S.I. No. 133/1967 - Greyhound Race Track (Racing) Regulations, 1967.


S.I. No. 133 of 1967.

GREYHOUND RACE TRACK (RACING) REGULATIONS, 1967.

ARRANGEMENT OF ARTICLES.

Article

1. Revocation.

2. Definitions.

3. Establishment of Control Committee.

4. Functions of Control Committee.

5. Reckoning age of greyhounds.

6. Fighting.

7. Race cards.

8. Duties of Racing Manager.

9. Appointment of officials.

10. Weight variations.

11. Judge.

12. Declaration of "No Race".

13. Withdrawal of a greyhound.

14. Haredriver and Timekeeper.

15. The duties and powers of a Control Steward

16. Investigations.

17. Disqualification Orders.

18. Stewards of the meeting.

19. Taking of samples.

20. Powers of Stipendary Stewards.

21. Qualifications of greyhounds for racing.

22. Racing procedure.

23. Classics, Feature Events and Sweepstakes.

24. Conditions of entry.

25. Hurdle races.

26. Ownership.

27. Division of stakes.

28. Prize money, stakes, entry fees, etc.

29. Bribes and corrupt practices.

30. Disputes, objections, appeals, etc.

31. Greyhound race track executive.

32. Track records.

33. Betting disputes.

34. Betting regulations.

35. Miscellaneous provisions.

36. Citation and commencement.

S.I. No. 133 of 1967.

GREYHOUND RACE TRACK (RACING) REGULATIONS, 1967.

Bord na gCon, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Sections 13 , 25 and 48 of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 (No. 12 of 1958), and also by subsection (3) of Section 5 of the said Act, hereby makes the following regulations, that is to say:—

1 Revocation.

1. The Greyhound Race Track (Racing) Regulations, 1960, and subsequent amendments thereto are hereby revoked.

2 Definitions.

2. In these regulations, the following words and expressions have the meanings hereby assigned to them, that is to say:—

"the Act" means the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 (No. 12 of 1968);

"the Board" means Bord na gCon, established under the Act;

"the I.C.C." means the Irish Coursing Club;

"race track" means a greyhound race track licensed by the Board under the Act on which greyhound races are held for reward;

"meeting" means a greyhound race meeting held at a licensed greyhound race track;

"trial" means a test run on a greyhound race track licensed by the Board in which an object propelled by mechanical means is pursued by the greyhounds taking part in the test;

"qualifying trial" has the meaning assigned to it in Article 24 of these regulations;

"race" means a competition on a greyhound race track licensed by the Board in which an object propelled by mechanical means is pursued by the greyhounds engaged in the competition and on the result of which a prize in money or money's worth is awarded to the winning and/or placed greyhounds;

"track" means the portion of the grounds measured or marked out for races or for any particular race;

"greyhound" includes dog or bitch;

"added money" means money contributed towards stakes, other than money contributed by the owners of greyhounds;

"Control Committee" means the Committee of the Board established under Article 3 of these regulations;

"advertised value" means the amount advertised to be given for a race by way of prize money;

"raced greyhound" means a greyhound which has at any time competed in a race;

"unraced greyhound" means a greyhound which has never competed in a race;

"arrears" means any sums unpaid in respect of entry fees, stakes or subscriptions;

"nominator" means any person other than the owner of a greyhound who nominates any greyhound entered for any race or any qualifying race or heat or for any match;

"cup" means any prize not given in money;

"warned-off person" means a person to whom an exclusion order under Section 47 of the Act applies;

"fighting" means the deliberate interference by a greyhound with one or more than one greyhound during a race or trial;

"disqualified greyhound" means a greyhound named in a disqualification order made under the Act or these regulations;

"suspended greyhound" means a greyhound suspended under these regulations for fighting or for any other reason;

"reserve greyhound" means a greyhound held in reserve to replace a non-runner;

"graded race" means a race for which the competing dogs are selected by the racing manager;

"open race" means a race open to all registered greyhounds;

"feature event" means a race or sweepstake in which a cash prize of at least £200 is payable to the owner of the winning greyhound;

"match" means a race between two greyhounds the property of different owners;

"race track executive" means the licensee under the greyhound race track licence relating to a greyhound track;

"stewards of the meeting" means the control steward and the stewards appointed by a race track executive, with the approval of the Board, to carry out such duties as may be assigned to them;

"control steward" means a steward appointed under permit from the Board to fulfil the duties of an authorised officer under the Act and duties assigned under these regulations;

"stipendary steward" means a steward appointed by the Board to supervise the conduct of greyhound racing and the performance of duties by duly authorised officials and stewards;

" sweepstake" means an event in which the entry fees, subscriptions or other contributions of three or more owners go to the winner or placed greyhounds, whether or not a money or other prize is added;

"time of entry" means the time fixed for closing of entries.

3 Establishment of Control Committee.

3. (1) As soon as conveniently may be, there shall by virtue of this Article be established a Committee to be styled and known as the Control Committee to fulfil the functions assigned to it by these regulations.

(2) The following provisions regarding membership and procedure shall apply to the Control Committee:—

(a) the Committee shall consist of five members,

(b) the Chairman and Chief Officer of the Board shall be ex-officio members of the Committee,

(c) three Board members shall be members of the Committee,

(d) a member of the Committee may at any time resign his membership,

(e) the Board may at any time direct the removal of a member of the Committee,

(f) the term of office of ordinary members shall be one year but retiring members shall be eligible for re-appointment,

(g) a member of the Committee shall not participate in or adjudicate on any investigations into any matters affecting his own financial interests,

(h) no person holding a permit from the Board to perform specified functions at a race track may be a member of the Committee,

(i) the Chairman of the Board shall act as Chairman of the Committee,

(j) if unable to be present at any meeting, the Chairman shall nominate a deputy to act in his stead,

(k) the Committee shall hold such and so many meetings as may be necessary for the due fulfilment of its functions.

(l) the quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be two,

(m) the Committee may act notwithstanding one or more than one vacancy among its members,

(n) an officer of the Board authorised by the Board to act in that capacity shall be secretary of the Committee,

(o) documents, reports and appeals shall be addressed to the secretary of the Committee at the Board's offices.

