reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-15 - Types of Racing

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
In presenting a program of racing the Racing Secretary shall
				  use exclusively the following types of races as set forth in this
				  subchapter:
1. Stakes and
				Futurities.
2. Early Closing and
				Late Closing Events.
3. Conditioned
				Races.
4. Claiming Races.
5. Preferred invitational or open races
				limited to the fastest horses at the meeting.
6. Classified racing.
7. Match Races with the permission of the
				Commission.
8. Special Series or
				Races with the permission of the Commission.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-16 - Condition Limitations

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Conditions shall
				be written in such a way that horses are provided an opportunity to race in
				normal preference cycle. Also eligible conditions that have the effect of
				backing a horse up more than two classes are prohibited. Not more than two also
				eligible conditions shall be used in writing the conditions for any overnight
				event. In the event that there are conflicting published conditions and neither
				is withdrawn by the Race Secretary, the conditions more favorable to the
				nominator shall govern. In any event, the original conditions shall not be
				changed; but conditions may be added as provided in this section.
A. No two-year-old shall be permitted to
				start in a dash or heat exceeding one mile in distance and no two-year-old
				shall be permitted to race in more than two heats or dashes in any single
				day.
B. In all overnight events,
				starters and also eligibles shall be drawn by lot from those properly declared
				in.
C. Substitute races may be
				provided for each day's program and shall be so designated. A substitute race
				shall be used only if a posted condition fails to fill. Entries in races not
				filling shall be posted. If a posted condition fills, it may be carried over to
				the next racing day.
D. Horses must
				be eligible when entries close but winnings on closing date of eligibility
				shall not be considered. In mixed races, trotting and pacing, a horse must be
				eligible to the class on the gait at which it is entered.
E. A fair and reasonable racing opportunity
				shall be afforded both trotters and pacers in reasonable proportion to the
				number of horses of each gait available and qualified to race.
F. Qualifying races, with or without a purse,
				shall not be counted in determining whether a horse advances under the
				provisions of this rule, nor shall a horse winning a qualifying race be
				deprived, by reason of such performance, of his or her right to start in an
				event limited to maidens.
G. The
				definition of the word "start" in any type of condition unless specifically
				otherwise stated will exclude qualifying and matinee races.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-17 - Claiming Races

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Who May
				Claim
Any person licensed as an Owner by the Maine Harness Racing
				  Commission, or his or her authorized agent may claim a horse from any meet in
				  the state.
2.
Prohibitions
A. No person shall
				claim, directly or indirectly, his or her own horse nor shall he or she,
				directly or indirectly, claim a horse trained or driven by him or
				her.
B. No licensed owner or his or
				her authorized agent shall claim a horse for another person.
C. No person shall offer, or enter into an
				agreement, to claim or not to claim, or in any other way attempt to prevent
				another person from claiming any horse.
D. No person shall declare a horse into a
				claiming race against which there is a mortgage, bill of sale, or lien of any
				kind, unless the written consent of the holder thereof shall be filed with the
				Clerk of Course of the Association conducting such claiming race.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-18 - Conditioned Races

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Conditioned Race means an overnight event to which
				  eligibility is determined according to specified qualifications. Such
				  qualifications may be based upon:
1.
				Horse's money winnings in a specified number of previous races or during a
				specified previous time.
2. A
				horse's finishing position in a specified number of previous races or during a
				specified period of time.
3.
				Age.
4. Sex.
5. Number of starts during a specified period
				of time.
6. Use of records of
				time.
7. Maine Owned or Maine
				Bred.
8. Trackmaster Horse Rating
				or
9. Any combination of the
				qualifications listed in this section.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-19 - Futurities Requirements

