department of agriculture

Harness Racing Commission

PROPOSED

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Delaware Harness Racing Commission, pursuant to 3 Del.C. §10005, proposes to change its Rules 6 and 8. The Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule changes on September 9, 2008. Written comments should be sent to Hugh J. Gallagher, Administrator of Harness Racing, Department of Agriculture, 2320 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Written comments will be accepted for thirty (30) days from the date of publication in the Register of Regulations on August 1, 2008.

The proposed changes are for the purpose of updating Rules 6 and 8 to reflect current policies, practices and procedures. Copies are published online at the Register of Regulations website: http://regulations.delaware.gov/services/current_issue.shtml. A copy is also available for inspection at the Racing Commission office.

501 Harness Racing Rules and Regulations

(Break in Continuity of Sections)

6.1 Types of Races Permitted

In presenting a program of racing, the racing secretary shall use exclusively the following types of races:

6.1.1 Overnight events which include:

6.1.1.1 Conditioned races;

6.1.1.2 Claiming races;

6.1.1.3 Preferred, invitational, handicap, open or free-for-all races;

6.1.2 Added money events which include:

6.1.2.1 Stakes;

6.1.2.2 Futurities;

6.1.2.32 Early closing events; and

6.1.2.43 Late closing events

6.1.3 Match races

6.1.4 Qualifying Races (See Rule 7.0 ‑‑ "Rules of the Race")

6.1.5 Delaware-owned or bred races as specified in 3 Del.C. §10032

6.2 Overnight Events

6.2.1 General Provisions

6.2.1.1 For the purpose of this rule, overnight events shall include conditioned, claiming, preferred, invitational, handicap, open, free-for-all, or a combination thereof.

6.2.1.2 Condition sheets must be available to participants at least 18 hours prior to closing declarations to any race program contained therein.

6.2.1.3 A fair and reasonable racing opportunity shall be afforded both trotters and pacers in reasonable proportion from those available and qualified to race.

6.2.1.4 Substitute races may be provided for each race program and shall be so designated on condition sheets. A substitute race may be used when a regularly scheduled race fails to fill.

6.2.1.5 Regularly scheduled races or substitute races may be divided where necessary to fill a program of racing, or may be divided and carried over to a subsequent racing program, subject to the following:

6.2.1.5.1 No such divisions shall be used in the place of regularly scheduled races which fill.

6.2.1.5.2 Where races are divided in order to fill a program, starters for each division must be determined by lot after preference has been applied, unless the conditions provide for divisions based upon age, performance, earnings or sex may be determined by the racing secretary.

6.2.1.5.3 However, where necessary to fill a card, not more than three races per day may be divided into not more than three divisions after preference has been applied. The divisions may be selected by the racing secretary. For all other overnight races that are divided, the division must be by lot unless the conditions provide for a division based on performance, earnings or sex.

6.2.2 Conditions

6.2.2.1 Conditions may be based only on:

6.2.2.1.1 horses' money winnings in a specified number of previous races or during a specified previous time;

6.2.2.1.2 horses' finishing positions in a specified number of previous races or during a specified period of time;

6.2.2.1.3 age, provided that no horse that is 15 years of age or older shall be eligible to perform in any race except in a matinee race;

6.2.2.1.4 sex;

6.2.2.1.5 number of starts during a specified period of time;

6.2.2.1.6 special qualifications for foreign horses that do not have a representative number of starts in the United States or Canada;

6.2.2.1.7 horse’s race condition in a specified number of previous races or during a specified period of time;

6.2.2.1.8 claiming price in a horse’s last one to three previous races;

6.2.2.1.9 Delaware-owned or bred races as specified in 3 Del.C. §10032; or

6.2.2.1.10 any one or more combinations of the qualifications herein listed.

6.2.2.2 Conditions shall not be written in such a way that any horse is deprived of an opportunity to race in a normal preference cycle. Where the word preference is used in a condition, it shall not supersede date preference as provided in the rules. Not more than three also eligible conditions shall be used in writing the conditions for overnight events.

6.2.2.3 The Commission may, upon application from the racing secretary, approve conditions other than those listed above for special events.

6.2.2.4 In the event there are conflicting published conditions and neither one nor the other is withdrawn by the Association, the one more favorable to the declarer shall govern.

6.2.2.5 For the purpose of eligibility, a racing season or racing year shall be the calendar year. All races based on winnings will be programmed as Non‑Winners of a multiple of $100 plus $1 or Winners over a multiple of $100. Additional conditions may be added. When recording winnings, gross winnings shall be used and cents shall be disregarded. In the case of a bonus, the present value of the bonus shall be credited to the horse as earnings for the race or series of races for which it received the bonus. It shall be the responsibility of the organization offering the bonus to report the present value of the bonus to the United States Trotting Association in a timely manner.

6.2.2.6 Records, time bars shall not be used as a condition of eligibility.

6.2.2.7 Horses must be eligible when declarations close subject to the provision that:

6.2.2.7.1 Wins and winnings on or after the closing date of declarations shall not be considered;

6.2.2.7.2 Age allowances and eligibility shall be according to the age of the horse on the date the race is contested.

6.2.2.7.3 In mixed races, trotting and pacing, a horse must be eligible under the conditions for the gait at which it is stated in the declaration the horse will perform.

6.2.2.8 When conditions refer to previous performances, those performances shall only include those in a purse race. Each dash or heat shall be considered as a separate performance for the purpose of condition races.

6.2.2.9 In overnight events, on a half mile racetrack there shall be no trailing horses. On a bigger racetrack there shall be no more than one trailing horse. At least eight feet per horse must be provided the starters in the front tier.

6.2.2.10 The racing secretary may reject the declaration to an overnight event of any horse whose past performance indicates that it would be below the competitive level of other horses declared to that particular event.

6.3 Claiming Races

6.3.1 General Provisions

6.3.1.1 Claiming Procedure and Determination of Claiming Price. The trainer or authorized agent entering a horse in a claiming race warrants that he has authorization from the registered owner(s) to enter said horse in a claiming race for the designated amount. In the event of a claim, the owner(s) or authorized agent shall submit a signed registration to the Presiding Judge prior to receiving proceeds from the claim and the registration shall be immediately forwarded to the U.S.T.A. registrar for transfer.

6.3.1.2 Except for the lowest claiming price offered at each meeting, conditions and allowances in claiming races may be based only on age and sex. Whenever possible, claiming races shall be written to separate horses five years old and up from young horses and to separate males from females. Mares shall be given a price allowance; provided, however, that there shall be no price allowance given to a spayed mare racing in a claiming race.

6.3.1.3 Registration certificate in current ownership, together with the application for transfer thereon duly endorsed by all registered owners, must be filed in the office of the racing secretary for all horses claimed within a reasonable time after the race from which the horse was claimed.

6.3.1.4 The price allowances that govern for claiming races must be approved by the Commission. Claiming prices recorded on past performance lines in the daily race program and on eligibility certificates shall not include allowances.

6.3.1.5 The claiming price, including any allowances, of each horse shall be printed on the official program adjacent to the horse's program number and claims shall be for the amount designated, subject to correction if printed in error.

6.3.1.6 In handicap claiming races, in the event of an also eligible horse moving into the race, the also eligible horse shall take the place of the horse that it replaces provided that the handicap is the same. In the event the handicap is different, the also eligible horse shall take the position on the outside of horses with a similar handicap, except when the horse that is scratched is a trailing horse, in which case the also eligible horse shall take the trailing position, regardless of its handicap. In handicap claiming races with one trailer, the trailer shall be determined as the fourth best post position.

6.3.1.7 To be eligible to be claimed a horse must start in the event in which it has been declared to race, except as provided in 6.3.1.8 of this subsection.

6.3.1.8 The successful claimant of a horse programmed to start may, at his option, acquire ownership of a claimed horse, even though such claimed horse was scratched and did not start in the claiming race from which it was scratched. The successful claimant must exercise his option by noon of the next day following the claiming race to which the horse was programmed and scratched. Upon notification that the successful claimant has exercised his option, the owner shall present the horse for inspection, and the claim shall not be final until the successful claimant has had the opportunity to inspect the horse. No horse may be claimed from a claiming race unless the race is contested.

6.3.1.9 Any licensed owner or the authorized agent of such person who holds a current valid Commission license may claim any horse or any person who has properly applied for and been granted a claiming certificate shall be permitted to claim any horse. Any person or authorized agent eligible to claim a horse may be allowed access to the grounds of the Association, excluding the paddock, in order to effect a claim at the designated place of making claims and to take possession of the horse claimed.

6.3.1.10 Claiming certificates are valid for a 30 day period from the date of issuance. These certificates may be applied for at the office designated by the Association prior to post time on any day of racing.

6.3.1.11 There shall be no change of ownership or trainer once a horse is programmed.

6.3.2 Prohibitions on Claims

6.3.2.1 A person shall not claim directly or indirectly his own horse or a horse trained or driven by him or cause such horse to be claimed directly or indirectly for his own account.

6.3.2.2 A person shall not directly or indirectly offer, or directly or indirectly enter into an agreement, to claim or not to claim or directly or indirectly attempt to prevent another person from claiming any horse in a claiming race.

6.3.2.3 A person shall not have more than one claim on any one horse in any claiming race.

6.3.2.4 A person shall not directly or indirectly conspire to protect a horse from being claimed by arranging another person to lodge claims, a procedure known as protection claims.

6.3.2.5 No qualified owner or his agent shall claim a horse for another person.

6.3.2.6 No person shall enter in a claiming race a horse against which there is a mortgage, bill or sale, or lien of any kind, unless the written consent of the holder thereof shall be filed with the Clerk of the Course of the association conducting such claiming race.

6.3.2.7 Any mare which has been bred shall not be declared into a claiming race for at least 30 days following the last breeding of the mare, and thereafter such a mare may only be declared into a claiming race after a veterinarian has pronounced the mare not to be in foal. Any mare pronounced in foal shall not be declared into a claiming race. Where a mare is claimed out of a claiming race and subsequently proves to be in foal from a breeding which occurred prior to the race from which she was claimed, the claim may be voided by the judges at the option of the successful claimant provided the mare is subjected to a pregnancy examination within 18 days of the date of the claim, and is found pregnant as a result of that pregnancy examination. A successful claimant seeking to void the claim must file a petition to void said claim with the judges within 10 days after this pregnancy examination and shall thereafter be heard by the judges after due notice of the hearing to the parties concerned.

6.3.2.8 No one shall claim more than one horse in a race either alone, in a partnership, corporation or other legal entity.

6.3.2.9 If a horse is claimed, no right, title or interest therein shall be sold or transferred except in a claiming race for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of the claiming.

6.3.3 Claiming Procedure

6.3.3.1 A person desiring to claim a horse must have the required amount of money, on deposit with the Association at the time the completed claim form is deposited. The deposit shall be in cash or may be in a certified check at the discretion of the Association. The Association may require that a certified check clear the bank upon which it was drawn and funds transferred to the Association’s account prior to the credit being “established.”

6.3.3.2 The claimant shall provide all information required on the claim form provided by the Association Commission, including any and all testing requests.

6.3.3.3 The claim form shall be completed and signed by the claimant prior to placing it in an envelope provided for this purpose by the Association and approved by the Commission. The claimant shall seal the envelope and identify on the outside the date, time of day, race number and track name only.

6.3.3.4 The envelope shall be delivered to the designated area, or licensed delegate, at least fifteen (15) thirty (30) minutes before post time of the race from which the claim is being made. That person shall certify on the outside of the envelope the time it was received, the current license status of the claimant and whether credit in the required amount has been established.

