R 431.3160 Scratches.

Rule 3160. Withdrawal of a horse from a race after closing by the owner, trainer, or authorized agent is permitted only under the following conditions: (a) A horse may be scratched from a stakes race for any reason up until 45 minutes before post time for the race by filing, in writing, an intention to scratch with the clerk of scales. (b) A horse shall not be scratched from a purse race without approval of the stewards and unless the intention to scratch has been filed, in writing, with the racing secretary at or before the time conspicuously posted as scratch time. A scratch of 1 horse coupled in a mutuel entry in a purse race is permitted up to 1 hour before post time for the first race. (c) In purse races, horses that are physically disabled shall be excused first. If more than 10 interests remain in the 2 daily double races or trifecta races or more than 8 interests remain in the remainder of the races, owners or trainers may scratch to those limits by the specified scratch time of the day of the race. The privilege to scratch will be determined by lot when necessary. (d) Scratches are irrevocable.