The Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta are AMENDED as follows:
Chapter 3: General Horse Racing Rules \ Part 6 Standardbred Racing, Division 7 Driving Rules
The following rule is AMENDED to read:
Rule 457 s Pylon rule
(1) Racetracks with pylons shall meet the following criteria regarding pylon location, and design standards
(1) sixty (60) feet apart on the straight away
(2) forty (40) feet apart on the turns
(3) pylons leading into the passing lanes to be 15 feet or less apart
(4) thirty (30) inches in length above ground
(5) pylons shall have the top three inches of the pylon painted or taped bright orange.
(2) A horse while on stride, or part of the horse's race bike that leaves the race course by going inside the pylons which constitutes the inside limits of the course, when not forced to do so as a result of the actions of another driver and/or horse may be in violation of this rule. In addition, when an act of interference causes a horse, or part of the horse's race bike, to cross inside the pylons and the horse is placed by the Judges, the offending horse shall be placed behind the horse with which it interfered.
(a) if a horse while on stride, or part of the horse's race bike, goes inside two (2) consecutive pylons, the offending horse shall be placed behind all horses that are lapped on to the offending horse at the wire,
(b) if a horse while on stride, or any part of the horse's race bike, goes inside three (3) or more consecutive pylons, the offending horse shall be placed last, and
(c) if in the opinion of the Judges a horse while on stride, or part of the horse's race bike, goes inside a pylon(s) and that action gave the horse an unfair advantage over other horses in the race or the action helped improve its position in the race, the horse may be placed at the discretion of the Judges.
(3) Drivers who in the opinion of the Judges leave the racing course when not forced to do so as a result of another driver and/or horse may be subject to a monetary penalty or suspensions.
(4) Harness tracks using an extended/passing lane the following rules will apply:
(a) No horse shall pass on the extended/passing lane entering the homestretch for the first time during the race.
(b) The lead horse in the homestretch shall maintain as straight a course as possible while allowing trailing horses full, unobstructed access to the extended/passing lane.
(c) Horses using the extended/passing lane must have complete clearance to enter and use that lane.
(d) Drivers, who in the opinion of the Board of Judges, violates any of the above when not forced to do so as a result of another driver and/or horse may be subject to being placed, monetary penalty or suspension.
Rule 457 s Pylon Rule currently states: (amended 03/20)
(1) Racetracks with pylons shall meet the following criteria regarding pylon location, and design standards
(1) sixty (60) feet apart on the straight away
(2) forty (40) feet apart on the turns
(3) pylons leading into the passing lanes to be 15 feet or less apart
(4) thirty (30) inches in length above ground
(5) pylons shall have the top three inches of the pylon painted or taped bright orange.
(2) A horse while on stride, or part of the horse's race bike that leaves the race course by going inside the pylons which constitutes the inside limits of the course, when not forced to do so as a result of the actions of another driver and/or horse may be in violation of this rule. In addition, when an act of interference causes a horse, or part of the horse's race bike, to cross inside the pylons and the horse is placed by the Judges, the offending horse shall be placed behind the horse with which it interfered.
(a) if a horse while on stride, or part of the horse's race bike, goes inside two (2) consecutive pylons, the offending horse shall be placed behind all horses that are lapped on to the offending horse at the wire,
(b) if a horse while on stride, or any part of the horse's race bike, goes inside three (3) or more consecutive pylons, the offending horse shall be placed last, and
(c) if in the opinion of the Judges a horse while on stride, or part of the horse's race bike, goes inside a pylon(s) and that action gave the horse an unfair advantage over other horses in the race or the action helped improve its position in the race, the horse may be placed at the discretion of the Judges.
(3) Drivers who in the opinion of the Judges leave the racing course when not forced to do so as a result of another driver and/or horse may be subject to a monetary penalty or suspensions.
Dated in the City of Edmonton
in the Province of Alberta
this 7 day of April 2025.
Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer
HORSE RACING ALBERTA