6.3.3.5 It shall be the responsibility of the Association to ensure that all such claim envelopes are delivered unopened or otherwise undisturbed to the judges prior to the race from which the claim is being made. The Association shall provide for an agent who shall, immediately after closing, deliver the claim to the judges' stand.

6.3.3.6 The claim shall be opened and the claims, if any, examined by the judges prior to the start of the race. The Association's auditor, or his agent, shall be prepared to state whether the claimant has on deposit, the amount equivalent to the specified claiming price and any other required fees and taxes.

6.3.3.7 The judges shall disallow any claim made on a form or in a manner which fails to comply with all requirements of this rule.

6.3.3.8 Documentation supporting all claims for horses, whether successful or unsuccessful, shall include details of the method of payment either by way of a photostatic copy of the check presented, or written detailed information to include the name of the claimant, the bank, branch, account number and drawer of any checks or details of any other method of payment. This documentation is to be kept on file at race tracks for three (3) years and is to be produced to the Commission for inspection at any time during the period.

6.3.3.9 When a claim has been lodged it is irrevocable, unless otherwise provided for in these rules.

6.3.3.10 In the event more than one claim is submitted for the same horse, the successful claimant shall be determined by lot by the judges, and all unsuccessful claims involved in the decision by lot shall, at that time, become null and void, notwithstanding any future disposition of such claim.

6.3.3.11 Upon determining that a claim is valid, the judges shall notify the paddock judge of the name of the horse claimed, the name of the claimant and the name of the person to whom the horse is to be delivered. Also, the judges shall cause a public announcement to be made.

6.3.3.12 Every horse entered in a claiming race shall race for the account of the owner who declared it in the event, but title to a claimed horse shall be vested in the successful claimant from the time the horse is deemed to have started, and the successful claimant shall become the owner of the horse, whether it be alive or dead, or sound or unsound, or injured during or after the race. If a horse is claimed out of a heat or dash of an event having multiple heats or dashes, the judges shall scratch the horse from any subsequent heat or dash of the event.

6.3.3.13 A post‑race test may be taken from any horse claimed out of a claiming race. The trainer of the horse at the time of entry for the race from which the horse was claimed shall be responsible for the claimed horse until the post‑race sample is collected. The successful claimant shall have the right to void the claim should the forensic analysis be positive for any prohibited substance or an illegal level of a permitted medication, or if a blood sample exhibits a positive response to Darbepoietin (DPO), the Erythropietin (EPO) in itself, or through an antibody test. The claimed horse may be entered to race while results are pending, but not be permitted to race until the approved laboratory chemist notifies the DHRC on his findings in the samples taken from the horse.

6.3.3.14 Any person who refuses to deliver a horse legally claimed out of a claiming race shall be suspended, together with the horse, until delivery is made. The horse’s halter must accompany the horse. Altering or removing the horse’s shoes will be considered a violation of these rules.

6.3.3.15 No horse claimed out of a claiming race shall be eligible to start in any race in the name or interest of the prior owner for 30 days, nor shall such horse remain in the same stable or under the care or management of the prior owner or trainer, or anyone connected therewith unless reclaimed out of another claiming race. Further, such claimed horse shall only be eligible to enter in races in the state of Delaware for a period of 60 days following the date of the claim, unless released in writing by an authorized representative of the Association.

6.3.3.16 The claiming price shall be paid to the owner of the horse at the time entry for the race from which the horse was claimed only when the judges are satisfied that the successful claim is valid and the registration has been received by the racing secretary for transfer to the new owner and the Presiding Judge has signed a release notice of horse claimed and application for transfer form.

6.3.3.17 The judges shall rule a claim invalid:

6.3.3.17.1 at the option of the claimant if the official racing chemist reports a positive test on a horse that was claimed, provided such option is exercised within 24 hours following notification to the claimant of the positive test by the judges;

6.3.3.17.2 if the horse has been found ineligible to the event from which it was claimed, regardless of the position of the claimant.

6.3.3.18 Mares and fillies who are in foal are ineligible to claiming races. Upon receipt of the horse, if a claimant determines within 48 hours that a claimed filly or mare is in foal, he may, at their option, return the horse to the owner of the horse at the time of entry for the race from which the horse was claimed.

6.3.3.19 When the judges rule that a claim is invalid and the horse is returned to the owner of the horse at the time of entry for the race in which the invalid claim was made:

6.3.3.19.1 the amount of the claiming price and any other required fees and/or taxes shall be repaid to the claimant;

6.3.3.19.2 any purse monies earned subsequent to the date of the claim and before the date on which the claim is ruled invalid shall be the property of the claimant; and

6.3.3.19.3 the claimant shall be responsible for any reasonable costs incurred through the care, training or racing of the horse while it was in his possession.

6.4 Added Money Events

6.4.1 General Provisions

6.4.1.1 For the purpose of this rule, added money events include stakes, futurities, early closing events and late closing events.

6.4.1.2 All sponsors and presenters of added money events must comply with the rules and must submit to the Commission the conditions and other information pertaining to such events.

6.4.1.3 Any conditions contrary to the provisions of any of these rules are prohibited.

6.4.2 Conditions

Conditions for added money events must specify:

6.4.2.1 which horses are eligible to be nominated;

6.4.2.2 the amount to be added to the purse by the sponsor or presenter, should the amount be known at the time;

6.4.2.3 the dates and amounts of nomination, sustaining and starting payments;

6.4.2.4 whether the event will be raced in divisions or conducted in elimination heats, and;

6.4.2.5 the distribution of the purse, in percent, to the money winners in each heat or dash, and the distribution should the number of starters be less than the number of premiums advertised; and

6.4.2.6 whether also eligible horses may be carded prior to the running heats or legs of added money events.

6.4.3 Requirements of Sponsors/Presenters

6.4.3.1 Sponsors or presenters of stakes, futurities or early closing events shall provide a list of nominations to each nominator or owner and to the Associations concerned within sixty (60) days after the date on which nominations close, other than for nominations payable prior to January 1st of a horse's two‑year‑old year.

6.4.3.2 In the case of nominations for futurities payable during the foaling year, such lists must be forwarded out prior to October 15th of that year and, in the case of nominations payable in the yearling year, such lists must be forwarded out not later than September 1 of that year.

6.4.3.32 Sponsors or presenters of stakes, futurities or early closing events shall also provide a list of horses remaining eligible to each owner of an eligible within 45 days after the date on which sustaining payments are payable. All lists shall include a resume of the current financial status of the event.

6.4.3.43 The Commission may require the sponsor or presenter to file with the Commission a surety bond in the amount of the fund to ensure faithful performance of the conditions, including a guarantee that the event will be raced as advertised and all funds will be segregated and all premiums paid. Commission consent must be obtained to transfer or change the date of the event, or to alter the conditions. In any instance where a sponsor or presenter furnishes the Commission with substantial evidence of financial responsibility satisfactory to the Commission, such evidence may be accepted in lieu of a surety bond.

6.4.4 Nominations, Fees and Purses

6.4.4.1 All nominations to added money events must be made in accordance with the conditions.

6.4.4.2 Dates for added money event nominations payments are:

6.4.4.2.1 Stakes: The date for closing of nominations on yearlings shall be May 15th. The date foreclosing of nominations to all other stakes shall fall on the fifteenth day of a month.

6.4.4.2.2 Futurity: The date for closing of nominations shall be July 15th of the year of foaling.

6.4.4.2.32 Early Closing Events: The date for closing of nominations shall fall on the first or fifteenth day of a month. Nominations on two‑year‑olds shall not be taken prior to February 15th.

6.4.4.2.43 Late Closing Events: The date for closing of nominations shall be at the discretion of the sponsor or presenter.

6.4.4.3 Dates for added money event sustaining payments are:

6.4.4.3.1 Stakes and Futurities: Sustaining payments shall fall on the fifteenth day of a month. No stake or futurity sustaining fee shall become due prior to (Month) 15th of the year in which the horses nominated become two years of age.

6.4.4.3.2 Early and Late Closing Events: Sustaining payments shall fall on the first or fifteenth day of a month.

6.4.4.4 The starting fee shall become due when a horse is properly declared to start and shall be payable in accordance with the conditions of the added money event. Once a horse has been properly declared to start, the starting fee shall be forfeited, whether or not the horse starts. Should payment not be made thirty (30) minutes before the post time of the event, the horse may be scratched and the payment shall become a liability of the owner who shall, together with the horse or horses, be suspended until payment is made in full, providing the Association notifies the Commission within thirty (30) days after the starting date.

6.4.4.5 Failure to make any payment required by the conditions constitutes an automatic withdrawal from the event.

6.4.4.6 Conditions that will eliminate horses nominated to an event, or add horses that have not been nominated to an event by reason of performance of such horses at an earlier meeting, are invalid. Early and late closing events shall have not more than two also eligible conditions.

6.4.4.7 The date and place where early and late closing events will be raced must be announced before nominations are taken. The date and place where stakes and futurities will be raced must be announced as soon as determined but, in any event, such announcement must be made no later than March 30th of the year in which the event is to be raced.

6.4.4.8 Deductions may not be made from nomination, sustaining and starting payments or from the advertised purse for clerical or any other expenses.

6.4.4.9 Every nomination shall constitute an agreement by the person making the nomination and the horse shall be subject to these rules. All disputes and questions arising out of such nomination shall be submitted to the Commission, whose decision shall be final.

6.4.4.10 Nominations and sustaining payments must be received by the sponsor or presenter not later than the hour of closing, except those made by mail must bear a postmark placed thereon not later than the hour of closing. In the event the hour of closing falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the hour of closing shall be extended to the same hour of the next business day. The hour of closing shall be midnight of the due date.

6.4.4.11 If conditions require a minimum number of nominations and the event does not fill, the Commission and each nominator shall be notified within twenty (20) days of the closing of nominations and a refund of nomination fees shall accompany such notice to nominators.

6.4.4.12 If conditions for early or late closing events allow transfer for change of gait, such transfer shall be to the lowest class the horse is eligible to at the adopted gait, eligibility to be determined at the time of closing nominations. The race to which the transfer may be made must be the one nearest the date of the event originally nominated to. Two‑year‑olds, three‑year‑olds, or four‑year‑olds, nominated in classes for their age, may only transfer to classes for the same age group at the adopted gait to the race nearest the date of the event they were originally nominated to, and entry fees to be adjusted.

6.4.4.13 A nominator is required to guarantee the identity and eligibility of nominations, and if this information is given incorrectly he or she may be fined, suspended, or expelled and the horse declared ineligible. If any purse money was obtained by an ineligible horse, the monies shall be forfeited and redistributed among those justly entitled to the same.

6.4.4.14 Early or late closing events must be contested if six or more betting interests are declared to start. If less horses are declared to start than required, the race may be declared off, in which case the total of nominations, sustaining and starting payments received shall be divided equally to the horses declared to start. Such distribution shall not be credited as purse winnings.

6.4.4.15 Stakes or futurities must be contested if one or more horses are declared to start. In the event only one horse, or only horses in the same interest start, it constitutes a walk‑over. In the event no declarations are made, the total of nomination and sustaining payments shall be divided equally to the horses remaining eligible after payment to the last sustaining payment, but such distribution shall not be credited as purse winnings.

6.4.4.16 Associations shall provide stable space for each horse on the day of the race.

6.4.4.17 The maximum size of fields permitted in any added money event shall be no more than one trailer unless otherwise approved by the Commission.

