N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 4115.5

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 45, November 2, 2024

Section 4115.5 - Operation of starting gate

(a) Such starting gate shall be operated under the control and direction of the starter licensed and designated by the commission. The licensed race track may employ additional persons to assist the starter in the performance of the starter's duties and such personnel shall be licensees of the commission. The starter shall have control of the horses from the formation of the parade until the starter gives the word "go."

(b) The starting gate, with its arms extended, shall be stationed on a one-half mile track as near one-quarter mile before the starting point as the track will permit. On a mile track it will be stationed at the head of the stretch.

(c) After two preliminary warm-up scores, unless otherwise directed by the starter, the starter shall notify the drivers to come to the starting gate. At no time during the scoring or start shall the drivers engage each other in unnecessary conversation.

(d) The horses shall be brought to the starting gate within two minutes after the completion of the last warm-up score unless a longer time is prescribed by the presiding judge or the starter.

(e) Upon notice from the starter, the drivers will align their horses in the order of their post positions behind the gate.

(f) The starter will cause the gate to move towards the starting point, gradually increasing the speed of the gate but maintaining a speed which will average:

(1) for the one-eighth mile, not less than 11 miles per hour;

(2) for the next one-sixteenth mile, not less than 18 miles per hour;

(3) from that point to the starting point a gradual increase to maximum speed.

(g) During the course of the start there shall be no decrease in the speed of the gate except for recall as hereinafter provided.

(h) The starting point shall be a point marked (but not lighted) on the inside rail a distance of not less than 200 feet from the first turn.

(i) The starter shall give the word "go" at the starting point.

(j) At a point on the track designated by the commission a post shall be erected ("recall post"). Upon reaching such post during the course of the start, if the starter determines that a fair start for each horse is possible, no recall shall be had thereafter unless:

(1) a horse scores ahead of the gate;

(2) there is interference;

(3) a horse has broken equipment;

(4) a horse falls before the word "go" is given.

(k) There shall be no recall after the word "go" is given.

(l) A recall shall be signaled by the flashing of a light on the starting gate plainly visible to the drivers, and by sounding a claxon or horn or other distinctively audible signal. Upon making such signals the starting gate shall proceed out of the path of the horses.

(m) In the event of a "recall," all the horses in the race shall return immediately to the quarter pole to form for a fresh start.

(n) Upon passing the recall post every horse shall be deemed a starter unless it has fallen or been excused by the starter before the word "go" is given.

(o) No persons shall be allowed to ride in the starting gate except the starter and the starter's driver or operator unless permission has been granted by the track steward in charge of the race meeting.

(p) Each mobile starting gate shall be equipped with a mechanical loudspeaker for the sole purpose of communication with the drivers. The volume thereof shall be carefully kept at the minimum necessary for such purpose.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 4115.5