(3) Following consideration of the result of any investigation duly made under these regulations, the Committee may, in addition to the powers vested in it by Article 17 of these regulations, take or authorise the taking of disciplinary action (including the imposition of such fines as the Committee thinks appropriate) against persons who appear to them to have been guilty of conduct inimical to the breeding or coursing of greyhounds or to have contravened any provision in these regulations or any other directions or regulations made by the Board and for the time being in force.

(4) Where the Committee takes action under sub-article (3) above, the Committee shall cause such notice as it thinks proper to be served on the person affected or on any other person whom the Committee deems it necessary to notify and may publish its findings in any manner it thinks fit.

(5) The decisions of the Committee shall be final.

(6) A member of the Committee shall be paid by the Board such allowances for expenses as the Board may determine.

(7) Subject to these regulations, the Committee may regulate by standing orders or otherwise the procedure and business of the Committee.

4 Functions of Control Committee.

4. (1) The Control Committee, inter alia, shall perform the functions of the Board under Sections 43, 45and 47 of the Act, save in relation to any matter which in the opinion of the Control Committee should be dealt with by the Board.

(2) Acts of the Control Committee under these Sections of the Act shall not be subject to confirmation by the Board save in the case of Section 47 which provides for the making of Exclusion Orders.

5 Reckoning the Age of a Greyhound.

5. For the purposes of these regulations:—

(a) the age of a greyhound shall be reckoned as beginning on the first day of the month in which it is whelped,

(b) a greyhound shall be considered a puppy until the 31st day of December of the year following the year of whelping.

6 Fighting.

6. (1) Should a raced greyhound in the opinion of the majority of the stewards present and acting, be deemed to have fought in a trial or race, such greyhound shall be suspended and its identity card impounded and marked "suspended for fighting". Should an unraced greyhound, in the opinion of the majority of the stewards present and acting, be deemed to have fought in a trial, such greyhound shall be suspended and its identity card impounded. No greyhound shall be reinstated unless it has run two clearance trials, which shall be held at the track where it was suspended except that where the enforcement of the latter provision would cause hardship by reason of distance, it shall be open to the owner to apply to the Control Committee to have the clearance trials run at a track nearer his residence.

(2) A clearance trial shall be a trial where the suspended greyhound is handslipped by the control steward behind not less than three other greyhounds and passes at least two greyhounds during the course of the trial.

(3) The Control Committee may prescribe the days and times on which clearance trials may be held at any particular race track.

(4) A clearance trial shall not be run within seven days of the date on which a greyhound was suspended for fighting. A greyhound shall not run two clearance trials on the same day.

(5) A raced greyhound's identity card shall be marked" cleared" by the control steward when such greyhound has satisfactorily completed its clearance trials.

(6) A greyhound which has satisfactorily completed its clearance trials shall run a regrading trial before being accepted for racing. In such trial, there shall be at least one other greyhound.

(7) The control steward shall report the result of the clearance trials run by a suspended greyhound to the Control Committee and where such trials are unsatisfactory, the relevant identity card shall be forwarded to that Committee.

(8) Details of the names of greyhounds suspended, reinstated or subsequently disqualified by the Control Committee shall be published in such manner as may be approved by the Committee.

(9) Details as to dates of suspension or reinstatement of greyhounds shall be entered by the control steward at each track on a register of an approved type to be kept at the track.

7 Race Cards.

7. (1) Every race track executive shall publish a race card of an approved type in respect of every meeting held at the greyhound race track operated by such executive and shall state thereon that every such meeting is held under these regulations and that the track is licensed by the Board.

(2) The particulars shown on a race card for any meeting shall include the following:—

(a) the names of the officials and stewards appointed to act at such meeting,

(b) the amount of the prize money payable in respect of each race to the owners of winning and placed greyhounds,

(c) the distance of each race and type (i.e. whether flat or hurdle),

(d) in respect of each race, the names of the registered owners of the greyhounds entered therefor, the town in or nearest to which each such owner resides, and the name of the affiliated coursing club of which he is a bona fide member,

(e) the name of the licensed trainer in cases where a greyhound is not trained by the owner,

(f) the scheduled time of commencement of the first race and the approximate scheduled time of commencement of each succeeding race,

(g) the registered names and the descriptions of the greyhounds entered, the month and year of whelping and the names of their sires and dams,

(h) in respect of each greyhound entered, save where a greyhound has had less than four public performances, not less than four lines of form which shall include the greyhound's best ever performance, where possible, his best performance over the distance for which he is entered and his two most recent performances. If, however, all four such performances are in respect of trials and the greyhound has raced, at least one line of race form must be given. In the case of a greyhound which has had less than four public performances, all such performances shall be given. In addition, the greyhound's weight, trap number and the state of the going on the occasion of each listed performance shall be given. Where a greyhound has been placed, its estimated time shall be published and for the purposes of such estimations, the distances shall be estimated as follows:—

.07 sec.

1 length,

.05 sec.

¾ length,

.03 sec.

½ length,

.02 sec.

Nk.,

.01 sec.

Hd.,

.01 sec.

Sh. Hd.,

(i) in the event of a greyhound being impeded or otherwise interfered with in any performance listed under paragraph (h) of this Article, an indication to that effect shall appear on the race card.

(3) The racing manager shall be responsible for the accuracy of the race card and for the announcement over the public address system before each race of any additional or corrected form or any other correction required.

8 Duties of Racing Manager.

8. (1) The racing manager shall ensure that a muzzle and a clean coloured, numbered sheet is provided for every greyhound competing in a race or trial. The colours of the numbered sheets shall be as follows:—

1 Red

3 White

5 Black

2 Blue

4 Red and White Stripes

6 Orange.

A reserve greyhound shall parade in the coloured sheet of the trap from which it starts with the letter "R" prominently displayed on it.

(2) The racing manager shall have in his possession, for the information of the stewards of the meeting a list of warned-off persons and shall not allow any greyhound owned by such persons to start for a race or trial. He shall also have in his possession, a list of disqualified greyhounds and shall not allow any such greyhound to start for a race or trial.

(3) The racing manager (or in his unavoidable absence an official holding a permit from the Board) shall be present at all trials at the track at which he officiates. Where a racing manager is unable to be present, the Control Committee shall be notified of the name of the official who deputised for him.

