after the word "GO" has been given. Any horse, regardless to his position in 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 a breaking horse.

(j) The starter may sound a recall only for the following reasons before the word "GO" is given:

1. A horse scores ahead of the gate;

2. There is interference;

3. A horse has broken equipment;

4. A horse falls;

5. A horse comes to the gate out of position;

6. There is a malfunction of the starting gate.

(k) Penalties may be imposed against any driver by the starter, who deliberately creates one of the situations in (j) above.

(l) The starter may call for a reformation of the field at any time, if in his or her opinion, the start of the race would pose a threat to safety.

(m) 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 instruction;

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. Failing to come up into position;

8. Charging the gate.

(n) No persons 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.

(o) 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.

(p) The starter shall, at the end of each race day, submit to the presiding judge, a report indicating the speed of the gate at the starting point for each race run on that date.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:71-17.1

As amended, R.1979 d.157, effective 4/23/1979.
See: 10 N.J.R. 349(a), 11 N.J.R. 297(a).
Amended by R.1996 d.540, effective 11/18/1996 (operative December 26, 1996).
See: 28 N.J.R. 3889(b), 28 N.J.R. 4897(b).
Petition for Rulemaking.
See: 41 N.J.R. 3116(a), 3464(b).