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Futurity is as defined in 01-017 C.M.R. ch. 1.
1. All futurity sponsors shall:
A. Annually file a copy of their conditions
				with the Commission and with the United States Trotting Association.
B. Maintain a performance bond in the amount
				of the fund until such time as the race is contested, a copy of said bond will
				be furnished to the Commission and the United States Trotting
				Association.
C. Provide a list of
				the nominations, within twenty days after the closing of nominations, to each
				nominator, this Commission, and the United States Trotting
				Association.
D. Provide to the
				Commission and the United States Trotting Association an annual financial
				statement of each futurity and within thirty days following the day of the race
				submit to the Commission and the United States Trotting Association a final
				financial statement.
E. Provide to
				the Commission and to the United States Trotting Association a complete list of
				all horses remaining eligible within fifteen days after each payment of the
				owners.
F. Set the nominating date
				and dates for all sustaining payments except the starting fee on either the
				first or fifteenth day of the month. No payments on yearlings shall fall due
				between November 1 and December 15. Before taking any sustaining payments
				during the year the race is to be contested, the week and place of the race
				shall be stated. No futurity sustaining fee shall become due prior to March 15
				of the year in which the colt or filly becomes two years of age.
G. Announce the week and place of any event
				within thirty days of the date racing dates for the year are allocated by the
				Commission.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-21 - Preferred races

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
These may be Free-For-All Races, Invitational Races,
				  Invitational Handicap Races, or Preferred Conditioned Races. Horses to be used
				  in such races shall be posted in the Race Secretary's office and listed with
				  the Presiding Judge. Horses so listed shall not be eligible for conditioned
				  overnight races unless the conditions specifically include horses on the
				  preferred list. No two year old or three year old horses will be eligible to be
				  placed on the preferred list to race against older horses until it has won 7
				  races or unless requested by the owner or trainer. The owner or trainer may
				  withdraw such request at his or her discretion.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-22 - Open Stretch Racing

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. The following
				criteria shall be used in considering disqualifications of horses and penalties
				to drivers pursuant to Section
				54 of this Chapter when races are
				conducted on a track with an open stretch.
A.
				No horse shall be driven into the inner lane in an attempt to pass or force out
				a leading horse prior to the last one-eighth mile of the race.
B. Horses driven on the outside shall yield
				sufficient room to interior horses at the end of the inner lane to permit
				interior horses to stay on course.
C. During the last one-eighth mile of the
				race:
(1) A horse may only be driven into the
				inner lane for the purpose of passing a leading horse; and
(2) No horse may be driven into the inner
				lane for the purpose of blocking a trailing horse. It shall be presumed that a
				horse which, in fact, blocks a trailing horse in the inner lane without making
				every attempt to advance on the leading horse, is being so driven for the
				purpose of blocking a trailing horse.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-23 - Declaration Requirements

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. All declarations
				must:
A. Contain the information described in
				this section. Associations are encouraged to use the USTA online entry
				system.
B. Be signed or authorized
				by the owner or his or her trainer.
C. Provide the name of the owner and agent or
				registered stable name or lessee.
D. Provide the name of the horse.
E. Name the event or events in which the
				horse is to be entered.
F. Provide
				the name of the driver and trainer.
G. Prior to entering a horse, all owners of
				the horse must be fully licensed by the Commission. Declarations of a horse for
				which all owners are not fully licensed prior to declaration shall be a level 2
				violation.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-24 - Ineligible Transfer

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A horse entered in a class to which it is ineligible may be
				  transferred to any event to which it is eligible.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-25 - Limit of Starts

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No horse shall start in more than one event on the same
				  program except where the conditions of the race provide that it shall be
				  contested in two or more heats or dashes.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-26 - Eligibility Guaranteed

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A nominator is required to guarantee the identity and
				  eligibility of his or her entries and declarations and if given incorrectly
				  he/she may be suspended or expelled, and any winnings shall be forfeited and
				  redistributed to eligible entries. A person obtaining a purse or money through
				  fraud or error shall surrender or pay the same to the Maine Harness Racing
				  Commission for redistribution or he or she, together with the parties
				  implicated in the wrong, and the horse or horses shall be suspended until such
				  demand is complied with and such purse or money shall be awarded to the party
				  justly entitled to same.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-27 - Withheld Purses