(4) (i) The racing manager shall not accept for entry for any graded race any greyhound which is the registered property of a director or steward of the track at which he officiates.

(ii) The racing manager and control steward shall ensure that all greyhounds are weighed and placed in racing kennels half an hour before the start of the first race and the control steward shall ensure that no owner or trainer subsequently handles any greyhound without his permission until after the last race.

(5) The racing manager shall not permit any greyhound to compete in a race or trial unless such greyhound's identity card is produced to him at time of weigh-in.

(6) Save as provided for in Article 6 (2) of these regulations, the racing manager shall ensure that only untried greyhounds or greyhounds which have failed to complete the course during a trial are afforded handslips.

(7) (i) The racing manager shall ensure:—

(a) in the case of a raced greyhound, that all its trials and races (including trials held for the purposes of sale) are duly recorded on the relevant identity card and

(b) in the case of an unraced greyhound, that the first trial run by such greyhound is entered in its identity card and every trial and race after it has recorded the prescribed qualifying time,

(ii) the provisions of this sub-article shall also apply in respect of hurdle racing,

(iii) the racing manager shall verify the correctness of every new entry in an identity card by appending his signature,

(8) On completion of weigh-in, the racing manager shall ensure that the numbers of the declared runners are publicly displayed on a runners' board of an approved type.

9 Appointment of Officials.

9. (1) Subject to the provisions of the Greyhound Race Track (Permits for Persons performing Specified Functions) Regulations, 1959 (No. 10 of 1959), the following officials shall be appointed for every greyhound race track, viz. racing manager, judge, timekeeper, control steward and haredriver.

(2) The race track executive shall immediately notify the Board in writing of any changes in the said appointments at a track.

(3) Every complaint against an official shall be made to the Control Committee in writing, clearly stating the grounds of complaint and shall be accompanied by a deposit of £3 0s. 0d. (three pounds), which will be forfeited if the complaint is found on investigation to be frivolous.

10 Weight Variation.

10. (1) The racing manager shall ensure that:—

(a) where a greyhound entered for a race weighed less than 60 lbs. at the time of its last trial or race, a weight variation of not more than 2 lbs. either side of its last recorded weight is allowed,

(b) where a greyhound entered for a race weighed 60 lbs. or more at the time of its last trial or race, a weight variation of not more than 3 lbs. either side of its last recorded weight is allowed.

(2) Any weight variation in excess of that allowed under the preceding sub-article shall disqualify the greyhound concerned, which shall then be kennelled as for racing and shall immediately after racing on the date of disqualification be required to run a trial at the track over the distance for which it was entered unless the greyhound is deemed as unfit to race by the Veterinary Surgeon. In the event of an owner, trainer or any other person in charge of any such greyhound failing to comply with the requirements of this sub-article, the greyhound shall be deemed to be suspended and its identity card shall be impounded by the control steward pending a direction in the matter from the Control Committee.

(3) The entry fee for a greyhound disqualified under this Article shall be forfeit but no fee shall be charged for the required trial.

(4) Weight variations shall be announced by the racing manager before each race over the public address system. The racing manager shall also ensure that all weight variations are publicly displayed on a special board for the publication of weights, which shall be of such type as may be approved by the Control Committee.

11 Judge.

11. (1) (a) The judge shall occupy the judge's box for the duration of each race of a meeting. Unless the stewards of the meeting decide otherwise, the judge shall indicate to them the order of finish. The numbers of the first two greyhounds in the order of finish shall be publicly shown. The numbers of the winning and placed greyhounds shall be publicly announced and the order of finish shall be confirmed by the the showing of a green light or the hoisting of a green flag by the control steward. The winning distances and times shall also be publicly announced.

(b) The judge shall at the conclusion of each meeting furnish a signed report of the result of each race to the racing manager.

(2) The result of a race shall be the order in which the noses of the competing greyhounds reach the winning line as decided by the judge following any necessary consultation with the stewards of the meeting.

(3) The winning greyhound shall be the greyhound whose nose in the judge's opinion first reached the winning line, provided that such greyhound has duly completed the course.

(4) Every greyhound which has been placed in a starting box shall be deemed to have started provided such starting box has no mechanical defect and provided the greyhound has not been dealt with as provided for under Article 13 of these regulations.

(5) A greyhound shall be deemed to come under starter's orders when it has been placed in the starting box, unless it has been dealt with as provided for under Article 13 of these regulations.

(6) The judge may call for a photo-finish at any time. When a print has been called for, a copy of the print shall be displayed at suitable points in the precincts of the race track accessible to all patrons.

(7) If the judge does not call for a print, no print shall be made.

(8) If the judge calls for a photo-finish and, for any reason, a photo-finish print cannot be obtained or is indecipherable, the result of the race shall be decided by the judge and his decision shall be final and the following announcement shall be made over the loudspeakers:—

"For technical reasons, the result cannot be ascertained by photo-finish print. The judge's decision is...........................".

(9) The judge's decision in relation to the result of a race shall be final.

12 Declaration of "No Race".

12. The stewards may declare " No Race " only in the following circumstances:—

(a) where there is a mechanical or other defect of the hare equipment or starting box or any outside interference with the race, or

(b) if any of the dogs fight, and as a consequence, all fail to pursue the hare, or

(c) if for any other reason all dogs fail to pursue the hare.

13 Withdrawal of a Greyhound.

13. (1) No greyhound shall be withdrawn after being weighed in save with the permission of the stewards.

(2) Should the starter or any official or steward consider that through apparent illness or injury, a greyhound is unable to start, he shall at once notify the stewards of the meeting and they, after consultation (if necessary) with a Veterinary Surgeon, may withdraw that greyhound's number from the runners' board and that greyhound shall not then be considered as having started or come under starter's orders. All such withdrawals shall be publicly announced.

14 Haredriver and Timekeeper.

14. (1) The haredriver shall take his orders from and be responsible to the racing manager and no one else other than the stewards of the meeting shall have any contact with him while he is on duty and he shall not leave the control tower during the meeting without the consent of the racing manager.

(2) It shall be the duty of the haredriver to set the hare in motion when directed by the starter and to keep it in motion at a proper distance in front of the leading greyhound until it enters the escape.

