Judges' Guidelines and Rules for Drivers and Trainers

1.        Drivers shall not converse on the track during a post parade.

2.        Keep both feet in stirrups, unless pulling plugs.

3.        Whipping:  Any violation of the whipping rule will be strictly enforced.  Substantial penalties will be assessed, doubling with subsequent violations.  (Read Whipping Rule).

4.        Drivers desiring to claim foul must do so at the starting gate immediately following the race.  Give a brief explanation with the name of the driver and the number of the offending horse.  You must then go directly to the Drawgate phone and call the judges. DO NOT go to the paddock phone.

5.     You are not allowed to make a hole for another driver (helping) unless your plans are to immediately pull and go.

6.        Driving 1/2 in 1/2 out will not be tolerated.

7.        Pylons: stay clear of pylons.  (Read the Pylon Rule).

8.     Maintain a competitive pace at all times.  There will be no jamming fields after fast quarters or looking for cover.

9.        Drivers involved in accidents may be asked to submit to a urine/drug test.  Also, all drivers must be cleared by an EMT prior to fulfilling their remaining driving commitments.

10.     Broken equipment must be pointed out to the Starter immediately following the race.

11.   Know your Driver and Scratch Time Deadlines.  Changes will be given to the JUDGES only!!!!  FINES will be assessed for all unexcused changes.  (Hoosier Park deadlines or Indiana Downs deadlines)

12.     All trainers MUST be licensed prior to racing.  NO temporary license will be issued to trainers.  It is the responsibility of the trainer to make sure owners on temporary licenses complete their license application.  Owners not licensed by the 30-day grace period will have their horses scratched and may be assessed a monetary penalty.

13.   Know the proper CLAIMING PROCEDURES.  (Hoosier Park Claiming Procedures or Indiana Downs Claiming Procedures)

14.    FINES MUST BE PAID WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE RULING.  THIS IS AN IHRC RULE, AND WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

15.     Penalties:  Minor driving violations - 3 days, 4 programmed drives, or $150.  Major driving involving a placing or reckless drive - 5 days, 8 programmed drives, OR $300.  Reckless conduct and repeat offences will result in stiffer penalties or the loss of driving privileges.  Penalties for drivers not competing on a regular basis will be monetary fines.