PHILRACOM Rules on Horse Racing

Purpose and policy mandate

PHILRACOM must promote and direct the accelerated development and continuous growth of horse racing to further the government sports development program.
PHILRACOM must ensure the full exploitation of horse racing as a source of revenue and employment.
Horse racing is treated as a highly specialized and sophisticated activity that necessitates more attention of the government.

Commission composition, meetings, quorum

PHILRACOM is composed of a Chairman and four (4) members.
Commissioners hold office for four (4) years; vacancies are filled only for the unexpired portion of the term.
A commissioner whose term has expired remains in office until a successor is duly appointed and qualified.
PHILRACOM meets regularly once a week and as often as service exigencies require, upon the call of the Chairman or upon request of two (2) members.
Adoption of any rule, resolution, or decision requires the vote of at least three (3) members.

PHILRACOM jurisdiction and core powers

PHILRACOM has exclusive jurisdiction and control over every aspect of horse racing, including:
- framing and scheduling of races;
- construction and safety of race tracks;
- allocation of prizes;
- security of racing;
- other powers, duties, and functions under Presidential Decree No. 420 and applicable laws and regulations.
PHILRACOM enforces laws, decrees, directives, executive orders, and letters of instructions relating to horse racing.
PHILRACOM adopts and prescribes rules and regulations and reviews, modifies, approves, or disapproves rules of persons/entities concerning races held by them.
PHILRACOM issues permits and licenses and imposes and collects fees for licenses and permits required for horse racing activity.
If weather or track conditions make racing unsafe or unfit, or if required racing facilities and communications are defective and adversely affect results, or for exceptional circumstances considering the interest of the betting public, PHILRACOM may postpone or abandon races for the day, whether before or after the start.
PHILRACOM registers racehorses, their owners, and associations or federations thereof.
PHILRACOM regulates race track construction and grants permits/licenses for holding races.
PHILRACOM supervises race meetings to assure integrity at all times and may order suspension or cancellation of a racing event upon violation of law, decree, directive, ordinance, or these rules.
PHILRACOM prohibits the use of improper devices, drugs, stimulants, or other means that enhance or diminish the speed of horses or materially harm their condition.
PHILRACOM approves the annual budget and supplemental budgets necessary for its operations.
PHILRACOM may enter into contracts involving obligations chargeable to or against PHILRACOM funds.
PHILRACOM may impose fines, penalties, and forfeitures on erring parties; these amounts accrue directly to PHILRACOM funds.
PHILRACOM, in its discretion or upon petition of an interested party, after notice and hearing, may modify, suspend, or revoke permits or licenses for failure to comply with or violation of law, decrees, directives, executive orders, or rules issued pursuant to them.
For good cause, and without notice and hearing, PHILRACOM may order temporary suspension of a permit/license whenever necessary for the best interest of racing and the public.
PHILRACOM may summon parties, issue subpoenas, and require production of documents, books, papers, contracts, records, or statement of accounts necessary for a just determination of investigated matters.
PHILRACOM has access to all stands during racing days to inspect betting consequences and premises within clubs, including grandstands, jockeys’ quarters, stables, and other club areas.
PHILRACOM performs other duties and exercises other incidental powers necessary to accomplish its aims.

Commission officers and leadership continuity

PHILRACOM executive officers include an Executive Director and such other officers as PHILRACOM appoints or designates.
The Chairman presides over Commission meetings.
If the Chairman is permanently or temporarily incapacitated, the Vice-Chairman acts; if the Vice-Chairman is unavailable, any designated officer performs the Chairman’s powers and duties until a successor is appointed and qualified or incapacity ends.
The Executive Director is the head of the office and has overall supervision over the conduct of horse racing; persons directly involved in racing are under the immediate supervision of the Executive Director.
The Assistant Executive Director (Director for Racing) assists the Executive Director; if he is incapacitated, the Assistant assumes Executive Director duties until a successor is appointed/qualified or incapacity ends.
PHILRACOM appoints other officials and employees as necessary to perform PHILRACOM’s powers, duties, and functions.