(3) The timekeeper shall time each race and trial and for this purpose shall be provided with a stop watch or electric timing apparatus.

15 The Duties and Powers of a Control Steward.

15. (1) The control steward shall check markings of each greyhound before each trial and race and, having identified the greyhound, shall append his signature to the identity card opposite the relevant entery in that card relating to the greyhound's participation in such trial or race.

(2) The control steward shall observe the exercise of their duties by racing officials and stewards of the meeting and report to the Control Committee if he deems fit on the execution by them of all or any of the functions assigned to them under these regulations.

(3) The control steward shall, as soon as possible, forward to the Control Committee a detailed report of any occurrences at a greyhound race track requiring investigation under these regulations.

(4) The control steward shall forward each week to the Control Committee a list of the greyhounds which were suspended or reinstated under Article 6 of these regulations during the preceding week at the track at which he officiates.

(5) The control steward may in his absolute discretion and subject to the provisions of Section 44 of the Act direct that any occurrence at the track at which he officiates be duly investigated in accordance with these regulations.

16 Investigations.

16. (1) No person having any interest in or connection with any greyhound which is the subject of any investigation duly initiated under the Act or under these regulations may effect any transfer of ownership of greyhounds pending the result of such investigation.

(2) (i) Arising out of any investigation duly made under the Act or under these regulations, the stewards of the meeting may at their discretion:—

(a) suspend any greyhound for a period not exceeding one calendar month,

(b) caution any owner,

(c) direct that any greyhound shall run specified trials to the satisfaction of the control steward and racing manager,

(d) accept the explanation offered.

(ii) the control steward shall immediately report to the Control Committee on any action taken by the stewards of the meeting under sub-article (1) above and a report of such action or of any action taken by the Control Committee may be published in such manner as the Control Committee may deem necessary.

(3) Whenever a greyhound is suspended, its identity card shall be impounded by the control steward.

(4) The Control Committee shall consider the report of the control steward and after making any inquiries which it may deem advisable shall take such further action (including suspension and disqualification) as it considers necessary.

(5) The Control Committee may make an Exclusion Order under Section 47 of the Act against any person who:—

(a) obstructs or impedes the exercise by control stewards or stipendiary stewards of any power conferred on them by these regulations,

(b) fails or refuses to give to a control steward or stipendiary steward any information within his knowledge which such stewards require under these regulations,

(c) in giving such information gives information which to his knowledge is false and misleading in any material particular,

(d) fails or refuses to comply with any direction or requisition of facilities given or made by a control steward or stipendiary steward under these regulations, or by an authorised officer of the Board.

17 Disqualification Orders.

17. (1) After consideration of the result of any investigation made under these regulations, the Control Committee may, by order made in respect of all or specified greyhounds kept, owned, trained or managed by a specified person disqualify such greyhounds from any one or more of the following:—

(a) registration in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book,

(b) entry for any greyhound race at any greyhound race track,

(c) entry for any event forming an item at any authorised coursing meeting,

(d) acceptance for sale at any public sale of greyhounds.

(2) When the Control Committee proposes to make a Disqualification Order, the Committee shall serve notice of the proposal by registered post on the person concerned and shall, if any representations are made in writing by such person within seven days, consider the representations.

(3) The Control Committee may revoke any Disqualification Order made under this Article of these regulations.

(4) Where a Disqualification Order is made by the Control Committee, the Committee:—

(a) shall cause notice of the making of the order to be served on the person to whom the order applies, and

(b) may cause notice of the making of the order to be served on any other persons whom the Committee thinks it proper to notify.

18 Stewards of the Meeting.

18. (1) There shall be at least three stewards for every meeting, who shall be present from the start of kennelling until after the last race. There shall also be a paddock attendant or attendants who shall supervise the racing kennels and paddock from the start of kennelling until after the last race.

(2) The names of the stewards of the meeting shall be posted up in a public place in the main enclosure of a track at least half an hour before the commencement of the first race thereat.

(3) The stewards of the meeting shall supervise all events on a race track in connection with racing and shall maintain the general integrity of racing thereon.

(4) The stewards of the meeting shall watch every race from start to finish and as far as possible watch every greyhound in each race.

(5) The stewards of the meeting shall note the manner of running and the time recorded by each greyhound in each race as compared with previous performances. If they are not satisfied with the running of any greyhound, they shall consult together and if necessary call for the advice of a Veterinary Surgeon and if they think it desirable may cause an investigation to be held; but no such investigation may be held unless the control steward is present.

(6) The stewards of the meeting shall regulate, control, take cognisance of and adjudicate upon the conduct of all owners and persons attendant on the greyhounds participating in events at the meeting.

(7) The stewards of the meeting shall have power to call for proof that a greyhound is neither disqualified in any respect nor the property wholly or in part of a warned-off person and in default of such proof being given to their satisfaction, they may declare a greyhound suspended and in that event shall notify the Control Committee.

19 Taking of Samples.

19. (1) The stewards of the meeting shall have power at any time to order an examination by a Veterinary Surgeon of any greyhound entered for a race or which has run in a race. If they order a sample of urine or a sample by vomition or any other means to be taken from a greyhound for analysis, such greyhound shall be kennelled at the track or such place as the stewards may appoint until a sample has been obtained. The owner of the greyhound concerned shall not remove the greyhound subsequent to the taking of such sample until permitted to do so by the stewards who ordered the sample to be taken.

(2) Should the owner of the greyhound so require, the total amount of the sample shall be halved in his presence and each half shall be placed in a separate receptacle and securely fastened and sealed. The first sample shall then be dispatched to an analyst approved by the Control Committee and the second sent by the race track executive to any public analyst nominated by the owner. The cost of the latter analysis shall be borne by the owner. The result of all analyses of samples taken shall be made available to the stewards of the race track who ordered the samples to be taken and also to the said owner of the greyhound concerned. Two copies of the analysts' reports shall be forwarded by the racing manager to the Control Committee.

(3) Should the owner, trainer or any person in charge of a greyhound or any other person obstruct or impede the taking of a sample by a Veterinary Surgeon under this Article of these regulations, the Control Committee may make an Exclusion Order under Section 47 of the Act against such person and in addition may disqualify, in the manner laid down in Article 17 of these regulations, all greyhounds kept, owned, trained or managed by such person.

