ny-SGC-39-26-00024-P: Coupling in Thoroughbred racing

I.D. No. SGC-39-26-00024-P PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE State Administrative Pro- cedureAct, NOTICE is hereby given of the following proposed rule: Proposed Action: Amendment of section 4025.10 of Title 9 NYCRR. Statutory authority: Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, sections 104(1), (19) and 235(1) Subject: Coupling in Thoroughbred racing. Purpose: To enhance wagering interest in Thorougbred racing. Text of proposed rule: Section 4025.10 of 9 NYCRR would be amended to read as follows: § 4025.10. Limitations on entries. * * * (b) Coupling. (1) Horses that have the same individual present in the managing ownership of the horses, that share a 25 percent commonality in owner- ship or that share a common trainer are related horses for purposes of this section. (2) Related horses [may] shall not be coupled as a single betting interest in a race, unless paragraph [(6)] (3) of this subdivision applies. (3) [If more than two horses in a race are related horses, such horses shall be coupled as a single betting interest in such race, unless paragraph (6) of this subdivision applies. (4)] The State steward may require any related horses entered in a race to be coupled as a single betting interest in a race prior to the com- mencement of wagering on-track and off-track, if such steward, in such steward’s discretion, finds it necessary in the public interest. [(5)] (4) If related horses are not coupled, the racetrack operator shall take such actions as are necessary to inform the public adequately with regard to the common ownership and/or trainer [that would otherwise NYS Register/September 30, 2026 make] of such horses [eligible to be coupled as a single betting interest pursuant to this subdivision]. [(6) No entry shall be coupled by reason of common ownership or training in any stakes race in which the gross purse is $50,000 or more, provided, however, that paragraph (4) of this subdivision shall apply in any such race. In any race subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the racing secretary shall have the authority to establish a mutuel field and coupled entries in any race with more than 14 starters. (7)] (5) All horses trained or ridden by a spouse, parent, issue or member of a jockey’s household shall not be considered related horses for the purposes of this subdivision. [(c) Entries if related horses would exclude another horse. Up to two re- lated horses are permitted to be drawn into any overnight race, or on the also-eligible list, provided, however, that two related horses shall not start to the exclusion of a single horse.] Text of proposed rule and any required statements and analyses may be obtained from: Kristen Buckley, New York State Gaming Commission, 354 Broadway Center, PO Box 7500, Schenectady, NY 12305, (518) 388- 3332, email: gamingrules@gaming.ny.gov Data, views or arguments may be submitted to: Same as above. Public comment will be received until: 60 days after publication of this notice. This rule was not unde