6.4.4.18 An Association may elect to go with less than the number of trailers specified in subdivision 17 above.

6.4.4.19 In the event more horses are declared to start than allowed in one field, the race will be conducted in divisions or eliminations, as specified in the conditions.

6.4.4.20 In early closing races, late closing races and overnight races requiring entry fees, all monies paid in by the nominators in excess of 85 percent of the advertised purse shall be added to the advertised purse and the total shall then be considered to be the minimum purse. If the race is split and raced in divisions, the provisions of subdivision 21 below shall apply. Provided further that where overnight races are split and raced in eliminations rather than divisions, all starting fees payable under the provisions of this rule shall be added to the advertised purse.

6.4.4.21 Where a race other than a stake or futurity is divided, each division must race for at least 75 percent of the advertised purse.

6.4.4.22 The number of horses allowed to qualify for the final heat of an event conducted in elimination heats shall not exceed the maximum number permitted to start in accordance with the rules. In any elimination dash where there are horses unable to finish due to an accident and there are fewer horses finishing than would normally qualify for the final, the additional horses qualifying for the final shall be drawn by lot from among those unoffending horses not finishing.

6.4.4.23 The judges' decisions in arriving at the official order of finish of elimination heats on the same program shall be final and irrevocable and not subject to appeal or protest.

6.4.4.24 Unless the conditions for the added money event provide otherwise the judges shall draw by lot the post positions for the final heat in elimination events, i.e. they shall draw positions to determine which of the two elimination heat winners shall have the pole, and which the second position; which of the two horses that were second shall start in the third position, and which in the fourth, etc.

6.4.4.25 In a two‑in‑three race, a horse must win two heats to win a race and there shall be 10 percent set aside for the race winner. Unless conditions state otherwise, the purse shall be divided and awarded according to the finish in each of the first two or three heats, as the case may be. If the number of advertised premiums exceeds the number of finishers, the excess premiums shall go to the winner of the heat. The fourth heat, when required, shall be raced for 10 percent of the purse set aside for the race winner. In the event there are three separate heat or dash winners and they alone come back in order to determine the race winner, they will take post positions according to the order of their finish in the previous heat. In a two‑year‑old race, if there are two heat winners and they have made a dead heat in the third heat, the race shall be declared finished and the one standing best in the summary shall be awarded the 10 percent. If the two heat winners make a dead heat and stand the same in the summary, the 10 percent shall be divided equally among them.

6.5 Cancellation of a Race

In case of cancellation of races, see Rule 7.3 ‑‑"Postponement and Cancellation."

6.6 Delaware Owned or Bred Races

6.6.1 Persons licensed to conduct harness horse racing meets under title 3, chapter 100, may offer non-stakes races limited to horses wholly owned by Delaware residents or sired by Delaware stallions.

6.6.2 For purposes of this rule, a Delaware bred horse shall be defined as one sired by a Delaware stallion who stood in Delaware during the entire breeding season in which he covered a book of mares or a horse whose dam was a wholly-owned Delaware brood mare at the time of breeding as shown on the horse's United State Trotting Association registration or electronic eligibility papers. The breeding season means that period of time beginning February 1 and ending August 1 of each year.

6.6.3 All horses to be entered in Delaware owned or bred races must first be registered and approved by the Commission or its designee. The Commission may establish a date upon which a horse must be wholly-owned by a Delaware resident(s) to be eligible to be nominated, entered, or raced as Delaware-owned. In the case of a corporation seeking to enter a horse in a Delaware-owned or bred event as a Delaware-owned entry, all owners, officers, shareholders, and directors must meet the requirements for a Delaware resident specified below. In the case of an Association or other entity seeking to enter a horse in a Delaware owned or bred event as a Delaware-owned entry, all owners must meet the requirements for a Delaware resident specified below. Leased horses are ineligible as Delaware owned entries unless both the lessor and the lessee are Delaware residents as set forth in this Rule and 3 Del.C. §10032.

6.6.4 The following actions shall be prohibited for Delaware-owned races and such horses shall be deemed ineligible to be nominated, entered, or raced as Delaware-owned horses:

6.6.4.1 Payment of the purchase price over time beyond the date of registration;

6.6.4.2 Payment of the purchase price through earnings beyond the date of registration;

6.6.4.3 Payment of the purchase price with a loan, other than from a commercial lender regulated in Delaware and balance due beyond the date of registration;

6.6.4.4 Any management fees, agent fees, consulting fees, or any other form of compensation to non-residents of Delaware, except industry standard training and driving fees; or

6.6.4.5 Leasing a horse to a non-resident of Delaware.

6.6.5 The Commission or its designee shall determine all questions about a person's eligibility to participate in Delaware-owned races. In determining whether a person is a Delaware Resident, the term "resident" shall mean the place where an individual has his or her permanent home, at which that person remains when not called elsewhere for labor or other special or temporary purposes, and to which that person returns in seasons of repose. The term "residence" shall mean a place a person voluntarily fixed as a permanent habitation with an intent to remain in such place for the indefinite future.

6.6.6 The Commission or its designee may review and subpoena any information which is deemed relevant to determine a person's residence, including but not limited to, the following:

6.6.6.1 Where the person lives and has been living;

6.6.6.2 The location of the person's sources of income;

6.6.6.3 The address used by the person for payment of taxes, including federal, state and property taxes;

6.6.6.4 The state in which the person's personal automobiles are registered;

6.6.6.5 The state issuing the person's driver's license;

6.6.6.6 The state in which the person is registered to vote;

6.6.6.7 Ownership of property in Delaware or outside of Delaware;

6.6.6.8 The residence used for U.S.T.A. membership and U.S.T.A. registration of a horse, whichever is applicable;

6.6.6.9 The residence claimed by a person on a loan application or other similar document;

6.6.6.10 Membership in civic, community, and other organizations in Delaware and elsewhere.

6.6.6.11 None of these factors when considered alone shall be dispositive, except that a person must have resided in the State of Delaware in the preceding calendar year for a minimum of one hundred and eighty three (183) days. Consideration of all of these factors together, as well as a person's expressed intention, shall be considered in arriving at a determination. The burden shall be on the applicant to prove Delaware residency and eligibility for Delaware-owned or bred races. The Commission may promulgate by regulation any other relevant requirements necessary to ensure that the licensee is a Delaware resident. In the event of disputes about a person's eligibility to enter a Delaware-owned or bred race, the Commission shall resolve all disputes and that decision shall be final.

6.6.7 Each owner and trainer, or the authorized agent of an owner or trainer, or the nominator (collectively, the "entrant"), is required to disclose the true and entire ownership of each horse with the Commission or its designee, and to disclose any changes in the owners of the registered horse to the Commission or its designee. All licensees and racing officials shall immediately report any questions concerning the ownership status of a horse to the Commission racing officials, and the Commission racing officials may place such a horse on the steward's or judge's list. A horse placed on the steward's or judge's list shall be ineligible to start in a race until questions concerning the ownership status of the horse are answered to the satisfaction of the Commission or the Commission's designee, and the horse is removed from the steward or judge's list.

6.6.8 If the Commission, or the Commission's designee, finds a lack of sufficient evidence of ownership status, residency, or other information required for eligibility, prior to a race, the Commission or the Commission's designee, may order the entrant's horse scratched from the race or ineligible to participate.

6.6.9 After a race, the Commission or the Commission's designee, may upon reasonable suspicion, withhold purse money pending an inquiry into ownership status, residency, or other information required to determine eligibility. If the purse money is ultimately forfeited because of a ruling by the Commission or the Commission's designee, the purse money shall be redistributed per order of the Commission or the Commission's designee.

6.6.10 If purse money has been paid prior to reasonable suspicion, the Commission or the Commission's designee may conduct an inquiry and make a determination as to eligibility. If the Commission or the Commission's designee determines there has been a violation of ownership status, residency, or other information required for eligibility, it shall order the purse money returned and redistributed per order of the Commission or the Commission's designee.

6.6.11 Anyone who willfully provides incorrect or untruthful information to the Commission or its designee pertaining to the ownership of a Delaware-owned or bred horse, or who attempts to enter a horse restricted to Delaware-owned entry who is determined not to be a Delaware resident, or who commits any other fraudulent act in connection with the entry or registration of a Delaware-owned or bred horse, in addition to other penalties imposed by law, shall be subject to mandatory revocation of licensing privileges in the State of Delaware for a period to be determined by the Commission in its discretion except that absent extraordinary circumstances, the Commission shall impose a minimum revocation period of two years and a minimum fine of $5,000 from the date of the violation of these rules or the decision of the Commission, whichever occurs later.

6.6.12 Any person whose license is suspended or revoked under subsection (k) of this rule shall be required to apply for reinstatement of licensure and the burden shall be on the applicant to demonstrate that his or he licensure will not reflect adversely on the honesty and integrity of harness racing or interfere with the orderly conduct of a race meeting. Any person whose license is reinstated under this subsection shall be subject to a two year probationary period, and may no participate in any Delaware-owned or bred race during this probationary period. Any further violations of this section by the licensee during the period of probationary licensure shall, absent extraordinary circumstances, result in the Commission imposing revocation of all licensure privileges for a five year period along with any other penalty the Commission deems reasonable and just.

6.6.13 Any suspension imposed by the Commission under this rule shall not be subject to the stay provisions in 29 Del.C. §10144.

(Break in Continuity of Sections)

8.1 General Provisions

The purpose of this Rule is to protect the integrity of horse racing, to ensure the health and welfare of race horses and to safeguard the interests of the public and the participants in racing.

8.2 Veterinary Practices

8.2.1 Veterinarians Under Authority of Chief DHRC Veterinarian

Veterinarians licensed by the Commission and practicing at any location under the jurisdiction of the Commission are subject to these Rules, which shall be enforced under the authority of the Chief DHRC Veterinarian and the State Steward. Without limiting the authority of the Presiding Judge to enforce these Rules, the Chief DHRC Veterinarian may recommend to the Presiding Judge or the Commission the discipline which may be imposed upon a veterinarian who violates the rules.

8.2.2 Treatment Restrictions

8.2.2.1 Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, no person other than a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this jurisdiction and licensed by the Commission may administer a prescription or controlled medication, drug, chemical or other substance (including any medication, drug, chemical or other substance by injection) to a horse at any location under the jurisdiction of the Commission.

8.2.2.2 This subsection does not apply to the administration of the following substances except in approved quantitative levels, if any, present in post‑race samples or as they may interfere with post‑race testing:

8.2.2.2.1 a recognized non‑injectable nutritional supplement or other substance approved by the official veterinarian;

8.2.2.2.2 a non‑injectable substance on the direction or by prescription of a licensed veterinarian; or

8.2.2.2.3 a non‑injectable non‑prescription medication or substance.

8.2.2.3 No person shall possess a hypodermic needle, syringe or injectable of any kind on association premises, unless otherwise approved by the Commission. At any location under the jurisdiction of the Commission, veterinarians may use only one‑time disposable needles, and shall dispose of them in a manner approved by the Commission. If a person has a medical condition which makes it necessary to have a syringe at any location under the jurisdiction of the Commission, that person may request permission of the Board of Judges and/or the Commission in writing, furnish a letter from a licensed physician explaining why it is necessary for the person to possess a syringe, and must comply with any conditions and restrictions set by the Board of Judges and/or the Commission.