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Associations may withhold the purse of any horse, without a
				  formal protest, if in its judgment the entry or declaration was fraudulent or
				  ineligible. The Association shall immediately notify the Commission of such
				  withheld purse and request a Commission determination of the matter. Purses
				  withheld under this chapter shall be withheld by the Association pending
				  decision of the Commission concerning such fraud or
				  ineligibility.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-28 - Number of Starters

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No race shall be programmed to start with fewer than five
				  starters nor more than eight starters, unless permission is received from the
				  Commission, except in stake, early closing or late closing events or on mile
				  tracks where ten starters are permitted.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-29 - Limit of Starters

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Except where advance authorization has been granted by the
				  Commission, no more than eight horses shall be allowed to start in overnight
				  events on half mile tracks and not more than ten on larger
				  tracks.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-30 - Draw

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Unless otherwise specified in the conditions, the declaration
				  time shall close at 9:00 a.m. The declaration box and the U.S.T.A. entry system
				  shall be in the charge of the Race Secretary. The declaration box shall be
				  opened by the Race Secretary or his or her designee at the advertised time and
				  the Race Secretary or designee will be responsible to see that at least one
				  horseman or an official representative of the horsemen is present. No owner or
				  trainer for a horse with a declaration in the declaration box shall be denied
				  the privilege of being present. Under the supervision of the Race Secretary,
				  all declarations shall be listed, the eligibility verified, preference
				  ascertained, and starters selected. If it is necessary to reopen any race,
				  public announcement by text message alert shall be made at least once and the
				  declaration box reopened at a definite time and remain open for a specified
				  time. Post positions shall be drawn by the Judges. Any race that has more than
				  one division will be split by the Judges. When a class is split and there are
				  multiple owners and trainers, the Judges will split the owners, then trainers
				  randomly and the remaining entries will be split randomly. The draw may also be
				  done by the USTA random draw system. In events with more than one dash or heat,
				  post positions for both heats or dashes will be drawn at the same time.
Drawings shall be final unless there is conclusive proof that
				  a horse, properly declared on time, was omitted through error of the
				  Association. If the error is discovered before scratch time, the race may be
				  re-drawn.
When an Association requires a horse to be declared by a
				  stated time, failure to declare by that time shall be considered a withdrawal
				  from the event.
After declaration to start has been made, no horse shall be
				  scratched except by permission of the Judges. A suspension may be imposed for
				  scratching a horse without permission, the penalty to apply to both the horse
				  and the licensee who violates the regulation.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-31 - Coupled Entries

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The Presiding Judge shall be responsible for coupling horses.
				  In addition to the foregoing, horses separately owned or trained may be coupled
				  as an entry where it is necessary to do so to protect the public interest for
				  the purpose of pari-mutuel wagering only. However, where this is done, entries
				  may not be rejected.
Nothing in this rule shall preclude a licensed pari-mutuel
				  track from limiting an owner or trainer to one starter in any single overnight
				  race.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-32 - Also Eligibles

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Not more than two horses may be drawn as "also eligibles" for
				  a race and their positions shall be drawn along with the starters in the race.
				  In the event that one or more horses are excused by the Judges, the "also
				  eligible" horses shall race and take the post position drawn by the horse that
				  it replaces, except in handicap races. In handicap races, the "also eligible"
				  horse shall take the place of the horse that it replaces in the event that the
				  handicap is the same. In the event the handicap is different, the "also
				  eligible" horse shall take the position on the outside of the horses with a
				  similar handicap. No horse may be added to a race as an "also eligible" unless
				  the horse was drawn as such at the time declarations closed. A horse moved into
				  the race from the "also eligible" list cannot be withdrawn except by permission
				  of the Judges. The owner or trainer of such a horse shall be notified by the
				  Presiding Judge that the horse is to race. All other horses on the "also
				  eligible" list that were not moved in to race shall be
				  released.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-34 - Driver Changes

