Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-54 - Racing Violations

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Although a
				leading horse is entitled to any part of the track, except after selecting his
				or her position in the homestretch, neither the driver of the leading horse nor
				any other driver in the race shall engage in any of the following conduct,
				which shall be considered violations of driving rules:
A. Change either to the right or left during
				any part of the race when another horse is so near that it causes another horse
				to shorten its stride, or causes the driver of such other horse to pull out of
				stride or move away from the offending horse to avoid contact.
B. Jostle, strike, hook wheels, or otherwise
				interfere with another horse or driver.
C. Cross sharply in front of a horse or cross
				over in front of a field of horses in a reckless manner, endangering other
				drivers or horses.
D. Swerve in and
				out or pull up quickly.
E. Crowd a
				horse or driver by "putting a wheel under such horse".
F. "Carry a horse out" or "Sit down in front
				of a horse", take up abruptly in front of other horses so as to cause confusion
				or interference among the trailing horses, or do any other act which
				constitutes what is commonly known as helping.
G. Let a horse pass inside
				needlessly.
H. Laying off a normal
				pace and leaving a hole when it is well within the horse's capacity to keep the
				hole closed.
I. Change course after
				selecting a position in the homestretch, or swerve in or out, or bear in or
				out, in such manner as to interfere with another horse or cause another horse
				to change course, take back or break.
J. To drive in a careless or reckless
				manner.
K. Cause any horse or a
				field of horses to excessively slow down their speed.
L. Cause the Judges to believe that the horse
				is being driven with design not to win, or in a manner inconsistent with an
				attempt to win.
M. Commit any act
				which impedes the progress of another horse or causes another horse to
				"break".
N. Failure to set,
				maintain or contest a pace comparable to the class of race.
O. Leaving the Course. In the event a horse
				or part of the horse's sulky leaves the course and in the opinion of the
				Judges, the action gave the horse an unfair advantage over other horses in the
				race, or the action helped the horse improve its position in the race, the
				horse may be disqualified or placed. If, in the opinion of the judges, a horse
				or sulky is forced off the course as a result of the actions of another horse
				or driver, or as a result of a break from such horse's gait, or unforeseen
				circumstances such as an accident, the judges may determine the appropriate
				order of finish. Further, the Judges may impose a penalty on the driver for
				such action even if the horse was not disqualified or placed.
P. Whips. Drivers will be allowed to use only
				black whips not to exceed 4 feet, plus a snapper not longer than 6 inches. No
				leather or unusual material may be used. The conventional snapper shall not be
				knotted and tape is only permitted on the handle of the whip. All other
				modifications of the whip are prohibited.
Q. Whipping. Unnecessary, excessive or brutal
				use of the whip is prohibited. Evidence, such as cutting, welting or visible
				injury, etc. shall be determined by the Judges, State Steward, or State
				Veterinarian at any time. Failure to abide by the following shall be considered
				illegal use of the whip:
(1) All drivers must
				keep a line in each hand beginning when the horse is behind the starting gate
				and continuing through the finish of the race.
(2) Whipping shall be restricted to elbow and
				wrist action only and the whipping arm shall not be raised above the driver's
				shoulder height.
(3) Drivers shall
				not move their whipping arm in a blatant or exaggerated manner and the lines
				shall remain reasonably taut during the race.
(4) Drivers shall not use the whip below the
				level of the shaft, forward of the race bike's wheels.
(5) Drivers shall not place the whip between
				a horse's legs.
(6) Drivers shall
				not strike another horse or driver with the whip.
(7) Drivers are permitted to use their hand
				or the whip in a sliding or gliding manner above the level of the
				shaft.
(8) Drivers shall not use
				the handle of the whip on a horse.
(9) Drivers shall not use whip on a tired
				horse, on a horse that is not visibly responding, or when the horse is not in
				contention in a race.
(10) Drivers
				shall not use the whip without giving a horse time to respond to a previous
				application of the whip. Penalties for violating this paragraph shall be
				considered Level 2 violations.
Penalties for violating this paragraph shall be considered
				  Level 2 violations.
R.
Goads
. The use of any goading
				device, (including the butt end of a whip), chain, or mechanical devices or
				appliances other than the ordinary whip, upon any horse in any race shall
				constitute a violation of this rule.
Penalties for violating this paragraph shall be considered
				  Level 1 violations as described in Chapter 17.
S. Drivers must be seated in an upright
				position.
T. Handholds must be
				positioned with the driver's elbows in front of the plane of the torso to
				ensure adequate control of the horse. The placing of both lines in one hand to
				permit the necessary adjustment of the horse's equipment, such as ear plug
				removal, is allowed.
U. After the
				word "Go" is given both feet must remain in the stirrups or heel plates, except
				for removal of earplugs or for adjusting the convertible bridle, until the
				finish of the race.