8.3 Medications and Foreign Substances

Foreign substances shall mean all substances, except those which exist naturally in the untreated horse at normal physiological concentration, and shall include all narcotics, stimulants, depressants or other drugs or medications of any type. Except as specifically permitted by these rules, no foreign substance shall be carried in the body of the horse at the time of the running of the race. Upon a finding of a violation of these medication and prohibited substances rules, the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission shall consider the classification level of the violation as listed at the time of the violation by the Uniform Classification Guidelines of Foreign Substances as promulgated by the Association of Racing Commissioners International and shall consider all other relevant available evidence including but not limited to: i) whether the violation created a risk of injury to the horse or driver; ii) whether the violation undermined or corrupted the integrity of the sport of harness racing; iii) whether the violation misled the wagering public and those desiring to claim the horse as to the condition and ability of the horse; iv) whether the violation permitted the trainer or licensee to alter the performance of the horse or permitted the trainer or licensee to gain an advantage over other horses entered in the race; v) the amount of the purse involved in the race in which the violation occurred. The Presiding Judge may impose penalties and disciplinary measures consistent with the recommendations contained in subsection 8.3.2 of this section.

8.3.1 Uniform Classification Guidelines

The following outline describes the types of substances placed in each category. This list shall be publicly posted in the offices of the Chief DHRC Veterinarian and the racing secretary.

8.3.1.1 Class 1

Opiates, opium derivatives, synthetic opiates, psychoactive drugs, amphetamines and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) scheduled I and II drugs. Also found in this class are drugs which are potent stimulants of the nervous system. Drugs in this class have no generally accepted medical use in the race horse and their pharmacological potential for altering the performance of a race is very high.

8.3.1.2 Class 2

Drugs in this category have a high potential for affecting the outcome of a race. Most are not generally accepted as therapeutic agents in the race horse. Many are products intended to alter consciousness or the psychic state of humans, and have no approved or indicated use in the horse. Some, such as injectable local anesthetics, have legitimate use in equine medicine, but should not be found in a race horse. The following groups of drugs are in this class:

8.3.1.2.1 Opiate partial agonist, or agonist‑antagonists;

8.3.1.2.2 Non‑opiate psychotropic drugs, which may have stimulant, depressant, analgesic or neuroleptic effects;

8.3.1.2.3 Miscellaneous drugs which might have a stimulant effect on the central nervous system (CNS);

8.3.1.2.4 Drugs with prominent CNS depressant action;

8.3.1.2.5 Antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs, with or without prominent CNS stimulatory or depressant effects;

8.3.1.2.6 Muscle blocking drugs which have a direct neuromuscular blocking action;

8.3.1.2.7 Local anesthetics which have a reasonable potential for use as nerve blocking agents (except procaine); and

8.3.1.2.8 Snake venoms and other biologic substances which may be used as nerve blocking agents.

8.3.1.3 Class 3

Drugs in this class may or may not have an accepted therapeutic use in the horse. Many are drugs that affect the cardiovascular, pulmonary and autonomic nervous systems. They all have the potential of affecting the performance of a race horse. The following groups of drugs are in this class:

8.3.1.3.1 Drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system which do not have prominent CNS effects, but which do have prominent cardiovascular or respiratory system effects (bronchodilators are included in this class);

8.3.1.3.2 A local anesthetic which has nerve blocking potential but also has a high potential for producing urine residue levels from a method of use not related to the anesthetic effect of the drug (procaine);

8.3.1.3.3 Miscellaneous drugs with mild sedative action, such as the sleep inducing antihistamines;

8.3.1.3.4 Primary vasodilating/hypotensive agents; and

8.3.1.3.5 Potent diuretics affecting renal function and body fluid composition.

8.3.1.4 Class 4

This category is comprised primarily of therapeutic medications routinely used in race horses. These may influence performance, but generally have a more limited ability to do so. Groups of drugs assigned to this category include the following:

8.3.1.4.1 Non‑opiate drugs which have a mild central analgesic effect;

8.3.1.4.2 Drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system which do not have prominent CNS, cardiovascular or respiratory effects

8.3.1.4.2.1 Drugs used solely as topical vasoconstrictors or decongestants

8.3.1.4.2.2 Drugs used as gastrointestinal antispasmodics

8.3.1.4.2.3 Drugs used to void the urinary bladder

8.3.1.4.2.4 Drugs with a major effect on CNS vasculature or smooth muscle of visceral organs.

8.3.1.4.3 Antihistamines which do not have a significant CNS depressant effect (This does not include H1 blocking agents, which are listed in Class 5);

8.3.1.4.4 Mineralocorticoid drugs;

8.3.1.4.5 Skeletal muscle relaxants;

8.3.1.4.6 Anti‑inflammatory drugs‑‑those that may reduce pain as a consequence of their anti-inflammatory actions, which include:

8.3.1.4.6.1 Non‑Steroidal Anti‑Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)‑‑aspirin‑like drugs;

8.3.1.4.6.2 Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids); and

8.3.1.4.6.3 Miscellaneous anti‑inflammatory agents.

8.3.1.4.7 Anabolic and/or androgenic steroids and other drugs;

8.3.1.4.8 Less potent diuretics;

8.3.1.4.9 Cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmics including:

8.3.1.4.9.1 Cardiac glycosides;

8.3.1.4.9.2 Antiarrhythmic agents (exclusive of lidocaine, bretylium and propanolol); and

8.3.1.4.9.3 Miscellaneous cardiotonic drugs.

8.3.1.4.10 Topical Anesthetics‑‑agents not available in injectable formulations;

8.3.1.4.11 Antidiarrheal agents; and

8.3.1.4.12 Miscellaneous drugs including:

8.3.1.4.12.1 Expectorants with little or no other pharmacologic action;

8.3.1.4.12.2 Stomachics; and

8.3.1.4.12.3 Mucolytic agents.

8.3.1.5 Class 5

Drugs in this category are therapeutic medications for which concentration limits have been established as well as certain miscellaneous agents. Included specifically are agents which have very localized action only, such as anti‑ulcer drugs and certain antiallergic drugs. The anticoagulant drugs are also included.

8.3.2 Penalty Recommendations

The following penalties and disciplinary measures may be imposed for violations of these medication and prohibited substances rules:

8.3.2.1 Class 1 ‑ in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum license revocation of eighteen months and a minimum fine of $5,000, and a maximum fine up to the amount of the purse money for the race in which the infraction occurred, forfeiture of the purse money, and assessment for cost of the drug testing.

8.3.2.2 Class 2 ‑ in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum license revocation of nine months and a minimum fine of $3,000, and a maximum fine of up to the amount of the purse money for the race in which the violation occurred, forfeiture of the purse money, and assessment for cost of the drug testing.

8.3.2.3 Class 3 ‑ in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum license revocation of ninety days, and a minimum fine of $3,000, and a maximum fine of up to the amount of the purse money for the race in which the violation occurred, forfeiture of the purse money, and assessment for cost of the drug testing.

8.3.2.4 Class 4 - in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum license revocation of thirty days, and a minimum fine of $2,000, and a maximum fine of up to the amount of the purse money for the race in which the violation occurred, forfeiture of the purse money, and assessment for the cost of the drug testing.

8.3.2.5 Class 5 - Zero to 15 days suspension with a possible loss of purse and/or fine and assessment for the cost of the drug testing.

8.3.2.6 In determining the appropriate penalty with respect to a medication rule violation, the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission may use his discretion in the application of the foregoing penalty recommendations, and shall consult with the Chief DHRC Veterinarian and/or the Commission chemist to determine the seriousness of the laboratory finding or the medication violation. Aggravating or mitigating circumstances in any case should be considered and greater or lesser penalties and/or disciplinary measures may be imposed than those set forth above. Specifically, if the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission determine that mitigating circumstances warrant imposition of a lesser penalty than the recommendations suggest, he may impose a lesser penalty. If the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission determines that aggravating circumstances require imposition of a greater penalty, however, he may only impose up to the maximum recommended penalty, and must refer the case to the Commission for its review, with a recommendation for specific action. Without limitation, the presence of the following aggravating circumstances may warrant imposition of greater penalties than those recommended, up to and including a lifetime suspension:

8.3.2.6.1 Repeated violations of these medication and prohibited substances rules by the same trainer or with respect to the same horse;

8.3.2.6.2 Prior violations of similar rules in other racing jurisdictions by the same trainer or with respect to the same horse; or

8.3.2.6.3 Violations which endanger the life or health of the horse.

8.3.2.6.4 Violations that mislead the wagering public and those desiring to claim a horse as to the condition and ability of the horse;

8.3.2.6.5 Violations that undermine or corrupt the integrity of the sport of harness racing.

8.3.2.7 Any person whose license is reinstated after a prior violation involving class 1 or class 2 drugs and who commits a subsequent violation within five years of the prior violation, shall absent extraordinary circumstances, be subject to a minimum revocation of license for five years, and a minimum fine in the amount of the purse money of the race in which the infraction occurred, along with any other penalty just and reasonable under the circumstances.

8.3.2.7.1 With respect to Class 1, 2 and 3 drugs detect in a urine sample but not in a blood sample, and in addition to the foregoing factors, in determining the length of a suspension and/or the amount of a fine, or both, the Board of Judges may take in consideration, without limitation, whether the drug has any equine therapeutic use, the time and method of administration, if determined, whether more than one foreign substance was detected in the sample, and any other appropriate aggravating or mitigating factors.

8.3.2.8 Whenever a trainer is suspended more than once within a two-year period for a violation of this chapter regarding medication rules, any suspension imposed on the trainer for any such subsequent violation also shall apply to the horse involved in such violation. The Board of Judges may impose a shorter suspension on the horse than on the trainer.

8.3.2.9 At the discretion of the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission, a horse as to which an initial finding of a prohibited substance has bee made by the Commission chemist may be prohibited from racing pending a timely hearing; provided, however, that other horses registered under the care of the trainer of such a horse may, with the consent of the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission be released to the care of another trainer, and may race.

8.3.3 Medication Restrictions

8.3.3.1 Drugs or medications in horses are permissible, provided:

8.3.3.1.1 the drug or medication is listed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International's Drug Testing and Quality Assurance Program; and

8.3.3.1.2 the maximum permissible urine or blood concentration of the drug or medication does not exceed the limit established in theses Rules or otherwise approved and published by the Commission.

8.3.3.2 Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, a person may not administer or cause to be administered by any means to a horse a prohibited drug, medication, chemical or other substance, including any restricted medication pursuant to this chapter during the 24‑hour period before post time for the race in which the horse is entered. Such administration shall result in the horse being scratched from the race and may result in disciplinary actions being taken.

8.3.3.3 A finding by the official chemist of a prohibited drug, chemical or other substance in a test specimen of a horse is prima facie evidence that the prohibited drug, chemical or other substance was administered to the horse and, in the case of a post‑race test, was present in the horse's body while it was participating in a race. Prohibited substances include:

8.3.3.3.1 drugs or medications for which no acceptable levels have been established in these Rules or otherwise approved and published by the Commission.

8.3.3.3.2 therapeutic medications in excess of acceptable limits established in these rules or otherwise approved and published by the Commission.

8.3.3.3.3 Substances present in the horse in excess of levels at which such substances could occur naturally and such prohibited substances shall include a total carbon dioxide level of 37 mmol/L or serum in a submitted blood sample from a horse or 39 mmol/L if serum from a horse which has been administered furosemide in compliance with these rules, provided that a licensee has the right, pursuant to such procedures as may be established from time to time by the Commission, to attempt to prove that a horse has a naturally high carbon dioxide level in excess of the above-mentioned levels; and provided, further, that an excess total carbon dioxide level shall be penalized in accordance with the penalty recommendation applicable to a Class 2 substance.