(4) A duly authorised officer of the Board may exercise the powers conferred on the stewards of the meeting by this Article.

20 Powers of Stipendiary Stewards.

20. (1) A stipendiary steward may supervise greyhound racing, trials and sales and may investigate any occurrence brought to his notice in relation to any matter connected with the greyhound industry. He shall have free access to all parts of the track and to all records relating to the running or sale of greyhounds.

(2) A stipendiary steward shall in particular have power to require:—

(a) that racing kennels are suitably maintained,

(b) that the duties of officials and stewards are carried out in accordance with these regulations,

(c) that the condition and lighting of tracks are adequate, and

(d) that racing equipment and apparatus are maintained in a satisfactory condition.

(3) A stipendiary steward present at any meeting at a greyhound race track may (subject to the production by him if so required of his appointment) call for an investigation of any occurrence observed by him or brought to his notice in relation to any race at the meeting, or the performance (including behaviour) of any greyhound at the meeting.

(4) For the purpose of an investigation under this Article a stipendiary steward may:—

(a) require any person to give to him any information which he may reasonably consider necessary, and

(b) give such directions and require such facilities as he may reasonably consider necessary (including directions and facilities as to the examination and swabbing of greyhounds and the detention under specified control for any purpose of greyhounds or of documents relating thereto).

21 Qualifications of Greyhounds for Racing.

21. (1) A greyhound under the age of thirteen calendar months shall not be eligible to run in any trial or race.

(2) A greyhound shall not be entered for or compete in any trial or race until:—

(a) it has been duly registered with the I.C.C., and

(b) its identity card has been completed and sealed.

(3) A greyhound shall not be qualified to be entered for or to run in any trial or race:—

(a) if and so long as it is in the ownership or part ownership of a warned-off person or so long as such person has any interest in its winnings at race meetings,

(b) if and so long as it is in the kennel of or under the care and management of a warned-off person,

(c) in any case in which it is by these regulations or by the conditions of a race declared to be disqualified.

(4) If a disqualified greyhound be entered or run in any race, the control steward shall report the person or persons responsible to the Control Committee.

22 Racing Procedure.

22. (1) No person other than the racing manager, control steward, veterinary surgeon or other official having the care of the greyhounds engaged in races shall be admitted to the kennels or kennel enclosure during racing without the prior permission of the control steward and any person refusing to leave such kennels or enclosure shall be reported to the stewards of the meeting.

(2) Unless otherwise directed by the control steward, every greyhound shall be paraded on the race track before going to the starting box.

(3) No person under the age of sixteen years shall be permitted to parade any greyhound and persons engaged by the race track executive to parade greyhounds shall be interchanged after each race.

(4) No owner or trainer may parade his greyhound except with the permission or at the request of the control steward.

(5) Every greyhound running in a race shall, as provided for by subarticle (1) of Article 8 of these regulations, wear a coloured sheet bearing a number corresponding with his number on the race card.

(6) Every greyhound shall run in a safety non-biting muzzle (other than a strap muzzle) of an approved type.

(7) Every greyhound shall be in the starting box ready to start at the appointed time and the race shall normally start at the time advertised.

(8) Before the starter's bell is rung or his flag dropped, each greyhound shall be placed in its correct compartment in the starting box.

(9) The draw for trap places, at which the public may be present, shall be made at the time and place designated by the racing manager with the consent of the Control Committee and shall take place in the following manner:—

A bag or other receptacle shall be provided containing as many numbered discs or balls as there are greyhounds in the race. Where there are five runners, disc numbered 4 shall be excluded from the draw; where there are four runners discs numbered 2 and 5 shall be excluded; where there are three runners discs numbered 1, 3 and 5 shall be excluded; where there are two runners, discs numbered 1, 3, 5 and 6 shall be excluded. All such discs or balls shall be of uniform size and shape and shall be numbered and coloured to correspond with the compartments in the starting box.

(10) In any case in which it is found necessary to re-run a race, the original draw shall stand.

(11) The starting box shall consist of a number of separate compartments, each holding one greyhound; the compartment on the inside next to the rails shall be No. 1 position in the draw and the other compartments shall be numbered accordingly.

(12) Draws for heats of classics, feature events and sweepstakes shall be made in public at such times as may be approved by the Control Committee.

(13) At any meeting held at a greyhound race track:—

(a) the maximum distance of any race shall be 1,200 yards and the minimum distance shall be 230 yards;

(b) matches shall be sanctioned by the stewards of the meeting;

(c) two greyhounds trained by the same trainer shall not compete in a match except with the permission of the Control Committee.

(14) A reserve greyhound may take the place of a greyhound not declared at time of kennelling (viz. half an hour before the start of racing). The owner of a reserve greyhound shall be informed that his greyhound has been selected as a reserve.

23 Classics, Feature Events and Sweepstakes.

23. (1) The Control Committee shall publish at the commencement of every racing season a list of the events to be known as Classics and Feature Events and shall decide the dates, venues and manner in which such events shall be run. No race track executive may, without the previous permission of the Control Committee, promote a race or sweepstake of an advertised value of more than £200 (two hundred pounds) to the winner during any period fixed for the running of a Classic or Feature Event.

(2) The Control Committee may prescribe from time to time the prize money to be given for Classics. The advertised added money together with the total amount received by way of entry fees shall be distributed in prize money. Provision shall be made for the payment by each greyhound race track executive promoting a Classic of a prize (of such amount as may be approved by the Control Committee) to the breeder of the greyhound winning such Classic.

(3) The conditions of every Classic, Feature Event and sweepstake and the date of commencement of first round heats thereof shall be so advertised by the race track executive as to allow at least seven clear days between the date of the relevant advertisement and the closing date for receipt of entries. No alteration shall be made in the conditions of any such event after the last advertisement, except where special permission has been obtained from the Control Committee.

(4) Where a greyhound wins or is placed in an eliminating heat of a Classic, Feature Event or sweepstake but is subsequently suspended or disqualified, the next placed greyhound in that particular heat shall go forward to the subsequent round or rounds.

(5) A race track executive shall not promote a nominator event save with the permission of the Control Committee and any such events shall be run in such manner as may be approved by the Committee.

