A rule I was unaware of
 

In regards to Feed A Fever in the 1st at Hollywood today. I noticed her return race back on March 18 was listed as Clm 16000(16-14)-W

This is the first time I have ever seen a "W" listed after the race price and I came to find out that it means if a horse is gone for 180 days or more and returns to race at the same level, it has to option to be "Withheld" from being claimed in that return race.

Is this just a California thing? Learn something new all the time.

Not sure if its just a Cali thing, but i can remember a high profile horse within the past few years returning in like a 50k claimer under these claiming restrictions. The name of the horse eludes me, and its bothering me.. I want to say Lava Man, but thats probably wrong.

Im pretty sure you mean WAIVER claiming race.

Basically its a race where if your horse is coming off a 6 month layoff you can enter him in the race ( maiden included ) for the last claiming price that the horse started for and you cant be claimed in the race.


Here is the actual rule, article 1634 of the Business and Professions Code for the State of California:

The rule went into effect in September 2008

1634. Claiming Option Entry.

(a) At the time of entry into a claiming race, the owner may opt to declare a horse ineligible to be claimed provided:

(1) The horse has been laid off and has not started for a minimum of 180 days since its last race, and

(2) The horse is entered for a claiming price equal to or greater than the price at which it last started.

(b) Failure to declare the horse ineligible at the time of entry may not be remedied.

(c) Ineligibility shall apply only to the first start following each such layoff.

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 19420 and 19440, Business and Professions Code. Reference:
Sections 19408.2 and 19562, Business and Professions Code.

Thanks.

Kev,

I think the Washington State Horse Racing Commission enacted a similar program for Emerald Downs

They have the rule at Oaklawn.