01-017 C.M.R. ch. 7, § 9 - Use of Hopples
Racing with or without hopples. Any pacing horse that has worn hopples shall not race without hopples unless the horse shows a satisfactory free-legged qualifying line, nor shall any pacing horse that races free-legged race with hopples unless the horse shows a satisfactory qualifying mile wearing hopples. An unsuccessful qualifying race relating to use of hopples shall not disqualify a pacing horse from entering a race consistent with its previous status.
The Judges shall be notified of any equipment change relative to the use of hopples by trotting horses at the time the horse is entered into a race, and that change shall be listed on the program to inform the wagering public of the change. The horse must race as programmed, unless the error was by the association and not the trainer who entered the horse. Any owner or trainer who wishes to change equipment other than hopples on a horse from one race to another shall notify the Judges prior to the start of the race.
Notes
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Racing with or without hopples. Any pacing horse that has worn hopples shall not race without hopples unless the horse shows a satisfactory free-legged qualifying line, nor shall any pacing horse that races free-legged race with hopples unless the horse shows a satisfactory qualifying mile wearing hopples. An unsuccessful qualifying race relating to use of hopples shall not disqualify a pacing horse from entering a race consistent with its previous status.
The Judges shall be notified of any equipment change relative to the use of hopples by trotting horses at the time the horse is entered into a race, and that change shall be listed on the program to inform the wagering public of the change. The horse must race as programmed, unless the error was by the association and not the trainer who entered the horse. Any owner or trainer who wishes to change equipment other than hopples on a horse from one race to another shall notify the Judges prior to the start of the race.