Question & AnswerQ&A (PHILRACOM Resolution NO. 05-12)
The Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) has exclusive jurisdiction and control over all aspects of the conduct of horse racing in the Philippines, as provided by Presidential Decree No. 420.
If the automatic starting apparatus fails to function causing a gate or gates not to open simultaneously with the other gates, the horse affected is declared a non-starter.
The horse owner is entitled to a refund of the fees paid for the horse's participation in the race, including declaration fees, trailer and transportation expenses.
Penalties escalate with repeated incidents: 1st incident - refund of Php5,000 or Php3,000 if horse is resident; 2nd incident - same refund plus Php5,000 penalty payable to Philracom; 3rd incident - same refund plus Php10,000 penalty; 4th incident - refund plus a penalty imposed at Philracom's discretion and possible investigation for sanctions.
If the horse is a resident of the Racing Club, the refund to the horse owner is Php3,000, which is less than the Php5,000 refund if the horse is not a resident.
Philracom may impose a penalty at its discretion and conduct an investigation on the Racing Club for proper sanctions if warranted by the circumstances.
Fees refundable include declaration fees, trailer expenses, transportation expenses, and other fees related to the horse's participation in the race.
Yes, Philracom has the authority to impose fines, penalties, and forfeitures to erring parties under the Rules and Regulations on Horse Racing.
The resolution is published and distributed to Racing Clubs and horse owners/trainers for their proper guidance and information on rights and penalties related to the failure of the automatic starting apparatus.
It was approved and signed on January 12, 2012, at Makati City, Philippines.