Board of Stewards: control and penalties

PHILRACOM acts through a Board of Stewards which supervises and controls the conduct of races during racing days.
The Board of Stewards has a Chairman and six (6) members, appointed by PHILRACOM.
A majority vote is necessary for valid acts, rulings, or decisions of the Board of Stewards.
Dissenting votes must be recorded and reported.
If the Chairman or any member is incapable during a particular racing day, PHILRACOM designates cadet Stewards to fill vacancies.
A Steward must be of legal age, of good moral character, physically and mentally fit, have at least two (2) years of college education, pass the PHILRACOM examination, and obtain the corresponding license.
Stewards’ compensation is for the account of PHILRACOM.
Stewards cannot be handicappers.
Stewards may act as Judges only if Judges are temporarily incapacitated, provided Stewards are separately licensed as Judges.
The Board of Stewards remains in session and does not adjourn until its report on race conduct in a Racing Club is submitted to PHILRACOM.

Board of Stewards—powers and operational duties

Control opening and closing of ticket sales for every race.
Give the starter the order to start the race.
Investigate and decide all incidents related to race conduct.
Annul any race before horses reach the finish line when necessary due to bad start or other incidents.
Except in summary proceedings, observe due process and impose/enforce the penalties in these rules against erring jockeys, trainers, horse owners and their horses, track officials and employees, and other persons performing duties connected with horse racing, subject to these rules.
Have free access to stands, weighing rooms, enclosures, paddocks, and other areas within Racing Clubs’ grounds.
Exclude or expel any warned or ruled-off person from places under its control and inform the Club of the Board’s decision.
Regulate conduct of owners, trainers, jockeys, their helpers, grooms, and attendants on horses, including persons under the influence of alcoholic drinks or drugs whose conduct becomes unruly.
Submit to PHILRACOM, through the Racing Manager, a written report on race conduct and unusual incidents during the first non-racing day thereafter, unless more time is needed for serious reasons; PHILRACOM determines the deadline.
Disqualify winning horses or placers according to Section 59.0 and 59.1 on disqualification or for lack of weight; when disqualification applies, the horse next in position at the finish post that qualifies becomes the declared winner or placer.
Order the club veterinarian to extract blood, saliva, or urine for drug detection upon PHILRACOM directive, or if, in the Board’s opinion, the horse might have been drugged with depressants or injected with stimulants.
Order cancellation of races when warranted.
In the regular daily double, if several horses are withdrawn leaving only two (2) horses or starters, and the race is cancelled by the racing club due to deliberate acts or negligence of officials, the club must indemnify owners of the remaining horse in the amount of P1,000.00 for each horse.
The Racing Club may demand reimbursement from owners of withdrawn horses without justifiable cause as determined by the club for amounts the club paid to owners of entries; if reimbursement is not made within two (2) weeks, the withdrawn horses are suspended for three (3) months.
If a start is cancelled by the Board of Stewards, PHILRACOM investigates the concerned racing club; if found guilty, the club is penalized by a fine of not less than P1,000.00 per horse in the race.
Correctly interpret and enforce all these rules and regulations.

Cadet Stewards and Steward attire rules

Cadet Stewards sit with the Board of Stewards during racing days and assist in race meetings.
Cadet Stewards exercise the powers, duties, and authorities conferred on Stewards by these Rules.
Cadet Stewards participate in Board deliberations but do not vote unless acting in place of an absent or unable Commission Steward.
Cadet Stewards represent and act as extension of the Board within Racing Club premises to observe, investigate, or conduct inspections whenever called by the Board or whenever circumstances warrant.
Cadet Stewards perform additional functions required by the Commission.
While performing official functions, Stewards must wear either barong tagalog, or shirt and tie, or polo barong.

Finality of Steward-imposed penalties; Steward liability

A penalty or punishment imposed by the Racing Stewards cannot be reconsidered by them after the log book is signed.
A Steward who fails to comply with PHILRACOM provisions, orders, resolutions, or decisions, or who commits gross incompetence, bias, or negligence, is punished by a fine of not exceeding P1,000.00 and, at PHILRACOM’s discretion, by suspension or revocation of the Steward’s license.

PHILRACOM veterinarians and disqualifications

PHILRACOM provides at least one veterinarian with duties including physical examination and determination whether horses have defects that incapacitate them from racing for which they are declared.
PHILRACOM veterinarians observe during race days whether club veterinarians properly inspect horses before races and conduct ocular inspection of entries after running and report findings.
PHILRACOM veterinarians state concurrence with club veterinarians’ recommendation based on similar findings that a horse is unfit to race for withdrawal before the start, and/or submit certification to that effect when required.
They supervise measurement and acceptance of racehorses.
They have charge and supervision of the “school for vicious horses” together with the starter.
They attend the starting gate with the club veterinarian so that if a rider claims a horse is defective, a decision can be rendered immediately after examination without delaying the race start.
Upon establishment of a complete laboratory by clubs within one year upon PHILRACOM approval of rules, PHILRACOM veterinarians prescribe laboratory tests deemed necessary for racehorses.
They disqualify novato horses that are blind in both eyes, have moonblindness, or are afflicted with infectious diseases.
They report to PHILRACOM and the Board of Stewards any irregularity, anomaly, or infraction discovered.

