Title of Regulation: 11VAC10-140. Flat Racing (amending 11VAC10-140-240).

Statutory Authority: § 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: May 1, 2015.

Agency Contact: David S. Lermond, Jr., Regulatory Coordinator, Virginia Racing Commission, 5707 Huntsman Road, Suite 201-B, Richmond, VA 23250, telephone (804) 966-7404, or email david.lermond@vrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments clarify and update the provision regarding a rider going off course during a steeplechase race consistent with the Rules of Racing of the National Steeplechase Association.

11VAC10-140-240. Off course.

If a horse runs on the wrong side of a post, fence, beacon or flag, it shall be considered off course and the jockey must turn back, return to the point where the horse went off course and complete the proper course or be disqualified. If a horse leaves the prescribed course of a race and jumps any fence or goes around any beacon or other obstacle other than those on the prescribed course, it must turn back and resume the race from the point at which it originally left the prescribed course, or be disqualified. A rider who continues in a race on a horse thus disqualified may be fined or suspended, or both. If a beacon or flag is dislodged from its position, it is no longer considered to mark the course and can be ignored by the rider.