Attention MSHRC Licensees

It has come to the Commission’s attention that when reopening a class posted on the condition sheet, that Chapter 7, Section 30 is not always being followed. Section 30 requires that all Race Secretaries must make a public announcement by text message alert to all participants when reopening a class that was posted on the condition sheet for that session.

Also note that the Commission recently adopted changes to Chapters 1 and 3 that are now in effect. The updated rules are available on the Commission’s website. 

Listed below are some of the important changes made. Please see the rules on the website for all changes.

Chapter 1

• Section 4. The State Steward will act as the Presiding Judge at the request of an association when applying for race dates in 2024 when all necessary conditions are met.
• Section 1. 15-year-old horses are allowed to race in Maine under certain circumstances.

Chapter 3

• Section 5. Adds Commission Veterinarian, Race Secretary, and Starter/Patrol Judge to the list of positions under the supervision of the Presiding Judge.
• Section 6. Makes the Race Secretary accountable to the Presiding Judge in addition to the Commission.
• Section 17. Adds language that requires persons seeking admission to the paddock present a valid license when necessary.

This is a reminder that all licensees, including racing participants and officials, must follow the MSHRC Rules. Any licensee who does not follow the Rules may be subject to discipline against their license pursuant to Chapter 1 or other Chapters as applicable.