24 Conditions of Entry.

24. (1) The following conditions shall be observed in respect of every greyhound race and shall form part of the conditions of entry therefor:—

(a) entries shall only be made and accepted which conform in all respects with these regulations and with any directions of the Control Committee or the Board,

(b) a greyhound under disqualification or suspension shall not be eligible for entry,

(c) the person making the entry shall state on the entry form the name of the last race track upon which the greyhound being entered ran and where the greyhound may be inspected,

(d) should the entered greyhound run in a trial or race after the time of entry and before the date of the race for which he is entered, then the person who made the entry shall immediately inform the racing manager of the fact and of the name of the race track upon which the greyhound ran such trial or race,

(e) entries shall be made on an entry form of an approved type signed either by the bona fide owner of the greyhound or his/her authorised agent (who shall be required to give his/her address) and such entry form shall be in the hands of the racing manager before the time of kennelling. Entries made by telegram or telephone shall be deemed equally binding and unless such entries are confirmed in writing within 48 hours of the time fixed for the closing of entries, the owner shall, at the discretion of the Control Committee, forfeit all entry fees,

(f) the racing manager shall not allow to start for a race other than an open race an unraced but qualified greyhound which has not had at least one trial on the track at which the said racing manager officiates,

(g) the racing manager shall not allow to compete in a race any unraced greyhound whose last qualifying trial was run more than twenty-eight days prior to the race and shall not permit to compete in a race any raced greyhound whose last previous performance was recorded more than forty two days prior to the race,

(h) a greyhound shall not be eligible to run in any race unless it has run two trials of which at least one was a qualifying trial; in the case of flat races, hurdle trials shall not be taken into account,

(i) a racing manager shall not allow to start for a sprint race any greyhound which has not previously been tried over a sprint distance. For the purpose of this Article, a sprint distance shall be any distance of not more than 440 yards,

(j) a racing manager shall not allow to start for any race of more than 440 yards any greyhound having sprint form only.

(2) (i) A qualifying trial shall be a test run on the flat or over hurdles on a licensed greyhound race track in which on the flat, the time recorded by the greyhound concerned is not more than 31.75 seconds for 525 yards or its equivalent over any other distance or in which over hurdles, the time so recorded is not more than 33.50 seconds for 525 yards or its equivalent over any other distance. Due allowance shall be made for the condition of the going. Only greyhounds running first, second or third in such trial shall be deemed to have qualified.

(ii) A weight variation trial shall be regarded as a qualifying trial provided the greyhound at least records the qualifying time for the distance over which it runs.

(3) No alteration or addition shall be made in any entry form unless the stewards of the meeting are satisfied that there has been no fraud and that the greyhound's indentity is clearly proved. If an owner, trainer or agent fails to give particulars as to a greyhound's performances, as required under Article 7 (2) (h) of these regulations, or fails to give additional form between time of entry and the date on which the race is run, then that greyhound may, at the discretion of the stewards of the meeting, be excluded from competing in the race for which it was entered.

(4) Every owner who enters a greyhound for a race must be a paid-up member of a coursing club affiliated to the Irish Coursing Club.

25 Hurdle Races.

25. (1) In hurdle races of over 400 yards, at least four flights of hurdles shall be jumped. In races of 400 yards and under, a minimum of three hurdles shall be jumped. In the event of a hurdle being knocked down, it shall be replaced if time permits, but irrespective of whether it is replaced or not, the result of the race shall be allowed to stand, even if advantage is taken of a gap so caused.

(2) All hurdles shall be of a type approved by the Board.

(3) The racing manager shall not allow to compete in a hurdle race any greyhound which has not previously qualified over hurdles.

(4) Performances on the flat shall not be taken into account for hurdle races and vice versa.

26 Ownership

26. (1) A greyhound shall run in the name or names of its registered owner or owners, who shall be the bona fide owner or owners or part owners and shall not be entered in the name of any person as its owner unless that person's interest or property in the greyhound is at least equal to that of any other person.

(2) Wherever the name under which a greyhound has been registered and under which it has run at any race track in any country is changed and abandoned, the old name and description shall be given in every entry form and shall also appear on the official race card until such greyhound has run in five races and until the change of name has been suitably published in such manner as the Control Committee may direct.

27 Division of Stakes.

27. (1) If in a race a greyhound runs out of the course, it shall forfeit all rights in that race.

(2) When greyhounds run a dead-heat for first place, the stakes shall be divided between the owners of the dead-heating greyhounds. The dead-heat shall not be run off unless the race is an eliminating heat for a cup or stakes in which only the greyhound winning such heat may compete, in which event the greyhounds which dead-heat shall run a trial between them over the same course and from their original traps at a time fixed by the stewards but in any event not sooner than 20 minutes after such dead-heat. The winner of the trial shall go forward to the next heat. If the draw for traps in the next heat takes place before the result of the trial is known, a blank shall be put in and the winner of the trial shall take the trap drawn by the blank.

(3) When a dead-heat is run for second place, stakes shall be divided between the owners of the dead-heating greyhounds. The dead-heat shall not be run off unless the race is an eliminating beat for a cup or stakes, in which only the greyhound winning such heat and the greyhound placed second therein may compete, in which event the procedure detailed in sub-article (2) above shall be followed.

(4) When a dead-heat is run for third place, the stakes shall be divided between the owners of the dead-heating greyhounds. The dead-heat shall not be run off unless the race is an eliminating heat for a cup or stakes in which only the greyhounds filling the first three places in such heat may compete, in which event the procedure detailed in sub-article (2) above shall be followed.

(5) In the event of a dead-heat in a match, the match shall be void and shall not be re-run on the same day; but this provision shall not prevent a further match.

(6) When owners divide they shall divide equally all the moneys and other prizes which any one of them could take if the dead-heat were run off. If the dividing owners cannot agree as to which of them is to have the cup or other prizes which cannot be divided, the question shall be determined by tossing a coin.

(7) If either owner of greyhounds engaged in a match dies before the match is due to be run, then the match shall be void.

(8) Where only one greyhound is presented for a race other than an eliminating heat of a Classic, Feature Event or sweepstake, such greyhound shall be entitled to a walk-over but, in such case, it shall not be necessary for the greyhound to be led over the entire course; the greyhound need only be led past the judge's box and shall threupon be deemed the winner.

