SECTION M (ii) – RACING RULES FOR TROTTING HORSES

 _____________________________________________________________________________

 Disqualification

M37.      A horse that is disqualified is one that loses the benefit of the position it would have been assigned otherwise. When a horse is disqualified during the race, it is no longer allowed continue the race.

Gaits

M38.      A horse shall run the entire course in the trotting gait. If a horse breaks stride, it should immediately be pulled back to trot, without interfering with other competitors.

A horse shall be disqualified:

 a)      If it breaks stride during the race and covers more than 100 metres or if it takes more than 15 strides in gallop or pacing;

b)      If it breaks stride more than twice (gallop or pace);

c)      If it takes a single stride at the gallop or pace in the last part of the race, clearly marked out by the red and white sign before the winning post. The sign is positioned at 100 metres minimum to 200 metres maximum from the winning post, according to the length and shape of the track;

d)     If it breaks stride (gallop or pace), thereby gaining and advantage over the other competitors.

 A horse may be disqualified:

a)      If it moves at an irregular gait, therefore gaining an advantage over other competitors;

b)      If it moves at an irregular gait, furthermore, the trainer and the driver may be subject to penalties.

Incidents

 M.39      A horse shall be disqualified:

 a)      If it takes the wrong course;

b)      If it covers a distance, other than the prescribed distance;

c)      If, during the race, by changing line, it interferes with one or several competitors, thereby gaining advantage over them;

d)     If it covers part of the course without its driver;

e)      If it crosses the marks that materialize the track boundary to overtake a competitor or to gain any sort of advantage.

Decision

 M.40   The decision to disqualify on accounts for its gaits or a race incident shall be taken:

a) Either immediately, while the race is ongoing

b) Or after an enquiry and before the finishing order has been made official.

M.41      The decision to disqualify in these cases shall be irrevocable and no appeal or protest shall be lodged during the race day. Irrespective of whether the horse is disqualified, its driver too may be penalized by a caution, a fine or a suspension if deemed responsible.