Mich. Admin. Code R. 431.4230 - Starting without gates

Rule 4230.

(1) An association shall provide a backup starting gate. In the event of an extraordinary occurrence, however, horses may be started without a gate.

(2) When horses are started without a gate, the official starter shall have control of the horses from the formation of the parade until he or she gives the word "go". The official starter shall be located at the wire or other point on the race course from which the word "go" shall be given. A driver shall not cause unnecessary delay after the horses are called.

(3) The driver of any horse refusing or failing to follow instructions of the official starter as to the parade or scoring ahead of the pole horse may be set down for the heat in which the offense occurs or for another period as the official starter shall recommend and may be subject to disciplinary action. When a driver is taken down, the substitute shall be permitted to score the horse once. A horse delaying the race may be started regardless of its position or gait, and there shall not be a recall on account of a bad actor.

(4) If the word "go" is not given, all the horses in the race shall immediately turn at the tap of the bell or other signal and shall jog back to their parade positions for a fresh start. There shall be no recall after the word "go" has been given.

Notes

Mich. Admin. Code R. 431.4230

1985 AACS; 2021 MR 6, Eff. 3/26/2021