Section 1306.130  Procedures of the Judges and State Steward

It shall be the procedure of these officials to:

a)         Be in the stand 15 minutes before the first race and remain in the stand 10 minutes after the last race, and at all times when the horses are upon the track.

b)         Observe the preliminary warming up of horses and scoring, noting behavior of horses, lameness, equipment, conduct of drivers, changes in odds at pari-mutuel meetings, and any unusual incidents pertaining to horses or drivers participating in races.

c)         Have the bell rung or give other notice at least 10 minutes before the race or heat. Any driver failing to obey this summons may be punished by a fine not exceeding $100. and his horse may be ruled out by the judges and considered drawn.

d)         The presiding judge shall designate the post time for each race and the horses will be called at such time as to preclude excessive delay after the completion of two scores.

e)         Be in communication with the patrol judge from the time the starter picks up the horses until the finish of the race. Any violation or near violation of the Rules and Regulations shall be reported by the patrol judge witnessing the incident and a written record made. At least one judge shall observe the drivers throughout the stretch specifically noting changing course, interference, improper use of whips, breaks, and failure to contest the race to the finish.

f)          Post the objection sign or inquiry sign on the odds board in the case of a complaint or possible rule violation, and immediately notify the announcer of the objection and the horse or horses involved. As soon as the judges have made a decision, the objection sign shall be removed, the correct placing displayed, and the "official" sign flashed. The "official" sign shall not be displayed until all horses and drivers of the race have returned to the judges' stand and saluted, horses and drivers unable to finish the race excepted. In all instances, the judges shall post the order of finish and the "official" sign as soon as they have made their decision.

g)         Display the photo sign if the order of finish among the contending horses is less than half-length or a contending horse is on a break at the finish. After the photo has been examined and a decision made, a copy or copies shall be made, checked by the presiding judge, and posted for public inspection.

h)         Sign the judges' book after each race, verifying the correctness of the record by the clerk of the course.