(9) Where only one greyhound is presented for racing in an eliminating heat of any event, such greyhound shall be placed in the starting box and shall complete the course in the normal manner.

(10) A "No Race" may be re-run, but at least twenty minutes shall elapse between the declaration of "No Race" and the re-run race. If a re-run race results in a further "No Race", the race shall be abandoned, except in the case of eliminating heats for or in the final of an open race or cup which shall be brought to a conclusion in such manner as the stewards of the meeting at their discretion may determine, provided that no greyhound is required to race more than twice at any one meeting.

(11) In the event of a "No Race" being declared in the heats of an open event and there being only sufficient runners available for a re-run on the same day to provide qualified runners for the next round, the heat need not be re-run and those fit for the re-run may be treated as qualifying for the next round.

(12) Where an owner has two or more greyhounds in his sole ownership entered for an event to be run with eliminating heats, the greyhounds shall be "guarded" by the race track executive as far as possible throughout the event; but if any of the greyhounds so entered is owned in partnership, it shall not be "guarded".

(13) If two or more greyhounds registered in the same partnership are entered for an event to be run with eliminating heats, they shall be guarded as far as possible throughout the event.

28 Prize Money, Stakes, Entry Fees, etc.

28. (1) All stakes and prize money payable by a race track executive shall be paid to the respective winners not later than the 15th day of the month following the month in which such stakes or prize money were won and the directors of the race track company liable to pay such prize money or stakes shall be jointly and severally responsible for the payment in the manner aforesaid of all stakes and prize money won in races or heats advertised by them on the card of their meetings or in the public press. A race track company shall, on request from the Control Committee, furnish such guarantee either personal or otherwise as the Control Committee may think proper and necessary for the purpose of securing payment in the manner aforesaid of all stakes or prize money and if it shall happen that such guarantee is not given or that any sum or sums payable under this Article by any race track executive is or are in arrears for two months, then the Committee shall, unless furnished with a satisfactory explanation by the executive concerned, report the matter to the Board.

(2) Unless otherwise specified, entry fees shall be paid at the time of entry to the race track executive. The entry fee for events other than graded races shall be stated in the conditions of such events. There shall be a minimum entry fee of 10/- (ten shillings) for any race or event.

(3) The owner or part owner of the greyhound at the time of entry shall be liable for the entry fee.

(4) Greyhounds sold either privately or by public auction shall be transferred into the names of their new owners forthwith and shall not be eligible to be tried or raced at any licensed race track until they are so transferred.

(5) A greyhound sold during a particular event need not be transferred until after it has fulfilled its engagement.

29 Bribes and Corrupt Practices.

29. (1) An Exclusion Order may be applied to any person:—

(a) who shall administer or cause or attempt to cause to be administered to a greyhound for any improper purpose drugs or stimulants, internally, by hypodermic or other methods; or

(b) who corruptly gives or offers or promises, directly or indirectly, any bribe, in any form to any person having official duties in relation to a race or a greyhound or to any trainer or agent, or to any person having charge of or access to any greyhound; or

(c) who, having official duties in relation to a race, or who, being a trainer, agent or other person having charge of or access to any greyhound, corruptly accepts or offers to accept any bribe in any form; or

(d) who wilfully enters, or causes to be entered, or starts or causes to be started, for any race a greyhound which he knows or believes to be disqualified; or

(e) who is guilty of, or conspires with any other person for the commission of, or is an accessory to any corrupt or fraudulent practice in relation to greyhound racing in this or any other country; or

(f) who wilfully makes any false statement in any entry or registration form, or in any document relating to the registration or racing of a greyhound, or who knowingly signs, or who causes to be signed, a false signature to any such document; or

(g) who marks, alters or in any way interferes with a greyhound's identity card.

(2) Any person being an owner of a greyhound or licensed official or trainer who by advertisement, circular letter or other means offers to give information concerning his own or other greyhounds in his care in return for monetary consideration, or any owner, licensed official or trainer who connives at such practice shall be liable to be warned-off.

30 Disputes, Objections, Appeals, etc.

30. (1) Any action taken by the stewards of the meeting under Article 16 of these regulations may be subject to appeal to the Control Committee so far as relates to points involving the interpretation of these regulations or to any question other than a question of fact on which there shall be no appeal unless by leave of the stewards of the meeting.

(2) Notice of appeal shall be given in writing to the Control Committee within three days of the decision being made known. A deposit of £5 (five pounds) shall be lodged by the appellant, which will be forfeited if the objection is found by the Control Committee to be frivolous. No appeal will lie in regard to a greyhound which has been suspended for fighting.

(3) An objection on the ground:—

(a) that a greyhound which ran was not the greyhound which it was represented to be at the time of entry,

(b) that a greyhound has run in contravention of the rules of ownership or partnership,

(c) that a greyhound was not duly registered with the I.C.C.,

shall not be heard unless lodged with the stewards of the meeting within three days of the conclusion of the relevant meeting.

(4) Except as provided for in sub-article (3) above, an objection shall be made within twenty-four hours of the relevant race being run, exclusive of Sunday, save in the case of fraud or wilful mis-statement, when there shall be no limit to the time for objecting, provided the stewards of the meeting are satisfied that there has been no unnecessary delay on the part of the objector.

(5) Every objection shall be made in writing to the control steward or to the racing manager and shall be signed by the owner of a greyhound engaged in the race or by his authorised agent. A deposit of £2 (two pounds) shall be lodged by the objector, which will be forfeited if the objection is found by the stewards of the meeting to be frivolous. An objection may also be made by a steward or licensed official of a meeting in his official capacity, in which event no deposit will be required.

(6) Every objection brought under these regulations shall be considered by the stewards of the meeting and an objection shall not be withdrawn without leave of such stewards.

(7) If any objection to a greyhound which has won, or has been placed in a race, be sustained, the greyhound shall be regarded as having been disqualified as a winner and the owner and any other person who shall have been paid any prize money or stakes or awarded any prize in respect of the running of such greyhound in the race shall refund any money and stakes and return any other prize so received to the race track executive or the donor thereof, as the case may be, who on receipt thereof shall pay or award the same in accordance with the alteration in the result of the race consequent upon such disqualification.