PHILRACOM physician and racing medical clearance

PHILRACOM provides a licensed Physician who certifies the physical fitness of all PHILRACOM licensees and certifies jockey physical fitness in required semi-annual exams.
The PHILRACOM Physician issues medical clearance for anyone as required by PHILRACOM.
The PHILRACOM Physician supervises and certifies adequate first aid facilities and equipment are provided in all Racing Clubs’ clinics on any race day.
The PHILRACOM Physician assists the club physician in emergency cases during race days.

PHILRACOM racing officials and field inspectors

A PHILRACOM Racing Official supervises PHILRACOM personnel assigned to the race track and ensures faithful performance of duties.
Racing Officials attend all races, watch events, and report anomalies, irregularities, or rule violations to the Board of Stewards and PHILRACOM.
Racing Officials submit written reports to PHILRACOM on results of each race plus incidents, irregularities, infraction findings, and written recommendations regarding actions taken by Stewards.
Racing Officials act as members of the Board of Judges when any Board of Judges member is incapacitated.
Field racing inspectors are appointed to watch events during each race day at different places; they implement assignments of the Racing Official and submit necessary reports.

Licensing Racing Clubs and approving club rules

Racing Clubs must secure a license from PHILRACOM or a permit to hold races; no Racing Club may hold races without the required license/permit.
Racing Clubs must promulgate their own internal rules and regulations, provided they do not conflict with law, decrees, ordinances, or these rules.
Club rules must be submitted to PHILRACOM for approval before enforcement.
Approved club rules must be published in a newspaper of general circulation.
Failure to comply with publication approval requirements is a ground for revocation or suspension of the Racing Club’s license to operate.

Club facilities, safety, and betting equipment

Racing Clubs must have adequate, well-maintained race tracks and grandstands.
Racing Clubs must have adequate starting facilities.
Racing Clubs must provide a starting gate available for all registered horses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., or any day as PHILRACOM requires, together with necessary personnel to assist horses properly to facilitate schooling.
Registered horses must not be deprived of club track, starting gate, and necessary facilities/personnel during prescribed periods promulgated by PHILRACOM and/or the club.
Race tracks must be open for workouts on non-racing days from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m..
When weekend races are held, tracks must be opened from 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. only during the mentioned days and cleared of all obstacles such as Pie de Gallo and track diggings or anything that constitutes danger to life and limb of jockeys, exercise boys, and horses, for club inspection and necessary repairs.
Racing Clubs must have electronic or electric computers for registration of bets and computation of odds or dividends.
Racing Clubs must have photo finish devices to determine arrival at the finish line.
Racing Clubs must have adequate weighing machines for jockeys and horses and devices for measurement of horses.
Racing Clubs must have modern centralized communication, sound systems, and loud speakers.
Racing Clubs must have photo patrol equipment and video tape recorders.
Racing Clubs must have well-equipped jockeys’ quarters with canteen and relaxation equipment.
Racing Clubs must have sirens and other devices to announce annulment of races.
Racing Clubs must have bulletin boards conspicuously located to indicate sale of tickets, betting odds or dividends, and other pertinent announcements.
Racing Clubs must have saddling enclosures or paddocks for horses participating in races.
Racing Clubs must have a well-equipped emergency medical clinic and ambulance.
Racing Clubs must provide additional facilities, devices, instruments, and equipment required by law or by PHILRACOM to raise public confidence and minimize rule infractions.

Track condition, suspension, and transfer

Racing Clubs must keep race tracks and grandstands in good and safe condition at all times.
If a race track physically deteriorates to the point of endangering safety and lives of jockeys and horses, or if grandstands appear patently dangerous for racing public occupancy, PHILRACOM may:
- temporarily suspend racing at that club, and
- order temporary transfer of racing to another club
  until renovation restores good and safe condition.

Electronic computer failure and ticket-sale closure protocol

The electronic computer is an automatic betting machine that divides total stake money, less certain deductions as provided by law or decree.
During power failure or unforeseen incidents causing electronic computer failure, the Board of Stewards determines the time for closing ticket sales.
The signal to start the race is not given until the sum/total of tickets sold on each horse is posted on the bulletin board exposed to the public and announced through the public address system.

