Question & AnswerQ&A (PRC)
The PHILRACOM is established to promote and direct the accelerated development and continuous growth of horse racing, further the sports development program of the government, and ensure full exploitation of horse racing as a source of revenue and employment.
The PHILRACOM is composed of a Chairman and four members, each serving a term of four years. Members whose term has expired remain in office until successors are appointed and qualified.
PHILRACOM has exclusive jurisdiction and control over every aspect of horse racing, including framing and scheduling races, construction and safety of race tracks, allocation of prizes, and issuance of permits and licenses, among other powers provided under laws, decrees and executive orders.
Race meetings are supervised by the Board of Stewards composed of a Chairman and six members. They control ticket sales, start races, investigate racing incidents, impose penalties on jockeys/trainers/owners, have access to track premises, and can disqualify horses or riders as necessary.
A Steward must be of legal age, of good moral character, have at least two years of college education, be physically and mentally fit, and pass the licensure examination given by PHILRACOM.
Penalties for corrupt practices include revocation of licenses, fines, suspension or banning from owning, training or riding horses, in addition to penalties under Presidential Decree No. 420 and applicable laws.
Corrupt practices include offering or receiving bribes, administering drugs without authorization, entering ineligible horses in races, misleading PHILRACOM or Stewards, possessing unauthorized appliances or devices affecting horse speed, and convictions of related crimes.
The jockey may be suspended indefinitely but not less than one month, or fined at least One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00), or both, as determined by the Board of Stewards.
Horse owners and trainers must be registered with PHILRACOM, meet qualifications such as legal age and good moral character, and obtain the corresponding licenses, which require renewal annually.
A horse may be disqualified if it or its jockey interferes with another horse's chance of success, such as crossing, weaving, jostling, or otherwise impeding another horse. Disqualification decisions by the Board of Stewards are final and unappealable except for suspensions which may be appealed.
Owners or trainers must declare the type of horseshoes or plates in the declaration form. Use of different types than declared can result in suspension or fines. Aluminum plates can be changed only after four consecutive runs using them, with prior notice to stewards.
Prohibited persons include Racing Clubs and entities licensed to hold races, Racing Managers, Stewards, Judges, Paddock Stewards, Handicappers, Starters, Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, and other persons as determined by PHILRACOM.
The Racing Manager is the Official-In-Charge responsible for preparation, scheduling, and holding of races, supervision of race facilities, ensuring integrity by barring suspended jockeys or disqualified horses, overseeing employee conduct, and certifying the conditions of race equipment before races.
An appeal must be filed with PHILRACOM within 72 working hours of receipt of the decision, through a sworn petition containing the grounds of appeal and payment of an appeal fee. PHILRACOM may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision, with appeals to the President allowed thereafter.
A horse is considered a non-starter if it has less weight than assigned after finishing in prize position, if its jockey jumps off intentionally, or if the jockey carries any electronic device immediately after the race. Such cases are governed by rules for scratched horses.