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Driver changes will be allowed until Scratch Time. Any other
				  change of drivers must be approved by a Presiding or Associate Judge and the
				  trainer may be penalized consistent with a Level 5 violation. When a change of
				  drivers is made in any race, the change must be announced to the
				  public.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-35 - Substitution of Drivers

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
If the Judges determine that a driver is unfit or incompetent
				  to drive, or if he or she refuses to comply with the direction of the Judges,
				  or is reckless or unmannerly in his or her conduct, he or she shall be removed
				  and another driver substituted. No driver can, without good and sufficient
				  reasons decline to be substituted by the Judges. Any driver who refuses to be a
				  substitute may be suspended by order of the Judges.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-36 - Authority of Starting Judge

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. The
				Starter/Patrol Judge shall have complete control over all horses participating
				in the racing program from the formation of the post parade until the word "Go"
				is given. The Starter/Patrol Judge shall have authority to fine or suspend
				drivers as permitted by these rules for violation of any of the following rules
				of the start:
A. Delaying the start.
B. Failure to obey the Starter/Patrol Judge's
				instructions.
C. Coming to the
				starting gate out of position.
D.
				Crossing over before reaching the starting point.
E. Interference with another driver during
				the start.
F. Failure to come up
				into position.
G. Rushing ahead of
				the inside or outside wing of the gate.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-37 - Recall

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. The Starter/Patrol Judge may sound a
				recall for the following reasons only:
A. A
				horse scores ahead of the gate.
B.
				There is interference.
C. A horse
				has broken equipment.
D. A horse
				falls before the word "Go" is given.
E. A horse refuses to come to the gate before
				the gate reaches the pole 1/8 of a mile before the start.
F. Malfunction of the starting
				gate.
G. A horse comes to the gate
				out of position.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-38 - Effect of Scratch of Horse on Post Position

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
If a horse is scratched or withdrawn from the start after
				  being programmed, horses with post positions outside of the withdrawn horse,
				  may move one post position closer to the rail. In the event there are two tiers
				  of horses, the withdrawal of a horse that has drawn or earned a position in the
				  front tier shall not affect the position of the horses that have drawn or
				  earned positions in the second tier.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-39 - Starting Without a Gate

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The following provisions apply when starting a race without a
				  gate. The horses shall be allowed two warm-up scores, unless otherwise directed
				  by the Starter/Patrol Judge, before being called to formation. The
				  Starter/Patrol Judge shall have full control of the horses from the time the
				  formation is complete until the word "Go" is given. The Starter/Patrol Judge
				  shall be stationed at or near the starting point and shall give the word "Go"
				  as close as possible to such starting or release point. All drivers shall
				  follow the instructions of the Starter/Patrol Judge as closely as possible and
				  shall avoid unnecessary delay in formation. If the word "Go" is not given, all
				  the horses in the race shall immediately return to their formation positions
				  for a fresh start. There shall be no recall after the word "Go" has been
				  given.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-40 - Bad Acting Horse

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The Starter/Patrol Judge may remove a bad acting horse from
				  the race upon which the Presiding Judge shall order a refund of the wagering
				  thereon. There will be no recall for a bad acting horse and the race will start
				  regardless of its position or gait unless, in the opinion of the Judges, the
				  horse poses a danger to the field of horses or drivers. Any horse that has been
				  scratched because it has been labeled as a "bad actor" shall be placed on the
				  Steward's List to requalify.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-41 - Declared Starters

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The horses shall be deemed to have started when the word "Go"
				  is given by the Starter/Patrol Judge and all the horses must go the course. In
				  the case of an accident in which it is the opinion of the Judges that it is
				  impossible or dangerous to go the course, the Judges may declare the race a No
				  Contest.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-42 - Unmanageable

