(a) In all races starters shall be coupled when owned in whole or in part or under the control of, or trained by the same person, or trained in the same stable or by the same management, or where, in the discretion of the judges, it is necessary to protect the public interest. A horse to be driven by a full-time employee of another driver in the race shall be considered as racing from the same stable. If a race is divided into two or more divisions, such starters shall be seeded into separate divisions where possible, first on the basis of ownership and by stable, then on the basis of training. The divisions in which they compete and their post positions shall be drawn by lot. Whenever such horses are coupled in the same race, the presiding judge shall approve the second and additional drivers.

1. (1) Except for stakes races with a purse of $25,000 or more, horses trained by the same trainer but owned by different, separate owners may be uncoupled. The presiding judge has the discretion to couple such horses, however, to protect the interests of the wagering public. Trainers with an ownership interest in more than one horse must have their horses coupled.
2. (2) Except for stakes races with a purse of $100,000 or more, horses with common ownership may be uncoupled. The presiding judge has the discretion to couple such horses, however, to protect the interests of the wagering public.