Gulfstream modifies claiming rule

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – An updated claiming rule will go into effect with the start of the next condition book on May 28, automatically voiding a claim if the horse in question is observed to have bled or is declared unsound on examination by the track veterinarian within 30 minutes after the race. A successful claimant does have the option to request that a voided claim still be allowed within 15 minutes of the track veterinarian’s notification to the stewards. Previously, trainers only had the right to request a voided claim if a horse been vanned off after the race due to an issue of lameness as determined by the track veterinarian.

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As was the case with the previous rule, if a horse suffers a fatality during the running of a race or is euthanized on the racetrack or in the horse ambulance following the race, any claim submitted on that horse is automatically voided.

Mike Lakow, Gulfstream vice president of racing, said the track and its chief veterinary officer Dionne Benson worked on the rule with the Florida HBPA.

“I think this is a good rule that helps protect the horsemen a little more than the previous one,” said Lakow.