Rule 3769-16-24 | Starting.
(A) Starter's control. The starter shall have control of the horses from the formation of the parade until he gives the word "go."
(1) Scoring: After one or two preliminary warming-up scores, the starter shall notify the drivers to come to the starting gate. During or before the parade the drivers must be informed as to the number of scores permitted.
(2) The horses shall be brought to the starting gate as near one-quarter of a mile before the start as the track will permit.
(3) Speed of gate: Allowing sufficient time so that the speed of the gate can be increased gradually, the following minimum speeds will be maintained:
(a) For the first one-eighth mile, not less than eleven miles per hour.
(b) For the next one-sixteenth of a mile, not less than eighteen miles per hour.
(c) From that point to the starting point, the speed will be gradually increased to maximum speed.
(B)
The starting point will be not less than two hundred feet from the first turn. The starting point shall be clearly identified by a distinctively colored pole at least two feet above the existing pylons. The starter shall give the word "go" at the starting point.
When a speed has been reached in the course of a start there shall be no decrease except in the case of a recall.
Supplemental Information