New Fair Start Rule In Indiana
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously at its regular meeting on Wednesday (July 15) to adopt a Fair Start rule for the Standardbred racing program at Hoosier Park. With its adoption, Indiana becomes the first racing commission in the United States to implement this type of standard.
The rule addresses horses that are breaking or acting improperly before the start of a race, giving the judges the ability to declare them as non-starters for wagering purposes.
If a horse does not reach the fair start pole, which is 330 feet before the starting pole, prior to the field being released, the judges will display the inquiry sign immediately and the horse shall be declared a non-starter for wagering purposes. All monies wagered on that horse shall be refunded. Additionally, any horse which fails to reach the fair start pole more than once in a calendar year may be placed on the Judges List and required to successfully qualify before being eligible to race.
All industry stakeholders, including Hoosier Park management, the Indiana Horsemen’s Association, and the Indiana Horse Racing Commission judges, worked together to formulate the new regulation.
“The new rule balances the interests of connections of the horses competing in the race with the betting public wagering on the race in a way which provides fairness to all involved,” stated Presiding Judge Mike Hall. “Everyone involved in its adoption agrees that it is one more step in improving Indiana harness racing.”
(IHRC)
It is "insanity" to not
It is "insanity" to not return to the rules of the 70's and early 80's where if a horse is not within two lengths of the gate when the starter says go there is a complete pari mutuel refund and the driver is fined ($100 in the 70's and 80's). The leading driver for 5 decades, Herve Filion when asked supported that rule and said if a trainer does not have his horses ready drivers who are fined will stop driving for him and (are you ready for it??) Herve said it is the public (bettors) who need to be protected.
There must be more to this
There must be more to this story or rule. We have all seen horses that by the current rules receive a fair start but are pulled up and really never race. The fair start pole could be moved closer to the start as well. It could easily be half of what it is. I think Ontario should be the real leader here and step up with a comprehensive rule-really let the punters know we want them to have every chance to win.
Georg Leber-ICR Racing