SECTION 315.110. Scratches

(a) A greyhound may be scratched from a race only with the approval of the racing judges. A request to scratch a greyhound may be made only by the kennel owner or trainer. The request must be filed with the racing secretary at least 30 minutes before the time designated for the drawing of post positions or the time designated by the racing secretary.

(b) A scratch that occurs as a result of a violation of a racing rule carries a penalty and/or suspension of the greyhound for six race days. The racing judges shall review the cause for a scratch and may take disciplinary action. If a greyhound is scratched because the kennel owner or trainer of the greyhound fails to have the greyhound at the paddock at the appointed time for weighing-in, the racing judges may impose disciplinary action against the person responsible.

(c) If three or more greyhounds are withdrawn or scratched from a race, the racing judges may cancel the race.

(d) The racing judges may scratch a greyhound from a race if they determine circumstances exist which would prevent the greyhound from making its best effort, the greyhound may not legally participate in the race, or the participation of the greyhound would negatively effect the competitiveness of the race or the wagering public.

(e) A greyhound that is withdrawn from a race after the overnight entries are closed is considered a scratch and must be examined by the commission veterinarian before the first race of the performance in which the greyhound was scheduled to start.

Source Note: The provisions of this §315.110 adopted to be effective October 11, 1990, 15 TexReg 5708; amended to be effective October 30, 2000, 25 TexReg 10740; amended to be effective April 4, 2005, 30 TexReg 1629