Section 1313.60  Sulky Performance Standards

a)         All styles, types and models of racing sulkies shall pass all performance and testing standards as established in this Part before approval for use is granted.  Testing shall include Static Load Testing, Dynamic Load Testing and Track Testing.

b)         The sulky shall not create either by design or manufacture any interference or hazard to any driver or horse in a race.

1)         All components of the sulky shall be attached to one another in such a way that they remain attached during normal use and testing.

2)         No bent shaft style sulky shall be approved.

c)         Each sulky shall be equipped with two shafts that are attached independently of one another to the horse.  Inside to inside measurement shall be within a range of 42" to 50" at the front of the arch.  All shafts shall be equipped with quick-hitch fixtures or attachable by conventional tie-downs. All quick-hitches shall have safety straps.

d)         The style of arch must be no narrower than 47" or wider than 56" in distance measuring from the inside of each side of the arch at the axle nuts.

1)         The front of the arch to the center line of the harness where a horse is hitched shall be not greater then 76" as measured along the shaft.

2)         The distance from the front of the arch to the back of the seat shall be no greater than 19".

3)         The distance from the ground to the bottom of the arch shall be between 28" and 35" measured with the wheels attached.

4)         The arch shall be parallel to the ground and located a minimum of 1" higher than the tire at all points.

e)         Inside measurement between the inside fork assemblies shall be 6" greater than the inside measurements between the shafts as measured at the front of the arch (e.g., shafts 40"/inside forks 46", shafts 46"/inside forks 52").  Fork measurements shall be taken from the inside of each side of the arch at the axle nut.  There shall be a fork assembly on both sides of each wheel.

f)         Each sulky shall be equipped with two stirrups.  Each stirrup shall not be more than 8" wide.  The stirrups shall be attached to the inside of each shaft no closer than 30" from stirrup to stirrup.

g)         The measurement from the ground to the heel of the stirrup and ground seat plate shall have a spread of no more than 6" as measured with the bike hitched at 54".

1)         The seat plate shall be no lower than 1" below the arch.

2)         The seat shall be securely attached to the seat bracket in a fixed position.

3)         The back of the seat shall be no higher than 4".  No high back seats shall be approved.

4)         All seats shall have adequate padding to provide comfort for the driver.

h)         Each sulky shall contain two wheels.  The wheels shall be 26" to 28" with tire attached.  All wheels shall be covered by wheel disc covers constructed in such a manner so that they are light weight and durable.  Wheel discs shall be either unicolor or colorless.

i)          The mud fenders shall be easily attached to the sulky in such a manner as to make them totally secure to the sulky.

j)          The sulky must be attached to either side of the horse by a safe and effective method with each shaft hooked separately on each side.  The forward ends of the sulky shaft shall not project beyond the shoulder of the horse.  The shafts shall not be higher than the withers of the horse.

(Source:  Amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 15442, effective September 30, 1994)