The stewards of The Jockey Club have approved revisions to the Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book ("Rules"), adding provisions regarding inspections of Thoroughbreds by representatives of The Jockey Club's Registry Department.

According to The Jockey Club's Registrar Rick Bailey, the rule changes relate primarily to the increasing numbers of Thoroughbred foals reported as born in the first several days of January, and a concern as to whether these foaling dates are being accurately reported.

"With these rule revisions, we are reminding North American breeders that January 1 of the year of foaling is the official date of birth for Thoroughbreds. Those who choose to breed mares early may risk having foals born prior to January 1. To protect the integrity of The American Stud Book, the enacted rules provide that The Jockey Club may require horses be made available for inspection."

The rule changes appear in Section V of the Rules. Rule 1(C) states:

For the purpose of determining Age of the Thoroughbred, the date of birth of a Thoroughbred is deemed to be January 1 of the year of foaling.

The Jockey Club may require any party who seeks to register a foal or who submits information related in any way to registration of a foal to provide such further evidence and assurances as The Jockey Club may reasonably require, and may also require any such party make the horse(s) involved available for inspection.

The designation of January 1 as the date of birth for all foals was previously set forth in the definition of "Yearling" in Section III of the Rules.

The Jockey Club also added two new subsections to Rule 21 as follows:

(I) The Jockey Club may require any party who requests action (or inaction) from The Jockey Club or who submits information to The Jockey Club in connection with the processes and functions of The Jockey Club to provide such evidence and further assurances as The Jockey Club may reasonably require, and may also require any such party to make the horse(s) involved available for inspection.

(J) The term "Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book" includes Sections I through VII.

The Jockey Club also reminds owners and breeders that any person or entity engaging in deceptive practices may be denied any or all of the privileges of The American Stud Book (in accordance with Section V, Rule 19).

All revisions to the Rules are posted in the online rule book available through www.jockeyclub.com/registry.asp?section=3. The Jockey Club recommends that owners and breeders consult the online rule book or contact The Jockey Club for the current rules.



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