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
If, in the opinion of the Presiding Judge, a horse is
				  unmanageable or liable to cause accidents or injury to any other horse or to
				  any driver, it will be scratched and placed on the Steward's List as
				  unmanageable. Horses deemed unmanageable must be properly schooled and complete
				  a satisfactory qualifying race in order to be removed from the Steward's
				  List.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-43 - Failure to Obey

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the imposition
				  by the Judges of a verbal or written reprimand or penalty for the failure of a
				  driver to obey the rules of the start.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-44 - Right to Track

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Horses called for a race shall have the exclusive right of
				  the course, and all other horses shall vacate the track at once, unless
				  permitted to remain by the Judges.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-45 - Falling or Unseating Driver

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Any horse participating in a racing program that falls to
				  both knees or falls completely to the ground on the race track anytime prior to
				  the official start of its race will be scratched. Any horse participating in a
				  racing program that unseats a driver may be scratched from the race by the
				  Presiding Judge.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-47 - Nerved Horses

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Nerving is
				defined as any blocking of nerve function of a horse via surgical neurectomy,
				cryogenic techniques, or other desensitizing means, whether permanent or
				temporary.
2. Only posterior
				digital nerving will be permitted on horses to be raced in Maine. This
				procedure must be performed posterior to the first phalanx and at a level below
				the base of the sesamoid bones.
3.
				Horses nerved at a level above the base of the sesamoid bones are not eligible
				to race in Maine.
4. It shall be
				the responsibility of the trainer to report all nerved horses to the State
				Veterinarian. This report must be accompanied by an official veterinary report
				with the type of neurectomy performed. This neurectomy must be recorded on the
				official United States Trotting Association Eligibility Record and the name of
				the horse posted on the bulletin board of the racing office and indicated by
				the symbol "N" on the racing program.
Violations of this section shall constitute a Level 3
				  violation.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-48 - Unfit to Participate

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The Presiding Judge at any race meeting shall refuse to
				  permit any licensee to participate or otherwise remain in the paddock area, if,
				  in the judgment of such official, he or she is unfit.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-49 - Personal Safety Equipment

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No one shall drive a horse on a racetrack on a race day
				  during the period one hour prior to post time of the first race through
				  completion of the last race unless he or she is wearing a properly secured
				  protective helmet, and a safety vest, both of which must be of a type
				  satisfactory to the Commission. Failure to comply with this section shall be
				  considered a Level 3 violation.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-50 - Driver's Colors

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No driver or trainer shall be allowed to drive in any race or
				  public performance, or to otherwise appear on the racetrack during the racing
				  program unless wearing his or her own or his or her owner's colors, and no
				  driver shall appear in another person's colors without the special permission
				  of the Presiding Judge. No driver or trainer wearing colors shall appear at any
				  public betting booth or window at a racetrack, or at any bar or restaurant
				  dispensing alcoholic beverages.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-50-A - Protection of Horses

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No licensee or other person under the jurisdiction of the
				  Commission shall knowingly subject or permit any animal under his/her control,
				  custody or supervision to be subjected to or to incur any form of cruelty,
				  mistreatment, neglect or abuse or abandon, injure, maim or kill or administer
				  any noxious substance to or deprive any animal of necessary care or sustenance,
				  shelter or veterinary care. Licensed track officials are liable under this
				  section if they fail to exercise their authority to protect the well-being of a
				  horse after they are presented credible evidence of mistreatment as described
				  in this section.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-51 - Horses in the Paddock

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Horses must be in the paddock at a time prescribed by the
				  Presiding Judge, but in any event at least one hour prior to post time of the
				  race in which the horse is to compete. The Presiding Judge may ask any trainer
				  whose horse is scheduled to compete on a race day, be in the paddock longer
				  than one hour prior to post time. With less than one hour prior to post, except
				  for warm-up trips, no horse shall leave the paddock until called to post. On
				  those occasions when pre-race testing is conducted, no horse shall warm-up
				  until granted permission by the State Steward or his or her designee. All
				  horses must report to the paddock prior to warm up. No horse may leave after
				  completing a race until the Judges announce which horses have been selected for
				  testing. Failure to comply with this section may result in disqualification or
				  a penalty.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-52 - Admission to the Paddock

