PURPOSE: This rule sets forth the duties of the starter.

1. (1) The starter—

   1. (A) Is responsible to provide a fair start for each race. S/he may appoint assistants, but assistants may not handle or take charge of a horse in the starting gate except by the express permission of the starter;
   2. (B) Shall report violations of these rules occurring in the starting of a race to the stewards;
   3. (C) Shall report immediately to the stewards when a door of the starting gate fails to open as the starter dispatches the field. The stewards shall post the inquiry sign and have the announcer alert the public to hold all mutuel tickets. The stewards shall then determine if the gate(s) failed to open when the starter dispatched the field and rule accordingly;
   4. (D) Shall supervise the schooling of horses for the starting gate. The starter may require schooling for any horse s/he determines to be not sufficiently trained in starting gate procedures to ensure a fair start. S/he shall maintain a schooling list of horses designated for training, a copy of which shall be accessibly posted in the office of the racing secretary;
   5. (E) Shall maintain a list of every horse ineligible to start because of a determination by the starter that the horse is not sufficiently schooled for starting or is otherwise unable or unfit to start a race;
   6. (F) And his/her assistants are prohibited from striking or using abusive language to a jockey; and
   7. (G) Shall ensure that the horses take their positions in the starting gate in order of post position from the inside rail out.

AUTHORITY: section 313.540, RSMo 1986.* Original rule filed Oct. 3, 1986, effective Jan. 12, 1987.

*Original authority: 313.540, RSMo 1986.