Tom LaMarra 9y

NYRA rule short-lived

Horse Racing

Effective with the entries for March 5, the New York Racing Association said Feb. 24 it will end a controversial rule that mandated 15 days between starts for horses at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The rule was implemented Jan. 16. In a release, NYRA indicated it was meant to be temporary.

"Aqueduct operates under some unique circumstances, and equine welfare will always be the top of our concerns," said Martin Panza, NYRA senior vice president of racing operations. "This rule served a purpose through a difficult period of time. We appreciate the understanding and support of our horsemen."

Several horsemen in January told The Blood-Horse the rule was problematic and penalized horses that could be ready to run less than two weeks after a race. The rule was one of several enacted in the wake of catastrophic breakdowns at Aqueduct.

"New York horsemen recognize that aggressive measures were warranted at the time these steps were taken, and also that as the season progressed, the rules would be adjusted accordingly," said Rick Violette Jr., president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. "We will continue to work to ensure the scrutiny of all horses competing at Aqueduct will remain at the highest level."

Three other rules remain in effect, NYRA officials said.

Horses will continue to be placed on a "poor performance list" after losing a race at Aqueduct by a margin of at least 25 lengths. Once on the list, said horse must complete a half-mile workout in :53 or less to be permitted to enter a race. The list is available to the public at NYRA.com.

Stringent workout requirements will continue that mandate a minimum number of official, recorded workouts, as well as minimum distances.

The bottom level for maiden claimers will continue to be $16,000, raised from the previous bottom level of $12,500.

Through the first 26 days of its winter/spring meet, Aqueduct averaged 7.30 horses per race, according to The Jockey Club Information Systems.

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