By: NZST
Adoption of Rulemaking for use of Hopples in Harness Racing.
On July 25, 2016, the New York State Gaming Commission adopted amendments to our current rules on the use of hopples in harness racing at 9 NYCRR §§ 4113.5(a)(2) and 4117.3. The full text of the proposed rules can be found in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the State Register on June 1, 2016 (SGC-22-16-00004-P).
The amendments allow the trainer discretion when entering a horse to race to change whether a horse will use hopples or not, subject to oversight by the Commission judges at the racetrack. The disqualification rule will no longer require the judges’ permission for a horse’s first use of hopples. The program will disclose any changes in a horse’s use of hopples.
Please be advised that the new rule will become effective upon publication in the State Register on August 10, 2016.
Adoption of Rulemaking for Coupling of Entries Harness Racing
On July 25, 2016, the New York State Gaming Commission adopted amendments to the current rule with regard to the coupling of entries in harness racing at 9 NYCRR § 4111.15. The full text of the proposed rule can be found in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the State Register on June 1, 2016 (SGC-22-16-00005-P).
The amendments provide that for stakes races of $25,000 or more, separately owned horses having the same trainer may be uncoupled although horses owned and trained by the same trainer would continue to be coupled entries. For stakes races of $100,000 or more, horses with common ownership may be uncoupled. The uncoupling of horses will continue to be subject to the discretion of the presiding judge to couple any entries in the interest of the wagering public.
Please be advised that the new Register on August 10, 2016.
Adoption of Rulemaking for Voidable Claims
On July 25, 2016, the New York State Gaming Commission adopted amendments to the claiming rules at 9 NYCRR §§ 4038.19(a) and 4109.7(a). The full text of the proposed rules can be found in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the State Register on June 8, 2016 (SGC-23-16-00006-P).
The amendments revise the Commission’s current claiming rules to permit a claimant to void a claim when samples collected the day of the claiming race test positive for an impermissible drug administration. This will clarify that a claimant can void a claim when race-day, pre-race samples test positive in violation of recently adopted thresholds.
In addition, the amendments conform the Standardbred to the Thoroughbred rule that permits a claimant to void a claim based on an equine drug positive in the race preceding the claiming race, in situations in which the earlier race’s positive drug test result was not revealed until after the claiming race.
Please be advised that the new rule will become effective upon publication in the State Register on August 10, 2016.
Kristen M. Buckley
Acting Secretary
