SECTION 325:1-1-7. Jurisdiction of Stewards to suspend or fine

(a)   The Stewards' jurisdiction in any matter is continuous. The Stewards may deny, refuse to issue, or refer to the Commission for revocation, or suspend for not more than one year per violation the occupation license of any person whom they have the authority to supervise; or they may impose a fine not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) per violation; or they may exclude from all enclosures in this state; or they may suspend and fine and/or exclude; or they may order that a person be ineligible for a license. All such suspensions, fines, denials, refusals to issue, referrals or exclusions shall be reported immediately to the Commission.

(b)   Upon a first offense for the following rule violations, the Stewards shall assess no less than the Stewards' maximum fine and suspension authorization to any person found to be in violation of Commission rules concerning:

(1)   a positive laboratory report involving a United States Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule I or II controlled substance, or

(2)   possession of a United States Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule I or II controlled substance within the enclosure, or

(3)   possession or use within the enclosure of a prohibited electrical or mechanical device. Any person whose racing record(s) reflects such prior rule violation(s) shall, upon a subsequent violation, be referred by the Stewards to the Commission with the Stewards' recommendation for specific fine and suspension above the Stewards' authorized fine and suspension maximums.

(c)   The Stewards may suspend a horse from participating in races if the horse has been involved in violation(s) of the Rules promulgated by the Commission or the provisions of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act under the following circumstances:

(1)   A horse is a confirmed Bleeder as determined by the Official Veterinarian, and the Official Veterinarian recommends to the Stewards that the horse be suspended from participation.

(2)   A horse is involved with:

(A)   Any violation of substance laws and rules;

(B)   Any suspension or revocation of an occupation license by the Stewards or the Commission or any racing jurisdiction recognized by the Commission; and/or any violation of prohibited devices, laws, and rules.

[Source: Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2855, eff 7-12-99; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1723, eff 6-13-02; Amended at 32 Ok Reg 1196, eff 8-27-15; Amended at 33 Ok Reg 1534, eff 9-11-16; Amended at 34 Ok Reg 1321, eff 9-11-17; Amended at 36 Ok Reg 1449, eff 9-14-19]