8.3.3.3.4 substances foreign to a horse at levels that cause interference with testing procedures. The detection of any such substance is a violation, regardless of the classification or definition of the substance or its properties under the Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances.

8.3.3.4 The tubing, dosing or jugging of any horse for any reason within 24 hours prior to its scheduled race is prohibited unless administered for medical emergency purposes by a licensed veterinarian, in which case the horse shall be scratched. The practice of administration of any substance via a naso-gastric tube or dose syringe into a horse's stomach within 24 hours prior to its scheduled race is considered a violation of these rules and subject to disciplinary action, which may include fine, suspension and revocation or license.

8.3.3.5 A finding by the official chemist that Erythropietin (EPO) darbopoietin (DPO) or their antibodies was present in a post-race test specimen of a horse shall be promptly reported in writing to the judges. The judges shall notify the owner and trainer of the positive test result for EPO, DPO or their antibodies. The judges shall notify the Chief DHRC Veterinarian of the name of the horse for placement on the Veterinarian's List, pursuant to Rule 8.6.1.1, if the positive test result indicates that the horse is unfit to race. Any horse placed on the Veterinarian's List pursuant to this Rule shall not be permitted to enter a race until the owner or trainer, at their own expense, provides proof of a negative test result for EPO, DPO or their antibodies from a laboratory approved by the Commission, provided said test sample is obtained under collection procedures acceptable to the Commission or its designee under these Rules.

8.3.4 Medical Labeling

8.3.4.1 No person on association grounds where horses are lodged or kept, excluding licensed veterinarians, shall have in or upon association grounds which that person occupies or has the right to occupy, or in that person's personal property or effects or vehicle in that person's care, custody or control, a drug, medication, chemical, foreign substance or other substance that is prohibited in a horse on a race day unless the product is labelled in accordance with this subsection.

8.3.4.2 Any drug or medication which is used or kept on association grounds and which, by federal or Delaware law, requires a prescription must have been validly prescribed by a duly licensed veterinarian, and in compliance with the applicable federal and state statutes. All such allowable medications must have a prescription label which is securely attached and clearly ascribed to show the following:

8.3.4.2.1 the name of the product;

8.3.4.2.2 the name, address and telephone number of the veterinarian prescribing or dispensing the product;

8.3.4.2.3 the name of each patient (horse) for whom the product is intended/prescribed;

8.3.4.2.4 the dose, dosage, duration of treatment and expiration date of the prescribed/dispensed product; and

8.3.4.2.5 the name of the person (trainer) to whom the product was dispensed.

8.3.5 Furosemide (Salix) and Aminiocaproic Acid (Amicar)

8.3.5.1 General

Furosemide (Salix) and Aminiocaproic Acid (Amicar)

may be administered intravenously to a horse on the grounds of the association at which it is entered to compete in a race. Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminiocaproic Acid shall be permitted only after the Commission Veterinarian has placed the horse on the Bleeder List or to facilitate the collection of a post-race urine sample.

8.3.5.2 Method of Administration

Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid shall be administered intravenously by the licensed Bleeder Medication Veterinarian, unless he determines that a horse cannot receive an intravenous administration of Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid. Permission for an intramuscular administration must be authorized by the Presiding Judge or his representative; provided, however, that once Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid is administered intramuscularly, the horse shall remain in a testing area under the supervision of a Commission representative until it races.

8.3.5.3 Dosage

Aminocaproic Acid shall be administered to a horse on the Bleeder List only by the licensed Bleeder Medication Veterinarian, who will administer not more than 7.5 grams or less than 2.5 grams intravenously. Furosemide shall be administered to horses on the Bleeder List only by the licensed Bleeder Medication Veterinarian, who will administer not more than 500 milligrams nor less than 100 milligrams, subject to the following conditions:

8.3.5.3.1 Not more than 750 milligrams may be administered if (1) the Commission veterinarian grants permission for a dosage greater than 500 milligrams, and (2) after the administration of such greater dosage, the horse remains in a detention area under the supervision of a Commission representative until it races; and

8.3.5.3.2 The dosage administered may not vary by more than 250 milligrams from race to race without the permission of the Commission Veterinarian.

8.3.5.4 Timing of Administration

Horses must be presented at their assigned stalls in the paddock for Aminocaproic Acid treatment. Aminocaproic Acid will be administered not more than 90 minutes (1 1/2 hours) and not less than 60 minutes (1 hour) prior to post time of their respective races and must be treated prior to going on the track the first time. Failure to meet this time frame will result in scratching the horse and the trainer may be fined. Horses must be presented at the Furosemide stall in the paddock, and the Furosemide administered, not more than three hours and 30 minutes (3-1/2 hours) nor less than three hours (three hours) prior to post time of their respective races. Failure to meet this time frame will result in scratching the horse, and the trainer may be fined.

8.3.5.5 Veterinary Charges

It is the responsibility of the owner or trainer, prior to the administration of the medication, to pay the licensed Bleeder Medication veterinarian at the rate approved by the Commission. No credit shall be given without approval of the Bleeder Medication Veterinarian.

8.3.5.6 Restrictions

No one except a licensed practicing veterinarian shall possess equipment or any substance for injectable administration on the race track complex, and no horse is to receive furosemide in oral form.

8.3.5.7 Post-Race Quantification

The presence of Aminocaproic Acid in a horse following the running of the race in which it was not declared or reported, may result in the disqualification of the horse or other sanctions being imposed upon the trainer and the administering veterinarian.

Conversely, the absence of a bleeder medication following the running of a race, which was declared and reported may result in the disqualification of the horse and other sanctions being imposed upon the trainer and the bleeder Medication Veterinarian

8.3.5.7.1 As indicated by post-race quantification, a horse may not carry in its body at the time of the running of the race more than 100 nanograms of Furosemide per milliliter of plasma in conjunction with a urine that has a specific gravity of less than 1.01, unless the dosage of Furosemide:

8.3.5.7.1.1 Was administered intramuscularly as provided in 8.3.5.2; or

8.3.5.7.1.2 Exceeded 500 milligrams as provided in 8.3.5.3.1.

8.3.5.7.2 If post-race quantification indicates that a horse carried in its body at the time of the running of the race more than 100 nanograms of furosemide per milliliter of plasma in conjunction with a urine that has a specific gravity of less than 1.01, and provided that the dosage of furosemide was not administered intramuscularly as provided in 8.3.5.2 or exceeded 500 milligrams as provided in 8.3.5.3.1, then a penalty shall be imposed as follows:

8.3.5.7.2.1 If such overage is the first violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $250 fine and loss of purse.

8.3.5.7.2.2 If such overage is the second violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $1,000 fine and loss of purse.

8.3.5.7.2.3 If such overage is the third violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $1,000 fine and up to a 15-day suspension and loss of purse.

8.3.5.7.2.4 If in the opinion of the official chemist any such overage caused interference with testing procedures, then for each such overage a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and a suspension of from 15 to 50 days may be imposed.

8.3.5.8 Reports

8.3.5.8.1 The Bleeder Medication Veterinarian who administers Aminocaproic Acid or Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid to a horse scheduled to race shall prepare a written certification indicating the time, dosage and method of administration.

8.3.5.8.2 The written certification shall be delivered to a Commission representative designated by the Judges within one (1) hour of the last scheduled race for that day.

8.3.5.9 Bleeder List

8.3.5.9.1 The Bleeder Medication Veterinarian shall maintain a Bleeder List of all horses which have demonstrated external evidence of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) or the existence of hemorrhage in the trachea post exercise upon:

8.3.5.9.1.1 visual examination wherein blood is noted in one or both nostrils either:

8.3.5.9.1.1.1 during a race;

8.3.5.9.1.1.2 immediately post-race or post-exercise on track; or

8.3.5.9.1.1.3 within one hour post-race or post-exercise in paddock and/or stable area, confirmed by endoscopic examination; or

8.3.5.9.1.2 endoscopic examination, which may be requested by the owner or trainer who feels his horse is a bleeder. Such endoscopic examination must be done by a practicing veterinarian, at the owner's or trainer's expense, and in the presence of the Commission Veterinarian. Such an examination shall take place within one hour post-race or post-exercise; or

8.3.5.9.1.3 presentation to the Commission Veterinarian, at least 48 hours prior to racing, of a current Bleeder Certificate from an official veterinarian from any other jurisdiction, which show the date, place and method -- visual or endoscopy -- by which the horse was determined to have bled, or which attests that the horse is a known bleeder and receives bleeder medication in that jurisdiction, provided that such jurisdiction's criteria for the identification of bleeders are satisfactory to the Commission Veterinarian.

8.3.5.9.2 The confirmation of a bleeder horse must be certified in writing by the Commission Veterinarian and entered on the Bleeder List. Copies of the certification shall be issued to the owner of the horse or the owner's designee upon request. A copy of the bleeder certificate shall be attached to the horse's eligibility certificate.

8.3.5.9.3 Every confirmed bleeder, regardless of age, shall be placed on the Bleeder List, and furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid, if applicable must be administered to the horse in accordance with these rules prior to every race, including qualifying races, in which the horse starts.

8.3.5.9.4 A horse which bleeds based on the criteria set forth in 8.3.5.9.1 above shall be restricted from racing at any facility under the jurisdiction of the Commission, as follows:

8.3.5.9.4.1 1st time - 10 days;

8.3.5.9.4.2 2nd time - 30 days, provided that the horse must be added to or remain on the Bleeder List, and must complete a satisfactory qualifying race before resuming racing;

8.3.5.9.4.3 3rd time - 30 days, and the horse shall be added to the Steward's List, to be removed at the discretion of the Commission Veterinarian following a satisfactory qualifying race after the mandatory 30-day rest period; and

8.3.5.9.4.4 4th time - barred for life.

8.3.5.9.5 An owner or trainer must notify the Commission Veterinarian immediately of evidence that a horse is bleeding following exercise or racing.

8.3.5.9.6 A horse may be removed from the Bleeder List at the request of the owner or trainer, if the horse completes a 10-day rest period following such request, and then re-qualifies. A horse may discontinue the use of Aminocaproic Acid without a ten (10) day rest period or having to reliquary provided the horse was on Aminocaproic Acid for thirty (34) days or more. In addition, once a horse discontinues the use of Aminocaproic Acid, it is prohibited from using said medication for ninety (90) days from the date of its last administration for Aminocaproic Acid.

8.3.5.9.7 Any horse on the Bleeder List which races in a jurisdiction where it is not eligible for bleeder medication, whether such ineligibility is due to the fact that it does not qualify for bleeder medication in that jurisdiction or because bleeder medication is prohibited in that jurisdiction, shall automatically remain on the Bleeder List at the discretion of the owner or trainer, provided that such decision by the owner or trainer must be declared at the time of the first subsequent entry in Delaware, and the Furosemide and Aminocaproic Acid symbols in the program shall appropriately reflect that the horse did not receive Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid its last time out. Such an election by the owner or trainer shall not preclude the Chief DHRC Veterinarian, or Presiding Judge from requiring re-qualification whenever a horse on the Bleeder List races in another jurisdiction without bleeder medication, and the integrity of the Bleeder List may be questioned.

8.3.5.9.8 Any horse on the Bleeder List which races without Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid in any jurisdiction which permits the use of Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid in any jurisdiction which permits the use of Lasix shall automatically be removed from the Bleeder List. In order to be restored to the Bleeder List, the horse must demonstrate EIPH in accordance with the criteria set forth in subdivision 8.3.5.9.1 above. If the horse does demonstrate EIPH and is restored to the Bleeder List, the horse shall be suspended from racing in accordance with the provisions of 8.3.5.9.4 above.

