by Jessica Barnes, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission

Indianapolis, IN — The Indiana Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously at their 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 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.”

Additional information regarding the Indiana racing program may be found on the IHRC’s website at www.in.gov/hrc.