(8) Pending the determination of an objection or completion of an investigation, the prize which the greyhound objected to may have won or may win in the race shall be withheld.

31 Greyhound Race Track Executive.

31. (1) Every race track executive shall ensure that:—

(a) greyhound races at the track are conducted in accordance with these regulations and/or any direction issued by the Control Committee or the Board;

(b) registers of an approved type are kept of all greyhounds given trials at the track and of all greyhounds suspended, reinstated or disqualified under these regulations.

(2) For every accounting year, a race track executive shall keep proper accounts of their income and expenditure classified under convenient heads and such accounts shall be submitted annually for audit to a duly qualified auditor at such time as will enable sub-article (3) of this Article to be complied with.

(3) A race track executive shall, within six months after the end of each accounting period or such longer time as the Board may in any particular case allow, send to the Board:—

(a) a copy of the balance sheet for the year with the certificate and report (if any) of the auditor,

(b) a summary, certified by the auditor, of their revenue account for the year showing the income and expenditure for the year classified under convenient heads, and

(c) a copy of any report on their financial position issued by the executive to their shareholders or members.

(4) In this Article, the expression "accounting year" means a period of twelve months ending on the day fixed for the closing of their annual accounts by the executive in relation to which the expression is used.

(5) Such other books, accounts and records as may be specified by the Board or the Control Committee shall be kept by each race track executive in such manner as may be approved.

(6) A race track executive shall produce to a duly authorised officer of the Board any book, account or record in their possession or procurement and relating to their track the production of which the officer requests and shall permit such officer to inspect and if he so thinks fit to take extracts from any such book, account or record. For the purposes of this Article, a race track executive shall permit such authorised officer to enter any premises where such a book, account or record is kept.

(7) Each race track executive shall keep a register of the dates of receipt and return of identity cards of greyhounds entered, tried or raced at the track and shall ensure that identity cards are only returned when the full signature of the person collecting the card has been entered on the said register.

(8) Each race track executive shall ensure that the duties assigned by these regulations to licensed officials in their employment are carried out to the satisfaction of the Control Committee and the Board.

(9) A race track executive shall give to the Board every reasonable facility for the performance of its functions and shall comply with any direction which the Board or the Control Committee may issue from time to time regarding the establishment, lay-out, construction, maintenance (including returfing of bends), equipment, use, management or control of greyhound race tracks and the conduct generally of greyhound races at such tracks. In particular, a race track executive shall comply with the following provisions:—

(a) they shall permit the members of the Board, its authorised officers, servants, agents and licensees to enter, remain on and leave the race track and every building or enclosures thereon at all reasonable times;

(b) they shall consult with the Board from time to time regarding the accommodation and amenities to be provided on the track;

(c) they shall furnish to the Board particulars including plans and specifications if so required of every work of construction, alteration or improvement which they propose to execute on the track.

32 Track Records.

32. (1) A track record at a particular track by any greyhound for any approved distance shall mean the fastest time taken by any greyhound to cover such distance at that track provided:—

(a) that the race in which the record is created or equalled has been timed by an electric timing apparatus or by such other timing apparatus as may be approved by the Control Committee,

(b) that in the case of a flat race at least four greyhounds have competed or that in the case of a hurdle race at least three greyhounds have competed,

(c) that the creation or equalling of the record is duly notified to the Control Committee in the manner prescribed in sub-article (2) of this Article,

(d) that the relevant record is duly ratified by the Control Committee.

(2) A declaration made by a timekeeper that a track record has been created or equalled shall be made in writing and shall be authenticated by the Control Steward and at least two other stewards of the meeting by their signatures thereto. The authenticated declaration shall then be forwarded together with the greyhound's identity card to the Control Committee.

(3) Track records standing at the date of the coming into operation of these regulations shall be recognised as the existing records for the purposes of this Article.

(4) The required entry on a greyhound's identity card of any record by such greyhound shall be made only by the Secretary of the Control Committee.

(5) Actual times recorded shall be the times recognised by the Control Committee for record purposes.

33 Betting Disputes.

33. (1) Inquiries or complaints concerning betting transactions with bookmakers (including levy deductions made by them) shall be referred to the Board's levy collector at the track concerned. Complaints shall be made in writing in the form prescribed by the Board.

(2) Where it is not possible to secure agreement regarding a betting dispute between a bookmaker and backer, the levy collector shall forward particulars of the dispute to the Board.

34 Betting Regulations.

34. (1) Should any greyhound whose number is shown on the public indicator or runners' board be withdrawn by permission of the stewards before the start of a race, all bets on all greyhounds in the event concerned made previous to such withdrawal shall be void and a new market shall be formed.

(2) The result of a race for betting purposes shall be as defined in Article 11 of these regulations regardless of any subsequent objection or disqualification.

(3) Should a race result in a dead-heat, all bets on greyhounds dead-heating shall be settled on the basis of full odds to half the stake.

(4) Should the judge signal a photo-finish and if for any reason he finds that he has to decide a race without the aid of the camera, all bets made on the result of the photo-finish shall be void.

(5) Should the photo-finish result in a dead-heat, all bets made after the photo-finish has been signalled, shall be settled on the basis of full odds to half the stake.

35 Miscellaneous Provisions.

35. (1) Every entry of a greyhound in a race at a licensed greyhound race track shall be subject to: —

(a) these regulations,

(b) any conditions of entry which may be made from time to time by the race track executive with the permission of the Control Committee, and

(c) any directions which may be made from time to time by the Board.

36 Citation and Commencement.

36. (1) These regulations may be cited as the Greyhound Race Track (Racing) Regulations, 1967.

(2) These regulations shall come into operation on the first day of July, 1967.

GIVEN under the Seal of Bord na gCon, this 23rd day of May, 1967.

(Sgd.) DES HANRAHAN,

Chairman of the Board.

(Sgd.) S. P. FLANAGAN,

Chief Officer of the Board, an officer

authorised by the Board to

authenticate the Board's seal.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

These regulations set out the detailed rules under which greyhound racing will be conducted at tracks licensed by Bord na gCon as and from 1st July, 1967, all previous regulations made by the Board in that connection being revoked.