8.3.5.9.9 The Presiding Judge, in consultation with the Commission Veterinarian, will rule on any questions relating to the Bleeder List.

8.3.5.10 Medication Program Entries

It is the responsibility of the trainer at the time of entry of a horse to provide the racing secretary with the bleeder medication status of the horse on the entry blank, and also to provide the Commission Veterinarian with a bleeder certificate, if the horse previously raced out-of-state on bleeder medication.

8.3.6 Phenylbutazone (Bute)

8.3.6.1 General

8.3.6.1.1 Phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone may be administered to horses in such dosage amount that the official test sample shall contain not more than 2.5 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma.

8.3.6.1.2 If post-race quantification indicates that a horse carried in its body at the time of the running of the race more than 2.0 but not more than 2.6 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone, then warnings shall be issued to the trainer.

8.3.6.1.3 If post-race quantification indicates that a horse carried in its body at the time of the running of the race more than 2.6 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone, then a penalty shall be imposed as follows:

8.3.6.1.3.1 For an average between 2.6 and less than 5.0 micrograms per milliliter:

8.3.6.1.3.1.1 If such overage is the first violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $250 fine and loss of purse.

8.3.6.1.3.1.2 If such overage is the second violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $1,000 fine and loss of purse.

8.3.6.1.3.1.3 If such overage is the third violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $1,000 fine and up to a 15-day suspension and loss of purse.

8.3.6.1.3.1.4 For an overage of 5.0 micrograms or more per milliliter: Up to a $1,000 fine and up to a 5-day suspension and loss of purse.

8.3.6.1.4 If post-race quantification indicates that a horse carried in its body at the time of the running of the race any quantity of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone, and also carried in its body at the time of the running of the race any quantity of any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, including but not limited to naproxen, flunixin and meclofenamic acid, then such presence of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone, shall constitute a violation of this rule and shall be subject to a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and up to a 50-day suspension and loss of purse.

8.4 Testing

8.4.1 Reporting to the Test Barn

8.4.1.1 Horses shall be selected for pre- and/or post-racing testing according to the following protocol:

8.4.1.1.1 At least one horse in each race, selected by the judges from among the horses finishing in the first four positions in each race, shall be tested.

8.4.1.1.2 Horses selected for testing shall be taken to the testing area to have a blood, urine and/or other specimen sample taken at the direction of the State veterinarian.

8.4.1.2 Random or for cause testing may be required by the Commission, at any time on any horse that has been entered to race at a Commission licensed Association.

8.4.1.3 Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Judges or the Chief DHRC Veterinarian, a horse that is selected for testing must be taken directly to the Test Barn or testing area.

8.4.1.4 Trainers shall fully comply with the instructions of the Commission, which may include, but not be limited to the following: Trainers shall present their horse(s) for testing at the specified time and place mandated by the Commission. Testing procedures may be performed on the grounds of any Commission licensed Association, at the trainer’s training facility, or any other location under Commission jurisdiction. Failure to comply shall result in the horse(s) being scratched, and shall be considered a violation equivalent to a Class 1 positive.

8.4.2 Sample Collection

8.4.2.1 Sample collection shall be done in accordance with the RCI Drug Testing and Quality Assurance Program External Chain of Custody Guidelines, or other guidelines and instructions provided by the Commission Veterinarian.

8.4.2.2 The Commission veterinarian shall determine a minimum sample requirement for the primary testing laboratory. A primary testing laboratory must be approved by the Commission.

8.4.3 Procedure for Taking Specimens

8.4.3.1 Horses from which specimens are to be drawn shall be taken to the detention area at the prescribed time and remain there until released by the Commission Veterinarian. Only the owner, trainer or groom of horses to be tested shall be admitted to the detention area without permission of the Commission Veterinarian.

8.4.3.2 Stable equipment other than equipment necessary for washing and cooling out a horse shall be prohibited in the detention area.

8.4.3.2.1 Buckets and water shall be furnished by the Commission Veterinarian.

8.4.3.2.2 If a body brace is to be used, it shall be supplied by the responsible trainer and administered only with the permission and in the presence of the Commission Veterinarian.

8.4.3.2.3 A licensed veterinarian shall attend a horse in the detention area only in the presence of the Commission Veterinarian.

8.4.3.3 One of the following persons shall be present and witness the taking of the specimen from a horse and so signify in writing:

8.4.3.3.1 The owner;

8.4.3.3.2 The responsible trainer who, in the case of a claimed horse, shall be the person in whose name the horse raced; or

8.4.3.3.3 A stable representative designated by such owner or trainer.

8.4.3.4 Sample Containers/Receptacles.

8.4.3.4.1 All urine containers shall be supplied by the Commission laboratory and shall be sealed with the laboratory security seal which shall not be broken, except in the presence of the witness as provided by (subsection (3)) subsection 8.4.3.3 of this section.

8.4.3.4.2 Blood sample receptacles will also be supplied by the Commission laboratory in sealed packages as received from the manufacturer.

8.4.3.5 Samples taken from a horse, by the Commission Veterinarian or his assistant at the detention barn, shall be collected and in double containers and designated as the “primary” and “secondary” samples.

8.4.3.5.1 These samples shall be sealed with tamper-proof tape and bear a portion of the multiple part “identification tag” that has identical printed numbers only. The other portion of the tag bearing the same printed identification number shall be detached in the presence of the witness.

8.4.3.5.2 The Commission Veterinarian shall:

8.4.3.5.2.1 Identify the horse from which the specimen was taken.

8.4.3.5.2.2 Document the race and day, verified by the witness; and

8.4.3.5.2.3 Place the detached portions of the identification tags in a sealed envelope for delivery only to the stewards.

8.4.3.5.3 After both portions of samples have been identified in accordance with this section, the “primary” sample shall be delivered to the official chemist designated by the Commission.

8.4.3.5.4 The “secondary” sample shall remain in the custody of the Commission Veterinarian at the detention area and urine samples shall be frozen and blood samples refrigerated in a locked refrigerator/freezer.

8.4.3.5.5 The Commission Veterinarian shall take every precaution to ensure that neither the Commission chemist nor any member of the laboratory staff shall know the identity of the horse from which a specimen was taken prior to the completion of all testing.

8.4.3.5.6 When the Commission chemist has reported that the “primary” sample delivered contains no prohibited drug, the “secondary” sample shall be properly disposed.

8.4.3.5.7 If after a horse remains a reasonable time in the detention area and a specimen can not be taken from the horse, the Commission Veterinarian may permit the horse to be returned to its barn and usual surroundings for the taking of a specimen under the supervision of the Commission Veterinarian.

8.4.3.5.87 If one hundred (100) milliliters (ml.) or less of urine is obtained, it will not be split, but will be considered the “primary” sample and will be tested as other “primary” samples.

8.4.3.5.98 Two (2) blood samples shall be collected in sample receptacles approved by the Commission, one for the “primary” and one for the “secondary” sample.

8.4.3.5.109 In the event of an initial finding of a prohibited substance or in violation of these Rules and Regulations, the Commission chemist shall notify the Commission, both orally and in writing, and an oral or written notice shall be issued by the Commission to the owner and trainer or other responsible person no more than twenty-four (24) hours after the receipt of the initial finding, unless extenuating circumstances require a longer period, in which case the Commission shall provide notice as soon as possible in order to allow for testing of the “secondary” sample; provided, however, that with respect to a finding of a prohibited level of total carbon dioxide in a blood sample, there shall be no right to testing of the “secondary sample” unless such finding initially is made at the racetrack on the same day that the tested horse raced, and in every such circumstance a “secondary sample” shall be transported to the Commission laboratory on an anonymous basis for confirmatory testing.

8.4.3.5.109.1 If testing of the “secondary” sample is desired, the owner, trainer, or other responsible person shall so notify the Commission in writing within 48 hours after notification of the initial positive test or within a reasonable period of time established by the Commission after consultation with the Commission chemist. The reasonable period is to be calculated to insure the integrity of the sample and the preservation of the alleged illegal substance.

8.4.3.5.109.2 Testing of the “secondary” samples shall be performed at a referee laboratory selected by representatives of the owner, trainer, or other responsible person from a list of not less than two (2) laboratories approved by the Commission.

8.4.3.5.1110 The Commission shall bear the responsibility of preparing and shipping the sample, and the cost of preparation, shipping, and testing at the referee laboratory shall be assumed by the person requesting the testing, whether it be the owner, trainer, or other person charged.

8.4.3.5.1110.1 A Commission representative and the owner, trainer, or other responsible person or a representative of the persons notified under these Rules and Regulations may be present at the time of the opening, repackaging, and testing of the “secondary” sample to ensure its identity and that the testing is satisfactorily performed.

8.4.3.5.1110.2 The referee laboratory shall be informed of the initial findings of the Commission chemist prior to making the test.

8.4.3.5.1110.3 If the finding of the referee laboratory is proven to be of sufficient reliability and does not confirm the finding of the initial test performed by the Commission chemist and in the absence of other independent proof of the administration of a prohibited drug of the horse in question, it shall be concluded that there is insubstantial evidence upon which to charge anyone with a violation.

8.4.3.5.1211 The Commission Veterinarian shall be responsible for safeguarding all specimens while in his possession and shall cause the specimens to be delivered only to the Commission chemist as soon as possible after sealing, in a manner so as not to reveal the identity of a horse from which the sample was taken.

8.4.3.5.1312 If an Act of God, power failure, accident, strike or other action beyond the control of the Commission occurs, the results of the primary official test shall be accepted as prima facie evidence.

8.5 Trainer Responsibility

The purpose of this subsection is to identify responsibilities of the trainer that pertain specifically to the health and well-being of horses in his care.

8.5.1 The trainer is responsible for the condition of horses entered in an official workout or race and is responsible for the presence of any prohibited drug, medication or other substance, including permitted medication in excess of the maximum allowable level, in such horses. A positive test for a prohibited drug, medication or substance, including permitted medication in excess of the maximum allowable level, as reported by a Commission‑approved laboratory, is prima facie evidence of a violation of this rule. In the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, the trainer shall be responsible. Whenever a trainer of a horse names a substitute trainer for program purposes due to his inability to be in attendance with the horse on the day of the race, or for any other reason, both trainers shall be responsible for the condition of the horse should the horse test positive; provided further that, except as otherwise provided herein, the trainer of record (programmed trainer) shall be any individual who receives any compensation for training the horse.

8.5.2 A trainer shall prevent the administration of any drug or medication or other foreign substance that may cause a violation of these rules.

8.5.3 A trainer whose horse has been claimed remains responsible for any violation of rules regarding that horse's participation in the race in which the horse is claimed.