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. On any racing
				day, during the period in which the Paddock Judge has declared the paddock
				closed, only authorized personnel may be present as set forth in this section.
				Persons authorized to be present in the paddock must be at least fourteen years
				of age and are limited to licensed participants who are:
A. Owners of horses competing on the date of
				the race, or
B. Trainers of horses
				competing on the date of the race, or
C. Drivers of horses competing on the date of
				the race, or
D. Grooms of horses
				competing on the date of the race, or
E. Officials whose duties require their
				presence in the paddock, or
F.
				Persons with written passes signed by the State Steward, or
G. Licensed vendors whose duties require
				their presence in the paddock.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-53 - Driving Violations

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Without limiting
				the generality thereof, the license of any driver may be suspended or revoked,
				or the driver may be fined for:
A. Violation
				of any rule of the Commission.
B.
				Failure to obey the authorized instructions of a racing official licensed by
				the Commission.
C. Any act or
				conduct detrimental to the sport, including but not limited to:
(1) Failure to drive in a race when
				programmed, unless excused by the Presiding Judge.
(2) Intoxication on the day he or she is
				programmed to drive, or appearing in the paddock in an unfit condition to
				drive.
(3) The use of offensive,
				threatening or profane language or other improper conduct.
(4) Assault upon any other person.
(5) Smoking in colors while on the
				racetrack.
(6) Warming up a horse
				without colors when colors are required.
(7) Failure to participate in Post Parade,
				unless specifically excused by the Presiding Judge.
(8) Unnecessary conversation between and
				among drivers while on the track is prohibited.
(9) While on the track, all licensees must
				wear helmets with chinstraps fastened.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-55 - Racing Objections

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
All objections or complaints by drivers of any driving
				  violation or other misconduct during a heat or dash must be made promptly at
				  the termination of the heat or dash to the Judges unless accident or injury
				  prevents such reporting. Any driver desiring to enter an objection or complaint
				  must indicate to the Judges his or her entry of an objection or complaint
				  before the race is declared official. The Judges shall not cause the official
				  sign to be displayed until such objection, or complaint has been properly
				  reviewed and considered.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-56 - Permission to Dismount

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
After the Post Parade and until the conclusion of the race,
				  no driver may dismount needlessly from the sulky without the permission of the
				  Starting Judge or a Patrol Judge. Adjustment of equipment may be done only with
				  the Starting Judge's approval.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-57 - Contested Races and Unsatisfactory Drives

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Drivers are required to compete in each race with the intent
				  of finishing with the best possible placement. Every heat in a race must be
				  given full effort to win by every driver in the race and every horse must be
				  driven to the finish. If the Judges find that a horse was driven, with design
				  to prevent winning a heat or dash which he or she was evidently able to win, or
				  was raced in an inconsistent manner, or to perpetrate or to aid a fraud, they
				  shall consider it a violation and the driver, and anyone found to be in concert
				  with him or her, to so affect the outcome of the race or races, shall be fined
				  or suspended consistent with chapter 17.
In the event a drive is unsatisfactory due to a lack of
				  effort but that the Judges find there is no intentional act to violate this
				  section or to a have a deliberately inconsistent drive, they may impose a
				  penalty consistent with a Level 2 violation in chapter 17.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-58 - Placing Offending Horses

