PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-18-007.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 260-44-150 Horseshoes, amending this section to prohibit the use of toe-grabs with a height greater than four millimeters worn on the front shoes of a horse while racing or training.
Hearing Location(s): Emerald Downs Racetrack, 2800 Emerald Downs Drive, 3rd Floor, Auburn, WA 98001, on December 13, 2007, at 9:30 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: December 13, 2007.
Submit Written Comments to: Robert J. Lopez, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, e-mail rlopez@whrc.state.wa.us, fax (360) 459-6461, by December 7, 2007.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Patty Sorby by December 7, 2007, TTY (360) 459-6462.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The amendment to this section is intended to prohibit the use of toe-grabs on the front shoes of any race horse while racing or in training in an attempt to reduce catastrophic injuries while racing. The ban on front toe-grabs is also a new model rule.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Provides greater safety to race horses while racing and in training. This ban is also a new model rule.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 67.16.020.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Washington horse racing commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Robert J. Lopez, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, (360) 459-6462; Implementation and Enforcement: Robert M. Leichner, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578 (360) 459-6462.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Not applicable.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. Not applicable.
October 15, 2007
R. J. Lopez
Deputy Secretary
OTS-1022.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-07-035, filed 3/12/07,
effective 4/12/07)
WAC 260-44-150
Horseshoes.
(1) A horse starting in a
race must be fully shod with racing plates.
(2) During off-track conditions the trainer is required to report any additional traction devices to the board of stewards or designee.
(3) For turf racing, horses must be shod with racing plates approved by the association.
(4) Toe grabs with a height greater than four millimeters, worn on the front shoes of horses while racing or training on any surface or conditions are prohibited.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.020 and 67.16.040. 07-07-035, § 260-44-150, filed 3/12/07, effective 4/12/07; 06-07-063, § 260-44-150, filed 3/10/06, effective 4/10/06.]