8.5.4 The trainer is responsible for:

8.5.4.1 maintaining the assigned stable area in a clean, neat and sanitary condition at all times;

8.5.4.2 using the services of those veterinarians licensed by the Commission to attend horses that are on Association grounds;

8.5.5 Additionally, with respect to horses in his care or custody, the trainer is responsible for:

8.5.5.1 the proper identity, custody, care, health, condition and safety of horses;

8.5.5.2 ensuring that at the time of arrival at locations under the jurisdiction of the Commission a valid health certificate and a valid negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test certificate accompany each horse and which, where applicable, shall be filed with the Racing Secretary;

8.5.5.3 having each horse in his care that is racing, or is stabled on association grounds, tested for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in accordance with state law and for filing evidence of such negative test results with the Racing Secretary;

8.5.5.4 using the services of those veterinarians licensed by the Commission to attend horses that are on association grounds;

8.5.5.5 immediately reporting the alteration of the sex of a horse to the clerk of the course, the United States Trotting Association and the Racing Secretary;

8.5.5.6 promptly reporting to the Racing Secretary and the Commission Veterinarian when a posterior digital neurectomy (heel nerving) has been performed and ensuring that such fact is designated on its certificate of registration;

8.5.5.7 promptly notifying the Commission Veterinarian of any reportable disease and any unusual incidence of a communicable illness in any horse in his charge;

8.5.5.8 promptly reporting the serious injury and/or death of any horse at locations under the jurisdiction of the Commission to the Board of Judges, the Chief DHRC Veterinarian, and the United States Trotting Association;

8.5.5.9 maintaining a knowledge of the medication record and status;

8.5.5.10 immediately reporting to the Board of Judges and the Chief DHRC Veterinarian knowledge or reason to believe, that there has been any administration of a prohibited medication, drug or substance;

8.5.5.11 ensuring the fitness to perform creditably at the distance entered;

8.5.5.12 ensuring that every horse he has entered to race is present at its assigned stall for a pre‑race soundness inspection as prescribed in this chapter;

8.5.5.13 ensuring proper bandages, equipment and shoes;

8.5.5.14 presence in the paddock at least one hour before post time or at a time otherwise appointed before the race in which the horse is entered;

8.5.5.15 personally attending in the paddock and supervising the harnessing thereof, unless excused by the Paddock Judge;

8.5.5.16 attending the collection of a urine or blood sample or delegating a licensed employee or the owner to do so; and

8.5.5.17 immediately reporting to the Presiding Judge other Commission designee, or to the State Veterinarian or Chief DHRC Veterinarian if the Presiding Judge or other Commission designee is unavailable, the death of any horse drawn in to start in a race in this jurisdiction provided that the death occurred within 60 days of the date of the draw.

8.6 Physical Inspection of Horses

8.6.1 Veterinarian's List

8.6.1.1 The Commission Veterinarian shall maintain a list of all horses which are determined to be unfit to compete in a race due to physical distress, unsoundness, infirmity or medical condition.

8.6.1.2 A horse may be removed from the Veterinarian's List when, in the opinion of the Commission Veterinarian, the horse has satisfactorily recovered the capability of competing in a race.

8.6.2 Postmortem Examination

8.6.2.1 The Commission may conduct a postmortem examination of any horse that is injured in this jurisdiction while in training or in competition and that subsequently expires or is destroyed. In proceeding with a postmortem examination the Commission or its designee shall coordinate with the trainer and/or owner to determine and address any insurance requirements.

8.6.2.2 The Commission may conduct a postmortem examination of any horse that expires while housed on Association grounds or at recognized training facilities within this jurisdiction. Trainers and owners shall be required to comply with such action as a condition of licensure.

8.6.2.3 The Commission may take possession of the horse upon death for postmortem examination. The Commission may submit blood, urine, other bodily fluid specimens or other tissue specimens collected during a postmortem examination for testing by the Commission‑selected laboratory or its designee. Upon completion of the postmortem examination, the carcass may be returned to the owner or disposed of at the owner's option.

8.6.2.4 The presence of a prohibited substance in a horse, found by the official laboratory or its designee in a bodily fluid specimen collected during the postmortem examination of a horse, which breaks down during a race constitutes a violation of these rules.

8.6.2.5 The cost of Commission‑ordered postmortem examinations, testing and disposal shall be borne by the Commission.

8.7 Prohibited Practices

8.7.1 The following conduct shall be prohibited for all licensees:

8.7.1.1 The possession and/or use of a drug, substance, or medication, specified below for which a recognized analytical method has been developed to detect and confirm the administration of such substance including but not limited to erythropoietin, darbepoietin, and perfluorcarbon emulsions; or the use of which may endanger the health and welfare of the horse or endanger the safety of the driver; or the use of which may adversely affect the integrity of racing.

8.7.1.2 The possession and/or use of a drug, substance, or medication that has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States.

8.7.1.3 The possession and/or use of Blood Doping Agents including but not limited to: EPO, DPO, Oxyglobin, Hemopure or any other substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of equine body tissue is considered a prohibited practice that endangers the health and welfare of a horse and/or the safety and welfare of a driver.

8.7.2 Testing

8.7.2.1 Horses may be tested for EPO, DPO, Oxyglobin, Hemopure or any other substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of equine body tissue as follows:

8.7.2.1.1 Once a horse is entered to race

8.7.2.1.2 Any horse that was entered or raced within sixty (60) days of entry and/or race

8.7.2.1.3 Any horse showing the presence of EPO, DPO and/or like antibodies

8.7.2.1.4 Any horse in the care, custody and control of a trainer having a horse that has tested positive for EPO, DPO and like substances through a screening test

8.7.2.1.5 Any horse that expires; consistent with DHRC Rules 8.6.2.1-8.6.2.5.

8.7.2.2 Two blood samples shall be collected in DHRC approved sample receptacles; one is the primary sample; and the other is the secondary sample.

8.7.2.3 In the event that the presence of EPO, DPO and/or any EPO analogues is determined to be present in a primary sample, the primary sample shall be sent to a DHRC approved laboratory for a confirmation test.

8.7.2.4 The trainer and/or owner of any horse that tests positive for the confirmed presence of EPO, DPO, Oxyglobin, Hemopure or any other substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of equine body tissue has the right to request a testing of the secondary sample consistent with DHRC Rule 8.4.3.5.10 through and inclusive of DHRC Rule 8.4.3.5.13.

8.7.2.5 Upon positive notification from the confirmatory laboratory of the primary sample, if uncontested by the trainer; or notification of confirmation in the secondary sample, the trainer shall be summarily suspended and any/all horses entered, by the trainer, to race shall be scratched. Notice of a hearing shall be delivered to the trainer within twenty-four (24) hours.

8.7.2.6 The following penalties and disciplinary measures may be imposed for the confirmed presence of EPO, DPO, Oxyglobin, Hemopure or any other substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of equine body tissue:

In the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum penalty of $10,000 and/or a 10 year suspension, forfeiture of the purse money and assessment for cost of the drug testing. Additionally, the Board of Judges may consider possible violations including, but not limited to: DHRC Rule 5.1.7 and DHRC Rule 5.1.16.1.10.

8.8 Prohibited Substances Protests; Testing

8.8.1 Protest-Request for Super Test

8.8.1.1 If a licensed owner, trainer, driver, or claimant has a reasonable belief that a competing or claimed horse has, or may have an unfair competitive advantage due to a violation of the Commission Rules, that owner, trainer, driver, or claimant may file a "Prohibited Substances Protest" with the Commission.

8.8.1.2 A "Prohibited Substances Protest" empowers the owner, trainer, driver, or claimant to request that any horse or horses he competes against or claims in a specified race have a blood and urine sample collected and then tested at an official Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) approved laboratory of his choice. The designated laboratory shall employ state-of-the-art testing methods when testing these protested samples, which shall include, but not be limited to, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCM-S), Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMSMS), and Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) tests.

8.8.1.3 The owner, trainer, driver, or claimant must file a verbal protest with either the starter or paddock judge before the race has been made official. The starter or paddock judge must notify the Presiding Judge immediately, who shall order a veterinary assistant to escort and remain with the horse in accordance with established policy for obtaining a blood and urine sample. Within fifteen (15) minutes after the official sign has been posted for the race in which the protested horse competed, the protesting party shall file a written protest with the paddock judge and post a deposit of $1,000 which shall be used to offset the following costs:

8.8.1.3.1 The collection of sufficient blood and urine samples, including the costs of the State veterinary assistant and State veterinarian and all necessary collection apparatus;

8.8.1.3.2 The packing of and transportation of these samples by bonded courier to the selected laboratory; and

8.8.1.3.3 All costs incurred by the state-of-the-art testing methods employed by the ARCI laboratory.

8.8.1.4 In the event the costs exceed the $1,000 deposit, the protesting party shall be required to post additional monies to cover such costs.

8.8.1.5 The owner and/or trainer of the protested horse shall have the right to be present during the collection, packaging and shipping of these test samples.

8.8.1.6 Upon completion of all testing, the laboratory shall notify the Commission of the results. The Commission shall immediately notify the trainer of the protested horse as well as the protesting party of these test results.

8.8.1.7 If the test results substantiate a violation of the Commission rules in effect on the date of the race, the trainer of the tested horse shall be afforded the same rights every trainer receives when charged with any rules violation. This shall include the right to request a split sample test at a designated ARCI laboratory that has agreed to accept split samples from the Commission.

8.8.1.8 Penalties shall be assessed in accordance with the Commission penalty recommendations for a violation of the rules in effect on the date of the race. In no case, however, shall the penalty imposed for a medication violation be less than a $500 fine. If the test results substantiate the presence of antibodies to erythropoietin (EPO), darbepoietin, or any EPO analogues, in addition to any DHRC penalties, the horse shall immediately be placed on the Steward's List and shall not be permitted to enter a race until the horse tests negative for the presence of EPO, darbepoietin, or any EPO analogue antibody(ies) previously detected. All testing must be performed by the DHRC official lab.

8.8.1.9 If the test results substantiate a violation of the Commission rules in effect on the date of the race, a successful claimant may void the claim in accordance with Commission Rules.

8.8.1.10 Any monies remaining from the protest deposit after costs shall be returned to the protesting party even if a violation of the Commission Rules is not detected. If a violation is detected, costs shall be assessed against the trainer of the protested horse and the Commission shall reimburse the protesting party upon receipt thereof.

8.8.1.11 The owner, trainer, driver, or claimant who files a Prohibited Substances Protest pursuant to this Section shall be immune from civil liability for filing the protest.

8.8.2 Routine Post Race Testing

8.8.2.1 Routine Post Race Testing shall include but not be limited to screening for antibodies to erythropoietin (EPO), darbepoietin, or any EPO analogues.

8.8.2.2 Any claimed horse not otherwise selected for testing by the racing officials shall be tested if requested by the claimant at the time the claim form is submitted in accordance with the Commission Rules.

8.8.2.3 The successful claimant shall have the right to void the claim should the forensic analysis be positive for any prohibited substance, illegal level of a permitted medication, or presence of antibodies to erythropoietin (EPO), darbepoietin, or any EPO analogues.

8.8.2.4 If the test results substantiate the presence of antibodies to erythropoietin (EPO), darbepoietin, or any EPO analogues, in addition to assessing penalties in accordance with the DHRC rules, the horse shall immediately be placed on the steward's list and shall not be permitted to enter a race until the horse tests negative for the presence of EPO, darbepoietin, or any EPO analogue antibody(ies) previously detected and said horse is removed from the Steward's List. All testing must be performed by the DHRC official lab.

8.8.3 This Rule enacts the provisions of 74 Del. Laws c. 236 (2004) which amended 28 Del.C. §706 in its entirety, and this Rule shall apply in the event these provisions conflict with or are otherwise inconsistent with any other Commission Rule.

8.9 Prerace Testing by Blood Gas Analyzer or Similar Equipment

8.9.1 Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Rules to the contrary, the Commission may conduct prerace and postrace testing with the use of any accepted, reliable testing instrument, including but not limited to a blood gas analyzer for measuring excess carbon dioxide in blood samples.

8.9.2 The Presiding Judge shall announce the selected races or horses for testing and the appropriate time and location.

8.9.3 All horses shall be brought to the paddock or other secure, designated area for the prerace testing before its first warm up, based on the Commission published paddock times.