Centralized communications at the track

A modern centralized communication system controlled by the Board of Stewards must connect to:
- outposts and towers;
- electronic computers;
- ticket sales division;
- PHILRACOM box;
- starting gate;
- public announcer;
- clinic;
- jockeys’ quarters; and
- the saddling paddock.

Lists of jockeys and horses; filing with PHILRACOM

Racing Clubs must keep a complete list of all licensed jockeys and all horses running in their tracks, including owners and trainers.
The Racing Clubs must file these lists with PHILRACOM.

Club officials and required licensed personnel

Racing Clubs must have licensed and registered officials and personnel including:
- Racing Manager and Assistant Racing Manager;
- Racing Judges;
- Paddock Stewards;
- Racing Handicappers;
- Superintendents/Supervisors;
- Veterinarians;
- Starters and their Apprentices;
- Clockers;
- Clerks of Scales (Weighers);
- Physicians and nurses;
- Security Personnel (Riot Squad);
- Outrider;
- Race Callers;
- Starting gate helpers;
- Farriers; and
- other personnel necessary for proper race conduct.

Racing Manager qualifications, duties, disqualification, penalties

The Racing Manager must be of legal age, of good moral character, pass the PHILRACOM examination, and obtain the required license.
The Racing Manager is Official-in-Charge of preparation, scheduling, and holding of races as determined and approved by PHILRACOM.
The Racing Manager must ensure suspended jockeys and disqualified horses do not participate and ensure every race runs as scheduled.
The Racing Manager must ensure banned persons barred by PHILRACOM are not admitted within club premises.
Proper conduct and behavior of club employees is a primary duty.
The Racing Manager must take care and be responsible for changes in the racing program before the first race of the day.
The Racing Manager must assure PHILRACOM that specified race facilities and devices are kept in good and safe condition, including:
- race track and grandstands;
- starting facilities;
- photo finish devices;
- weighing machines;
- modern centralized communication, sound systems, loud speakers;
- sirens;
- photo patrol equipment or video tapes;
- electronic computers;
- clinic and two (2) ambulances with two (2) paramedics;
- saddling paddocks; and
- jockeys’ quarters.
Before the start of the first race of the day, the Racing Manager (or Assistant Racing Manager in his absence) must examine equipment/facilities and find them in good condition and must issue certification based on visual examination.
The Racing Manager is disqualified from acting as a Steward, Judge, or Handicapper.
Failure to comply with rules or any misrepresentation and false certification results in a fine of not less than P500.00 but not more than P50,000.00 and/or suspension or revocation of the Racing Manager’s license.
The Assistant Racing Manager must meet the same qualifications: legal age, good moral character, pass PHILRACOM exam, and obtain required license.
The Assistant Racing Manager assists the Racing Manager; he assumes duties and responsibilities upon temporary or permanent incapacity.

Racing Judges system and decision rules

Racing Judges must be of legal age, good moral character, physically fit as certified by the PHILRACOM physician, have passed PHILRACOM examination, and hold the corresponding license.
Judges cannot act as Stewards unless separately licensed and cannot also act as Handicappers.
On every racing day, there is a Board of Judges with a Chairman and two (2) members, appointed and compensated by the Racing Club concerned, from among PHILRACOM-licensed judges.
If any Board member is temporarily incapacitated, PHILRACOM (Chief) Racing Officer or other licensed judges fill in.
The Board of Judges determines 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places and subsequent places where warranted.
Board of Judges decisions require confirmation by the Board of Stewards.
The Racing Club must submit Board of Judges decisions to the Board of Stewards for confirmation in every race.
If the Board of Stewards disagrees with the judges’ findings, the Stewards’ decision prevails.
Winners are determined by the nose position at the finish line; photo finish consultation is used when necessary.
If a photo finish is decided and no photo is available or the photo is unclear, the Board declares a deadheat.
The Racing Club must take photographs of arrivals from first to at least fourth place in each race.

