Section 1312.180  Elimination Heats

a)         In any race where the number of horses declared in to start exceeds 12 on a half-mile track or 16 on a larger track, the race, at the option of the track conducting same stated before positions are drawn, may be raced in elimination heats. No more than two tiers of horses, allowing eight feet per horse, will be allowed to start in any race.

b)         Where the race is divided, each division must race for at least 75% of the advertised purse. In an added money, early closing event the race may be divided and raced in divisions and each division raced for an equal share of the total purse if the advertised conditions so provide. Extended meetings shall add an additional amount so that each division will race for 75% of the total of the advertised purse and added money. These provisions shall apply to any stake or early closer with a value of $20,000 or less.

c)         In any stake race or futurity, where the conditions state that the event shall be raced one dash on a race track of less than a mile at an extended pari-mutuel meeting, and where the number of horses declared in to start exceed 12, the race, at the option of the track operator, stated before positions are drawn, may be divided by lot and raced in two elimination divisions with all money winners from both divisions competing in the final. Each division shall race one elimination heat for 20% of the total purse. The remainder of the purse shall be distributed to the money winners in the final.