8.9.4 Each horse entered to compete in the racing program shall be present in his designated paddock stall with a groom for the purpose of having a blood sample drawn by the Commission Veterinarian.

8.9.5 The order and number of horses which shall have blood drawn for prerace testing shall be at the discretion of the Commission and the Presiding Judge.

8.9.6 The Commission Veterinarian will be responsible to verify with the testing machine technician that the blood gas analyzer test is completed for the specific horse in question. The Commission Veterinarian or his designee will inform the trainer or groom if their horse will be retested or can be given permission to leave the paddock.

8.9.7 Refusal-Failure or refusal by a licensee to present a selected horse under his care, custody, or control for blood gas analyzer testing, or who refuses in any other way, shall result in an automatic scratch of the horse from the racing program, and any other appropriate disciplinary action in the discretion of the judges. The Commission Veterinarian shall document the name of the trainer or person who refuses to have blood drawn from the horse, and shall file a report with the Commission.

8.9.8 Exercise Prior to Testing-In the event that the horse has exercised prior to testing and the horse tests below the Commission standard for a high blood gas test, the horse can be retested upon the discretion of the Commission Veterinarian or presiding judge, or tested post race.

8.9.9 Post Race Testing-The blood gas analyzer machine or similar testing equipment may be used for the post-race blood gas testing on selected horses. The collection of samples will be pursuant to Rule 8.4.3 and testing of split samples will be pursuant to Rule 8.4.3.5.10.

8.9.10 The Commission Veterinarian will provide documentation reflecting the tattoo or name of the horse from which the blood was drawn, the date and time the blood was drawn, and any other identifying information.

8.9.11 Trainer Observation of Testing-The trainer or other designated representative is permitted to observe the testing procedure, but not to question the technician or otherwise disrupt the testing.

8.9.12 The Presiding Judge, Commission Veterinarian, and blood gas technician will ensure that the blood gas analyzer or other testing equipment is calibrated in compliance with the recommended calibration and maintenance procedures for the machine, and that the testing machine is in proper working order.

8.9.13 In addition to the provisions of Rule 8.3 and unless otherwise permitted by these Rules, no foreign substance shall be carried in the body of a horse when the horse is on the grounds of the licensed racetrack; it shall be a violation of this rule for a horse to test positive in a pre-race test result using a blood gas analyzer or other testing equipment.

8.9.14 The penalties for post-race positive tests contained in Rule 8.3.2, may apply to pre-race test samples that are positive for a prohibited substance.

8.9.14.1 A positive test result from a pre-race sample tested on the blood gas analyzer machine is subject to the recommended penalty in Rule 8.9.15. For pre-race testing the Commission may use a testing machine that uses the Commission standard in Rule 8.3.3.3 substances present in a horse in excess of levels at which such substances could occur naturally and such prohibited substances shall include a total carbon dioxide level of 37 mmol/L or serum in a submitted blood sample from a horse or 39 mmol/L if serum from a horse which has been administered furosemide in compliance with these rules.

8.9.14.2 The Commission may alternatively use a testing machine that measures carbon dioxide levels in pre-race samples using a Base Excess testing protocol.

8.9.14.2.1 Under this alternative protocol, the prohibitive Base Excess concentrations are as follows: Base Excess level of 10.0 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for non-furosemide (Lasix) treated horses and Base Excess (BE) level of 12.0 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for furosemide (Lasix) treated horses. The level of uncertainty will be included before it is considered a violation of these Rules. The level of uncertainty is 0.4 mmol/l (mEq/l) and a positive test report must include this level of uncertainty. A horse must show a Base Excess (BE) level of 10.4 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for a non-furosemide (Lasix) treated horse and a Base Excess (BE) level of 12.4 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for a furosemide (Lasix) treated horse in order for a violation to be reported under this Rule.

8.9.14.2.2 A commission representative will notify the trainer or licensed designee and the primary blood sample of the horse in question shall be immediately retested. In the event that a second blood gas analyzer test is necessary, the Commission Veterinarian or his designee will take a rectal temperature of said horse. The horse's temperature will be recorded on the veterinarian's control sheet. A second blood sample shall be extracted from the horse by the Commission Veterinarian.

8.9.14.2.3 With respect to a finding of a prohibited level of carbon dioxide in the second extraction obtained from a prerace blood gas analyzer test result, there shall be no right to testing of the second extraction by the licensee. In the event that the initial blood gas analyzer test result is confirmed by the test results of the second extraction in the designated Commission testing area at the racetrack, such test results shall be prima facie evidence that a prohibitive base excess concentration was present in the horse at the time it was scheduled to participate in a race.

8.9.15 Absent aggravating or mitigating findings of fact, the following penalties and disciplinary measures may be imposed for positive test result from a pre-race sample tested on the blood gas analyzer machine:

8.9.15.1 First offense:

8.9.15.1.1 horse to be placed on Stewards List for 14 days, must pass a requalifying test and requalify to compete in purse events;

8.9.15.1.2 trainer to be assessed $1,000 fine;

8.9.15.2 Second offense within two years of first offense:

8.9.15.2.1 horse to be placed on Stewards List for 30 days, must pass a requalifying test and requalify to compete in purse events;

8.9.15.2.2 trainer to be assessed $2,000 fine and suspended for ten days;

8.9.15.3 Third offense within two years of second offense:

8.9.15.3.1 horse to be placed on Stewards List for 90 days, must pass a requalifying test and requalify to compete in purse events;

8.9.15.3.2 trainer to be assessed $3,500 fine and full suspension for one hundred and fifty days and license made probationary;

8.9.15.4 Fourth offense within two years of third offense:

8.9.15.4.1 horse to be prohibited from racing in Delaware;

8.9.15.4.2 trainer to be assessed $5,000 fine and full suspension for three hundred and sixty five days and required to reapply for licenses following completion of suspension;

8.9.15.5 In determining the appropriate penalty with respect to a positive test result from a pre-race sample tested on the blood gas analyzer machine, the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission may use his discretion in the application of the foregoing penalty recommendations, and may consult with the Commission veterinarian and/or the Commission chemist to determine the seriousness of the test result. Aggravating or mitigating circumstances in any case should be considered and greater or lesser penalties and/or disciplinary measures may be imposed than those set forth above. Specifically, if the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission determines that mitigating circumstances warrant imposition of a lesser penalty than the recommendations suggest, he may impose a lesser penalty. If the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission determines that aggravating circumstances require imposition of a greater penalty, however, he may only impose up to the maximum recommended penalty, and must refer the case to the Commission for its review, with a recommendation for specific action;

8.9.15.6 A requalifying test with respect to a particular offense shall not give rise to a subsequent offense. A trainer shall be subject to the increased penalties and disciplinary measures in Regulation 8.9.15 for second, third and fourth offenses with respect to any horse trained by the trainer.

8.10 Quarantine Procedure For Carbon Dioxide Positive Tests (Prerace Or Postrace)

8.10.1 Detention/Quarantine of Horses: The owner or trainer must request use of the quarantine procedure by sending written notice to the presiding judge within forty-eight (48) hours of notification of the positive carbon dioxide test report. The owner or trainer will then be permitted, totally at his own expense, to make the necessary scheduling arrangements with the Judges and the Commission Veterinarian. The horse in question will be quarantined on the grounds for periodic blood gas testing by the DHRC (up to three days) at the trainer's expense. All caretaker activities for the horse in question will be the responsibility of the horse's trainer.

8.10.2 Procedure: The owner or trainer will be responsible for providing the DHRC with a minimum check for $1,500.00 to cover the costs for the quarantine. A professionally trained Track Security Officer must be with the horse at all times, and the Security Officer must be knowledgeable about the importance of monitoring all activity pertaining to the quarantined horse.

8.10.3 The quarantine of a horse is subject to the following mandatory requirements:

8.10.3.1 The owner or trainer will be required to deposit sufficient funds with the DHRC Presiding Judge to cover the costs of the quarantine of the horse. The minimum quarantine cost will be $1,500, and this figure may be higher if additional special circumstances are required for a particular horse. None of these procedures will be initiated until the Commission has in its possession a certified check or other method of payment acceptable to the Commission. The owner or trainer is responsible for all costs for the quarantine, including but not limited to, the costs of: stall bedding, daily cleaning of the stall, feed and hay, stall rent, hourly guard salary, portable toilet rental, veterinary charge, courier or shipping charges to the laboratory, laboratory analysis costs. Unused funds will be returned to the trainer.

8.10.3.2 The expected period of the quarantine will be seventy-two hours.

8.10.3.3 The owner or trainer is required to execute a reasonable liability waiver form if requested to do so by the track for the quarantine of the horse on track grounds.

8.10.3.4 The owner or trainer is obligated to reimburse the track if the racing association is required to purchase additional insurance to cover risks from the quarantine of the trainer's horse. The owner or trainer is also responsible for any additional costs required by the track to pad or otherwise specially equip the quarantine stall.

8.10.3.5 All activity of the quarantined horse is observed, documented, and recorded by security officers for the track and the DHRC.

8.10.3.6 The Commission will be responsible for arranging for and providing for bedding, feed, water, and daily cleaning of the stall, all of which are at the owner's expense. Feed for the horse will be purchased by DHRC officials as specified by the owner or trainer. Samples of the feed will be retained by the DHRC designated official.

8.10.3.7 Each bale of hay/straw will be intact and uncut for inspection of contraband. Four small samples of hay are to be taken from the bale of hay used to feed the animal (one from each end of the bale of hay and two from the middle of the bale of hay). These samples with the ingredient tags from the bag of feed used by the horse will be retained by the DHRC designated official.

8.10.3.8 Every trainer, groom, or caretaker is subject to continuous observation and may be searched when with the horse for contraband.

8.10.3.9 Horses may be trained, but if leg paints or salves are used, they must be new and in unopened containers, and the track Security Officer must monitor the preparation of the horse.

8.10.3.10 A Security Officer must observe the horse during training and ensure that it does not leave the track except to return to the quarantine stall.

8.10.3.11 A sick horse must only be determined ill by the Commission Veterinarian and the quarantine of the horse will be terminated. Any bills incurred for the quarantine of the horse prior to the illness and termination of the detention will be prorated.

8.10.3.12 Stalls for the quarantine of horses are designated by the Presiding Judge of the DHRC, in cooperation with the racetrack.

8.10.3.13 Trainers can restrict water based on previous pre-race preparation schedules.

8.10.3.14 Trainers are expected to train their horse in the same manner as the horse was trained on previous racing events. The horse will be equipped with all the items that it would normally carry, taken to the paddock, and handled in a manner similar to previous racing events.

8.10.3.15 Blood samples will be taken from the quarantined horse by the Commission Veterinarian, as he deems appropriate and necessary during the quarantine period. A blood sample should be taken when the horse first enters the quarantine stall and again at the pre-arranged time between sixty (60) and seventy-two (72) hours. At the discretion of the Commission, another sample may be taken between the initial sample and the sample taken at the cessation of the quarantine period. Blood samples will only be taken from the horse that is at rest for a period of time approved by the Commission Veterinarian. The owner or trainer or his representative must be present and witness the collection of the blood samples. Blood samples will be shipped promptly to the Commission's designated testing laboratory, pursuant to the Commission's standard chain-of-custody procedures.

8.10.3.16 At the conclusion of the quarantine period, the party requesting the quarantine will be provided timely notice of the test results from the DHRC. The trainer may present such evidence at a hearing before the Judges if he attempts to prove that the horse has a naturally high carbon dioxide level.

8 DE Reg. 698 (11/01/04)