Section 1318.190  Open Stretch Racing

a)         With approval of the Board, a track may extend the width of its homestretch up to 10 feet inward in relation to the width of the rest of the racetrack.  The criteria for Board approval shall include, but not be limited to, the size of the race track, the length of the homestretch, the necessity for conversion from harness to thoroughbred racing surfaces and rails, and the type of existing rail.

b)         In the event the home stretch is expanded pursuant to subsection (a), the following shall apply:

1)         No horse shall pass on the extended inside lane entering the stretch the first time on a ½ mile track.

2)         The lead horse in the homestretch shall maintain as straight a course as possible while allowing trailing horses full access to the extended inside lane.

3)         Horses using the open stretch must first have complete clearance of the pylons. Any horse or sulky running over the pylons and/or going to the inside of the pylons to clear may be disqualified by the Steward.

4)         No horse may be driven into the open stretch for the purpose of blocking or impeding a trailing horse. It shall be presumed that a horse that blocks or impedes a trailing horse in the open stretch without advancing on a leading horse is being driven for the purpose of blocking or impeding a trailing horse.  Violation of this provision may result in a disqualification, and the driver may be fined.

(Source:  Amended at 35 Ill. Reg. 8500, effective May 23, 2011)