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It is a violation of these rules to interfere with another
				  horse or other horses. An offending horse shall be set back for interference if
				  the outcome of the race is affected by that interference. If a horse is set
				  back for interference, he or she must be placed behind the horse or horses he
				  or she interfered with. If the progress of the other horses has been impeded,
				  the offending horse may be placed behind all the non-offending horses adversely
				  affected by the interference in that heat or dash. In the event the
				  interference prevents any horse from finishing the heat or dash, the offending
				  horse may be disqualified from receiving any winnings and the driver may be
				  suspended or fined. If, in the opinion of the Judges, the interference did not
				  affect the outcome of the race, the driver may be penalized even if no placings
				  or disqualification was made.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-59 - Coupled Entries Violations

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Coupled entry is as defined in 01-017 C.M.R. ch. 1.
1. If any of the violations in this chapter
				are committed by a person driving a horse coupled as an entry in the betting,
				the Judges shall set both horses back, if in their opinion, the violation may
				have affected the finish of the race. Otherwise, penalties may be applied
				individually to the drivers of any entry.
2. If a horse coupled as an entry in the
				betting, because of the same ownership or the same trainer, is disqualified for
				a foul under these rules, the Judges may set back all horses coupled in said
				entry or may set back only the horse or horses involved in the foul.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-60 - Breaking

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
When any horse breaks from its gait in trotting or pacing,
				  the driver shall, as soon as clearance exists, take the horse to the outside or
				  inside where the most clearance exists and pull it to its gait and lose ground.
				  Committing an extended break, or failure to take the horse to the outside or
				  inside where clearance exists, or to properly pull the horse to its gait, or to
				  lose ground as a result of a break is a violation of this section.
If the driver fails to take appropriate action as required by
				  this section, he or she is subject to disciplinary action as provided in
				  Chapter 17. In addition, the Judges shall set the horse back one or more
				  places, as appropriate.
If there has been no failure on the part of the driver in
				  complying with this section, the horse shall not be set back unless a
				  contending horse on his or her gait is lapped on the hind quarter of a breaking
				  horse at the finish.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-61 - Intentional Breaks

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
If, in the opinion of the Judges, a driver allows his or her
				  horse to break for the purpose of fraudulently losing a heat or dash, he or she
				  shall be liable to the penalties presented in Chapter 17.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-62 - Improper Conduct

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be a Level 2 violation for any licensee to engage in
				  any of the following conduct while present on the grounds of a licensed
				  Association on a race day:
1.
				Shouting, use of profane, offensive or threatening language when addressing any
				official, employee or agent of the Commission;
2. Any act or conduct that is detrimental to
				the sport;
3. Any conduct, while in
				view of the public, which in anyway tarnishes the image of the sport;
4. Conduct or language that is threatening,
				discriminatory, or negatively impacts the civil rights of officials, employees
				or agents of the Commission, other participants, or the public;
5. Fighting or other improper physical
				contact with officials, employees or agents of the Commission, other
				participants or the public;
6.
				Failure to obey the lawful instructions of any officials, employees or agents
				of the Commission; or
7.
				Intoxication of a licensee while in the paddock during race day.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-63 - Assaults

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No licensee, while on the grounds of a licensed Association
				  during a race day, shall commit an assault, or an assault and battery, upon any
				  official, employee or agent of the Commission, or other licensee, nor shall a
				  licensee threaten to do bodily injury to any official, employee or agent of the
				  Commission, or upon another licensee.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-64 - Threats Not to Race

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It is a violation of these rules for any owner, trainer, or
				  driver of a horse to threaten or join with others in threatening not to race,
				  or not to declare in, because of the declaration of a certain horse or horses,
				  or a particular stable, thereby compelling or trying to compel the Race
				  Secretary or the Association to cancel the race.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-65 - Bonus Demands

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No person who has entered a horse shall thereafter demand of
				  the Association a bonus of money or other special award or consideration as a
				  condition for starting the horse.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-66 - Wagering of Owner, Trainer, Driver

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No owner, trainer or driver of a horse shall bet or cause any
				  other person to bet on his or her behalf on any other horse in any race in
				  which they shall start a horse owned, or driven by him or her, or which he or
				  she in anyway represents or handles or in which he or she has an interest.
				  Violation of this rule is a Level 1 violation.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-67 - Reporting Bribes or Attempts

