Section 1306.130  Procedures of the Judges and State Steward

It shall be the procedure of judges and state stewards to:

a)         Observe the preliminary warming up of horses and scoring, noting behavior of horses, lameness, equipment, conduct of drivers, changes in odds at pari-mutuel meetings, and any unusual incidents pertaining to horses or drivers participating in races.

b)         Be in communication with the starter from the time he or she picks up the horses until the finish of the race. Any violation or near violation of the Rules and Regulations shall be reported by the starter witnessing the incident and a written record made. At least one steward or judge shall observe the drivers throughout the stretch specifically noting changing course, interference, improper use of whips, breaks, and failure to contest the race to the finish.

c)         Post the objection sign or inquiry sign on the odds board in the case of a complaint or possible rule violation, and immediately notify the announcer of the objection and the horse or horses involved. As soon as the judges have made a decision, the objection sign shall be removed, the correct placing displayed, and the "official" sign flashed. In all instances, the judges shall post the order of finish and the "official" sign as soon as they have made their decision.

d)         Display the photo sign if the order of finish among the contending horses is less than half-length or a contending horse is on a break at the finish. After the photo has been examined and a decision made, a copy or copies shall be made, checked by the presiding judge, and posted for public inspection.

e)         Sign the judges' book verifying the correctness of the record by the clerk of the course.

(Source:  Amended at 41 Ill. Reg. 4345, effective April 7, 2017)