The Association of Racing Commissioners International recently announced that it has updated the ARCI Model Rules of Racing document, and that ARCI Model Rules of Racing, Version 6.1 features changes in regard to safety helmet standards and racetrack emergency warning systems.

In regard to emergencing warning systems, Version 6.1 contains the following passage (which can also be viewed here):

M. Emergency Track Warning System

(1) All tracks shall install an ARCI-approved emergency track warning system on all racing and training tracks.

(2) The emergency warning system shall consist of lights and sirens on every black and white sixteenth pole inside the main track, and where applicable, on main horse paths and entrances (gaps) that are used during morning exercising by horsemen to enter the training surface.

(3) During workouts, both lights and sirens shall be used simultaneously. When a warning system is activated, everyone in the vicinity shall exercise caution. Those those working, galloping, or ponying horses shall immediately slow down to a jog and no one on horseback shall enter the race or training affected track.

(4) During a race, lights and sirens shall be used independently. Only the lights shall be used to warn jockeys or a loose or injured horse, or other situation(s) where the race shall continue, but caution must be exercised. If the race is aborted, sirens shall also be used and the jockeys shall immediately stop slow their horses.

(2)

To view the helmet update, click here.

Addition, the ARCI Board of Directors voted in support of changes to ARCI-011-020 regarding Medical Labelling. The Board of Directors opted to make this available for public comment prior to final inclusion in the ARCI Model Rules. An internet link for public comment on this item will be available at a later date.

(With files from ARCI)