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Washington Administrative Code (Last Updated: November 23, 2016) |
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Title 260. Horse Racing Commission |
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Chapter 260-20. Association grounds and facilities. |
Section 260-20-013. Racetrack, rails and starting gate.
Latest version.
- (1) The surface of a racetrack, including the cushion, subsurface and base, must be designed, constructed and maintained to provide for the safety of the riders and horses.(2) Prior to the first race meet at an association racetrack, a licensed surveyor may be required to provide to the commission a certified report of the grade and measurement of the distances to be run. If required, the surveyor's report must be submitted to the commission for approval prior to the first race day of the meet.(3) Distances to be run will be measured from the starting line at a distance three feet out from the inside rail.(4) A racing association will provide a drainage system for the racetrack.(5) A racing association will provide backup equipment for maintaining the track surface. An association that conducts races on a turf track will:(a) Maintain an adequate stockpile of growing medium; and(b) Provide a system capable of adequately watering the entire turf course evenly.(6) Racetracks, including turf tracks, will have inside and outside rails, including gap rails, designed, constructed and maintained to provide for the safety of riders and horses.The top of the rail must be at least thirty-eight inches but not more than forty-two inches above the top of the cushion. The commission, or designee must approve the design and construction of rails prior to the first race at the track.(7) During racing hours, Class A and B associations must provide at least two operable padded starting gates. Class C associations must provide at least one operable padded starting gate. The stewards will approve all starting gates.(8) A racing association must make at least one starting gate and qualified starting gate personnel available for schooling at least five weeks prior to the first day of their live race meet.(9) A racing association will ensure that an adequate amount of assistant starters are available for each horse in an official race.(10) If a race is started at a place other than in a chute, the association will provide backup equipment for moving the starting gate. The backup equipment must be immediately available to replace the primary moving equipment in the event of failure.