QuestionsQuestions (PRC)
PHILRACOM is mandated to promote and direct the accelerated development and continuous growth of horse racing, both for sports development and to ensure full exploitation of horse racing as a source of revenue and employment.
PHILRACOM is composed of a Chairman and four (4) members. Commissioners serve a term of four (4) years.
At least three (3) members must vote for the adoption of any rule, resolution, or decision.
PHILRACOM has exclusive jurisdiction and control over every aspect of horse racing, including framing and scheduling of races, construction and safety of tracks, allocation of prizes, security of racing, and other powers under relevant laws.
PHILRACOM may do so when weather or the race track is unfit, or where required race facilities/devices (e.g., starting gate, photo patrols, video recording, communication systems) are defective in a way that adversely affects results, or in exceptional circumstances considering the interest of the betting public.
PHILRACOM may modify, suspend, or revoke permits/licenses for failure to comply with law/rules after notice and hearing. It may temporarily suspend without notice and hearing when necessary for the best interest of racing and the public.
PHILRACOM acts through a Board of Stewards that supervises and controls the conduct of races during racing days.
They control ticket sales opening/closing, order the start, investigate incidents, annul races when necessary before finish, enforce penalties against various racing participants subject to due process (except summary proceedings), and submit written reports to PHILRACOM after the race meeting.
Stewards cannot be handicappers. However, they may act as Judges in case of temporary incapacity of the Judges, provided they are separately licensed as Judges.
Any penalty or punishment meted out by the Racing Stewards cannot be reconsidered by them after the logbook has been signed.
A Steward must be of legal age, of good moral character, with at least two (2) years of college education, physically and mentally fit, and must have passed PHILRACOM’s examination to obtain the corresponding license.
They supervise/observe inspections, conduct medical/veterinary assessments, recommend withdrawal for unfitness, and may be involved in laboratory test prescription once complete lab exists. Additionally, the Board of Stewards can order extraction of blood/saliva/urine for drug detection upon directive from PHILRACOM or when the Stewards believe the horse might have been drugged.
The Board of Judges determines finishing placements (win/place/show and other warranted positions). Its decisions are subject to confirmation by the Board of Stewards; if the Stewards disagree (based on their control), the Stewards’ decision prevails.
The Board shall declare a deadheat.
A PHILRACOM Physician certifies physical fitness of licensees and jockeys during required semi-annual examinations, issues medical clearances as needed, supervises adequate first aid facilities in racing clubs, and assists in emergency cases.
A horse owner is the person in whose name the certificate of ownership/transfer of the racehorse is registered; it includes natural persons, partnerships, or corporate entities, and persons holding rights/title/interest in the horse, and a lessee treated as owner-like for responsibility if duly issued a valid owner’s license.