Paddock Stewards; duties and penalties

At least two (2) licensed Paddock Stewards must be present during racing days and act as Officer-in-Charge of the Saddling Paddock.
A Paddock Steward must be of legal age, good moral character, and have passed PHILRACOM examination and obtained the corresponding license.
Paddock Stewards enforce saddling paddock rules and report violations and irregularities to the Board of Stewards with recommendations.
Paddock Stewards inspect horses in the saddling paddock and ensure approved standard equipment is used.
They exclude unauthorized persons from the saddling paddock.
They supervise conduct, appearance, and activities of owners, trainers, jockeys, jockeys’ helpers, and grooms accompanying participating horses.
They perform other duties assigned by PHILRACOM or the Board.
A Paddock Steward cannot act as a Handicapper and cannot act as Judge or Steward unless separately licensed, and only when Judge or Steward is temporarily incapacitated.
Penalties for failure to comply with rules or orders and for imprudence or negligence include a fine not exceeding P200.00 and/or suspension or revocation of license.

Handicappers and handicapping committee participation

Club Handicappers must be of legal age, good moral character, have passed PHILRACOM examination, and hold corresponding license.
Handicapping of horses for races in duly licensed Racing Clubs must be prepared by club official handicappers subject to PHILRACOM approval.
Each Racing Club must have at least one (1) licensed Handicapper.
Handicappers must:
- attend race days from start of the first race to the end of the last race;
- keep complete records of each racehorse including identity and performance data and other information needed to determine strength and ability;
- prepare racing programs for succeeding race days with draft complete immediately after the end of the race day;
- meet at the club or PHILRACOM office for weekend races and day following holidays at times designated (or on the following weekend races/day after holidays) to prepare final race program;
- explain any program changes upon PHILRACOM requirement;
- furnish the club lists of horses and jockeys under suspension or any disability.
During Handicapping Committee meetings, PHILRACOM may allow duly accredited representatives of horse owners or trainers to attend, take part in deliberations, and vote.
Apprentice handicappers appointed by each Racing Club may attend to observe handicapping and required skills/requisites.

Apprenticeship requirements for handicappers and starters

PHILRACOM does not issue a handicapper license to an apprentice unless a certificate shows apprenticeship of not less than one (1) year and qualification to act as handicapper.
Apprentice starters may be appointed and allowed by PHILRACOM to be with starters during race days and training days to observe how starts are effected and measures adopted for a good start.
PHILRACOM issues a starter’s license to an apprentice only if the apprentice secures a Racing Club certificate stating apprenticeship of at least one (1) year and due qualification to act as starter.

Ticket-sale superintendents/supervisors rules

Superintendents/Supervisors must be Filipino citizens, of legal age, of good moral character, with sufficient experience in management of ticket sales, and must be registered and licensed by the Racing Manager with PHILRACOM.
There must be a Superintendent/Supervisor in each department for sale of tickets for Pari-mutuel, Daily double, Forecast, Llave, Jackpot, Winner-Take-All, Quartet, and other betting schemes approved in regular races and special racing events.
Superintendents/Supervisors act under responsibility of the Racing Manager or Assistant Racing Manager (both registered and licensed by PHILRACOM).
Superintendents/Supervisors must have absolute control and responsibility over all tickets sold in their departments.
They must strictly supervise ticket sales so tellers or others do not buy tickets for themselves or others within the compartment and do not return sold tickets improperly.
They must refuse any person not officially connected with the department unless expressly permitted in writing by PHILRACOM or the Racing Club.
They must report immediately irregularities to the Racing Manager, who informs PHILRACOM or its duly authorized representative.

Starter, training, and recordkeeping duties

Racing Clubs must have racing starters as employees.
Starters must start races upon Board of Stewards order and ensure every horse is in its assigned place.
Starters recommend to the Board exclusion of any horse showing obstinate hostility, being vicious and an obstacle to a good start, or delaying the start unnecessarily, including schooling recommendations.
Starters supervise “schooling” of vicious horses with the PHILRACOM veterinarian.
Starters must conduct an actual test of the starting barrier immediately before entries reach it.
Starters recommend punishment of jockeys and starting gate helpers for insubordination or disobedience to orders.
Starters must signal immediately the Board of Stewards in case of false start or untoward incident for annulment of start.
Starters give all orders necessary for securing/effecting a good start.
Starters maintain a logbook of traits and characteristics of each horse, especially behavior at the starting gate.
Starters perform other acts required by PHILRACOM from time to time.

Club veterinarians; emergency care and drug-related examination

Every club must have at least two (2) veterinarians authorized and licensed by PHILRACOM.
Club veterinarians must be present at the track from start of the first race to the last race.
They inspect horses in saddling enclosures/paddocks before the race to determine soundness/fitness, and must immediately inform PHILRACOM veterinarians and the Board of Stewards about any unsound or unfit horse for proper action.