The regulatory process begins with the promulgation of rules and regulations and concludes with the enforcement of those rules. The Board of Stewards/Judges is the most significant link in the regulatory chain. Enforcement begins with the prosecution of violators by the Board of Stewards/Judges at the racetrack. One Steward/Judge is appointed by the racetrack, and must be approved by the Racing Commission and licensed as a racing official; and two Stewards/Judges are appointed by the Racing Commission.
Responsibilities
The Judges and Stewards are responsible for reviewing all occupational license applications and for recommending or not recommending the applicant for a license. The Judges and Stewards are present at the racetrack each day on which there is racing, and they oversee everything from drawing of post positions to making the results of every race official. In addition, the Stewards/Judges preside over all hearings conducted at the track and report their rulings and findings to the Racing Commission.
Before post time of the first race the Stewards/Judges review the daily program of races to note any changes or errors. Changes are reported to each department that might be affected by the change (i.e. mutuels, paddock judges, patrol judges, starters, clerk of the course, clerk of scales, program director and announcer). All changes are also reported promptly to the wagering public.
After observing every race, both live and on television monitors, the Stewards/Judges mark the order of finish as the horses cross the finish line. They give the first three unofficial finishers to the Mutuel Department, post an inquiry, review an objection, and request a photo when necessary. If there is an apparent violation of the rules, the Stewards/Judges review the videotape and then make a decision before making the results of the race official.
If a violation of the rules occurs, the judges schedule a hearing for all parties involved. After conducting the hearing, the Stewards/Judges determine if any penalty of a fine, suspension or purse redistribution should be imposed. Violators are then advised of their right to appeal to the Racing Commission.
The Stewards/Judges also monitor the conduct of all licensees in all areas of the racetrack. If a licensee appears to be in violation of the rules, the Stewards/Judges conduct a hearing and make a final determination. If there is a violation of the rules, the Stewards/Judges may sanction the licensee by imposing a fine and/or suspension.
Appeals
The Racing Commission reviews the Stewards/Judges' decisions. If any licensee disagrees with a decision of the Stewards/Judges, he may appeal to the Commission. The Commission affords the appellant an adjudicatory hearing on the merits of his/her appeal. If an appellant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Racing Commission, he may appeal to the Superior Court in accordance with Chapter 30A of the General Laws.
This content provided by the <em>State Racing Commission</em> .