§172. Stewards; authority, powers, and duties; fines and suspensions

A. In the matters pertaining to racing, the orders of the stewards supersede the orders of the officers and directors of the association and the stewards shall have supervision of the daily conduct of racing. The stewards have full authority to investigate, inspect, search and inquire into all matters under their supervision.

B. Should any case occur which may not be covered herein or by the Rules of Racing, it shall be determined by the commission and implemented by the stewards but only insofar as such determination is consistent with justice, the best interest of racing, and the powers and authority herein granted; and when no penalty is provided, the stewards of the meeting are hereby given authority to exercise their full power as set forth in Subsection M hereof.

C. The stewards have general supervision over all personnel directly connected with racing and shall have access to all stands, weighing rooms, enclosures, etc., used for the purpose of racing and have the authority to determine all questions concerning entries and racing.

D. The stewards shall order ejected from the grounds of the association any improper or objectionable persons.

E. The stewards may demand proof that a horse is not in any way disqualified. In default of proof the horse may be barred.

F. The stewards may examine or have examined any horse registered for racing.

G. Three stewards must be on duty during race time. One steward must be on duty each morning from scratch time until the entries are closed.

H. During each racing day the stewards of the meeting shall assemble at the office building on the grounds of the association where the race meeting is being held, not later than two hours before post time of the first race, to exercise the authority and perform the duties imposed on them by the rules of racing.

I. If one or more stewards are absent the ones present shall appoint a deputy or deputies to act temporarily for those absent. Should all three be absent the racing secretary shall appoint three deputies.

J. The stewards may substitute a jockey of their choice on any horse.

K. The stewards are vested with the power to determine the extent of disqualification in case of fouls.

L. Action by the stewards in performing their duties shall be reported to the Louisiana State Racing Commission. Where one steward disagrees with the majority that fact shall be noted in the report and the dissenting steward shall have the right to file with the commission a written report setting forth the reason or reasons for the disagreement. The stewards shall keep a minute book, recording therein all complaints made to them and the disposition thereof and all investigations by the stewards and their findings thereon and all rulings made by the stewards.

M. The stewards may suspend for no greater period than the duration of the meeting plus ten days or for a period not to exceed six months, whichever is greater, or they may impose a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars. All such suspensions and fines must be reported to the commission. If the greater period of suspension and the fine herein authorized is not in the opinion of the stewards sufficient, they shall refer the matter to the commission for its determination de novo.

N. A fine may not be rescinded by the stewards except with the approval of the commission.

O. Fines and suspensions shall be reported promptly to the racing secretary in writing. Fines shall be paid within forty-eight hours.

P. Fines collected by the racing secretary shall be paid to the commission.

Q. In addition to the above, the stewards shall have those authorities, powers and duties as are prescribed and conferred by the commission not inconsistent with this Part, including by way of illustration those provided by the rules of racing.

Acts 1968, No. 554, §1; Acts 1990, No. 565, §1, eff. July 19, 1990.