[Kasept]

Brian has it right... 6 months is the time period (180 days).. Was designed to give trainers/owners a free race after bringing horses back from injury, etc.. Came out of round table discussions between Santa Anita management and horsemen.


From Steve Thygerson

It is the new designation for a claiming race (maiden claiming included) for horses that meet the requirements of California's new Claiming Option Entry rule for those coming off of an extended (180 day) layoff. The rule went into effect quietly in September 2008 and has only had a handful who qualify and a number where the owner chose not to use the option. The requirements to use this claiming option are twofold, the horse must be coming off of a layoff of 180 days or more and it must be entered in claiming race at the same or greater price than their last claiming race.

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

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.

HISTORY:

1. New rule filed 8-21-08; effective 9-20-08.