Quarter Horse Racing is in effect lane racing and has been since before the beginning of organized Quarter Horse Racing in North America. I quote from reference 1: Speed And The Quarter Horse by Nelson C. Nye; Printed 1973. “I went with several officers to see a diversion peculiar to this country called quarter-racing, which is a match between two horses to run a quarter of a mile in a straight direction, and near most of the ordinaries (taverns) there is a piece of ground cleared in the woods for that purpose where there are two paths about six or eight yards asunder, which the horses run in.” and applicable to the late 1700’s.
The sport developed and the “Rules and regulations were guided by Jockey Club rules and adapted to quarter horse racing with three basic differences: registration, timing, and straightaway rules” Reference 1.
B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
Horses that break slightly slower than their competing neighbor are often impeded in their ability to leave the gate and therefore are not able to successfully compete in straightaway sprint racing. Horse with a huge mid stretch run or a big late finish may also be impeded in their run by a horse not maintaining a straight course.
Who does the issue affect?
It mostly affects those who do not believe in rule 241 t and it generally affects most or all racing quarter horses at some time in their career.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
240 t and 241 t are at present both applied by the stewards.
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
More and better definitive wording as well as more complete wording to assist stewards in supporting their decisions. To ensure lane racing is the end result.
Rule 240 t must state that it(Rule 240 t) is not applicable to straightaway racing.
How will the solution fix the problem?
It might not as it requires the full support and administration of the stewards and not knowing the history of quarter horse racing the stewards continue to allow lane changes in straightaway racing.
“Since Quarter races were intended to be run on a straightaway “chute” in comparison to a turn on distance tracks, Thoroughbred rules obviously had to be changed to fit Quarter horse racing. Basic Text of the latter, as originally set up, was that each horse must maintain position as nearly as possible in whichever lane he took off from, no horse being deliberately pocketed. Since numerous races were and are run to a “blanket finish,” some with less than a half-length difference amongst eight participants, the necessity for rigid enforcement becomes at once apparent.” Reference 1: Speed and The Quarter Horse by Nelson C. Nye; Printed 1973
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
It will make racing fairer and more acceptable to both owners and the public. It should give the stewards more direction in the sanctioning of riders who make no attempt to keep horses in their lane and in effect, these riders alter the overall outcome of the race.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
Racing will be safer for all participants, both horse and rider, and increased owner participation is likely. Additionally, it will benefit the horse that maintains a straight course while allowing others to run to their potential.
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
Non that I see.
D. Please identify any affected stakeholder groups that expressed support or opposition.
(These stakeholders may include the racetracks, breed registries, owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, or others.)
For those stakeholder groups that have expressed an opinion, please list the points on which they agree or disagree, and the arguments they have expressed.
Numerous owners and other participants who understand quarter horse racing are supporters of "Lane racing". Support has been communicated by many and at least one formal compliant filed with HRA this year that supports this endeavor.
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
Please attach any formal letters of support or opposition by stakeholder groups. Files must be PDF format and under 2048k for the system to accept the upload. You can add a maximum of 3 attachments.
E. Attach the rule language you are proposing. Please show new language in a new paragraph below the current wording. If you are proposing that current rule language be eliminated, please indicate the text to be deleted with [delete: sample deleted copy]
Riding Rules In a straightaway race, every horse must maintain position as nearly as possible in the lane in which it starts. If a horse is ridden, breaks out of the gates, drifts, or swerves out of its lane in such a manner that it interferes with , impedes or intimidate another horse, a foul occurs. Each Jockey shall be responsible for making his/her best effort to control and guide his/her mount from the onset of the race in such a way as not to cause a foul. The Stewards shall take cognizance of riding which results in a foul, irrespective of whether an objection is lodged. If in the opinion of the Stewards a foul is committed as a result of a Jockey not making his/her best effort to control and guide his/her mount from the onset of the race to avoid a foul, whether intentionally or through carelessness or incompetence, such Jockey may be penalized at the discretion of the Stewards. A Jockey shall not ride carelessly or willfully so as to permit his/her mount to interfere with, impede or intimidate any other horse in the race.
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
Oklahoma
REFERENCE Page 80-81
325:60-1-19. Riding Rules In a straightaway race, every horse must maintain position as nearly as possible in the lane in which it starts. If a horse is ridden, drifts, or swerves out of its lane in such a manner that it interferes with or impedes another horse, a foul occurs.
Each Jockey shall be responsible for making his/her best effort to control and guide his/her mount in such a way as not to cause a foul. The Stewards shall take cognizance of riding which results in a foul, irrespective of whether an objection is lodged. If in the opinion of the Stewards a foul is committed as a result of a Jockey not making his/her best effort to control and guide his/her mount to avoid a foul, whether intentionally or through carelessness or incompetence, such Jockey may be penalized at the discretion of the Stewards.
325:60-1-20. Stewards to Determine Interference and Placement the Stewards shall determine if a Horse or its Jockey has caused an interference and finished in front of the Horse it interfered with, and, if not for the interference, the Horse would have finished behind the Horse it interfered with, the interfering Horse shall be placed immediately behind the Horse with which it interfered. If the interference is a result of Dangerous Riding, the Stewards shall place the interfering Horse in last place.
325:60-1-21. Careless Riding A Jockey shall not ride carelessly or willfully so as to permit his/her mount to interfere with or impede any other horse in the race. A Jockey shall not strike at another horse or Jockey so as to impede, interfere with, or injure the other horse or Jockey. If a Jockey rides in a manner contrary to this Section, the horse may be disqualified and/or the Jockey may be fined and/or suspended or otherwise disciplined.
G. Review the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta and identify any other Rules this change would affect and submit proposed amendments to those rules to comply with changes that would be made by this proposal.
Rule 240 t - After the start of a *race, when clear, a *horse may be taken to any part of the course- MUST CLEARLY STATE THAT THIS RULE IS NOT APPLICABLE IN STRAIGHTAWAY RACES.
Rule 241 t needs to be replaced with the proposed.
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