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
If any person licensed by this Commission shall be approached
				  with any offer or promise of a bribe, or a wager or with a request or
				  suggestion for a bribe, or for any improper, corrupt, or fraudulent act in
				  relation to racing, or with a suggestion that any race shall be conducted
				  otherwise than fairly and honestly, it shall be a condition of licensing that
				  of such person to report the details thereof immediately to the Presiding
				  Judge.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-68 - Misconduct or Fraud

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Fraud
. Any conduct on the part of a licensee or participant that
				is fraudulent in its nature or injurious to the character of racing, although
				not specified in these rules, is forbidden. It is a violation of these rules
				for any person or persons, individually or in concert with one another, to
				fraudulently or corruptly by any means affect or attempt to affect the outcome
				of any race, or affect a false registration, or commit any other act injurious
				to the sport. Such violation shall be a Level 1 violation.
2.
Misconduct
. Any conduct on
				the part of a licensee or participant injurious to the character of racing,
				although not specified in these rules, is forbidden. Such violation shall be a
				Level 1 violation.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-69 - False Witness

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
In any case where an oath is administered by Judges, or
				  representatives of this Commission under the rules, or a Notary Public, or any
				  other person legally authorized to administer oaths, if the party knowingly
				  swears falsely or withholds information pertinent to the investigation, his or
				  her license shall be suspended upon notice and hearing unless the provisions of
				  5 M.R.S.
				  §10004 are met.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-70 - Illegal Devices

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
No electrical, mechanical or other appliance or device other
				  than the permitted whip shall be applied to a horse at any place on the grounds
				  of an Association. Violators shall be immediately suspended by the Judges and
				  referred to the Commission for a license revocation hearing. Violation of this
				  section or possession of any such device anywhere on the grounds is a Level 1
				  violation.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-71 - Conspiracy

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
If two or more persons shall combine and confederate together
				  in any manner, regardless of where the said persons may be located, for the
				  purpose of violating any of these rules and shall commit some act in
				  furtherance of the said purpose and plan, it shall constitute a conspiracy and
				  a Level 1 violation.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-72 - Purse Distribution

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
General
				provisions
. All races shall be bona fide contests with one winner
				receiving the largest share of the purse and the balance of the purse
				distribution made according to the order of finish. No hippodroming or other
				arrangement for equal distribution of the purse money among the contestants is
				permitted. Violation of this rule may subject the Association, and officials in
				charge, to suspension or expulsion.
2.
Stake
. In a stake race the
				money given by the Association conducting the race is added to the money
				contributed by the nominators, all of which except deductions for the cost of
				the event, must be added to the purse. All of the money contributed in
				nominating, sustaining and starting payments must be added to the
				purse.
3.
Withholding a
				portion of the purse
. If a contractual agreement for withholding a
				portion of the purse for the benefit of trainers and drivers is entered into
				between a licensed racing Association as defined in
				8 M.R.S.A.
				§271 and a statewide association of
				horsepersons ("Horsepersons' Association") as defined in
				8 M.R.S.A.
				§272-B that represents a majority of the
				horsepersons at that Association's racetrack, a portion of the purse winnings
				as described in sub-section
				1 shall be withheld for distribution to
				the trainer and driver of the horse that has earned a portion of a purse. The
				portion of the purses to be withheld must be determined by a contractual
				agreement between the Association and the Horsepersons' Association. A copy of
				the contractual agreement and any subsequent modification of the contract must
				be filed with the Commission before any portion of a purse is required to be
				withheld by the Association.
Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 7 - RACING › Section 017-7-73 - Supplemental Purse Payments

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Supplemental Purse payments made by a track after the
				  termination of a meeting will be charged and credited to the winnings of any
				  horse at the end of the racing year in which they are distributed, and will
				  appear on the eligibility record for the subsequent year.