UTAH HORSE RACING COMMISSION
UQHRA is sanctioned by the Utah Horse Racing Commission (UHRC). Our races abide by the rules and regulations setforth by UHRC. For additional information and latest information on medication, doping voilations, pentalties please visit:
https://ag.utah.gov/farmers/animal-industry/utah-horse-racing-commission/
Utah Code and Administrative Rules Relating to Horse Racing
Utah Horse Regulation Act (Utah Code Annotated: Title 4, Chapter 38)
Horse Racing (R52-7)
Utah Horse Racing Online License Application:
ENGLISH:
SPANISH:
Utah Horse Racing Paper License Application:
Commission Updates
The following items were passed by the UHRC Board
Update as of August 30, 2021
1. Lasix administration- Horsemen must be on grounds 4 hours prior to the start of the race. Additionally, Lasix may only be administered by a veterinarian contracted with the commission and on the grounds of the track on race day.
Updates as of February 12, 2021
1. The stand down period for joint injections was reduced from 14 days to 7 days.
Updates as of January 17, 2024
1. The level of allowable Phenylbutazone is .3 ug/ml
2. Trainers wishing to be licensed will be required to pass a trainer's test to receive their license. A valid 2023/2024 license from other jurisdictions will be accepted in lieu of the Utah Trainer's Test. The trainers test will be administered by the stewards by appointment only. Trainers must receive a score of 80% correct to pass. The test will be available in Spanish and will be open book. The book is only available in English
3. Horses with pending test results from the trials races will be allowed to race in the finals race if test results are not recieved prior to post time. Positive tests will result in the horse being disqualified from finals race and a loss of purse the trial and final.
4. Jockeys wishing to be licensed 1st receive a physical examintation prior to race day.
Updates as of January 21, 2025
1. All horses on the grounds as part of the Utah Horse Racing Commission sanctioned races must have a negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia (aka EIA or Coggins) and piroplasmosis performed on or after March 1,
2025. Testing must be completed prior to the draw, and the testing records must be available at the draw.
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Jockeys who have not been previously licensed as a jockey in Utah must be approved by the stewards. The stewards will validate credentials for jockeys who have been licensed by sanctioning bodies in other states.
New riders may be required to work in front of the stewards prior to approval. -
Jockeys must provide proof of a physical exam within the current calendar year (after January 1, 2025) at the time of licensing.
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The rules regarding the use of a riding crop by a jockey have been updated to be more in line with the Association of Racing Commissioners International's Model Rules of Racing. These newly adopted rules can be found in Utah Administrative Code Subsection R52-7-9(6) and are attached on the following page.
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Individuals may now be licensed for one or three years. There is a discount for some of the three-year licenses compared to three one-year licenses.
The Commission believes that these changes will further protect the health and safety of horses competing this year, and we anticipate another successful season in
UPDATED RULES REGARDING JOCKEY WHIPS DURING THE RACE CAN BE FOUND HERE ON THE SECOND PAGE OF THE LETTER:
All individuals will be required to obtain a license.
Licensing will be administered by the Utah Department of Agriculture.
It is the responsibility of every individual to know and understand the rules and regulations. We (UQHRA) will do our best to keep horsemen updated of any rule changes, but it is ultimately the horsemen's responsibility.
2023 UHRC Notice of Hearings
UHRC CONTACTS
Director, Animal Industry: Leann Hunting
T: 385-977-2158, E: leannhunting@utah.gov
State Veterinarian: Amanda Price
T:801-386-4189, E: amandaprice@utah.gov
UHRC Licensing: Kortee Mcgee
T: 801-982-2243, E: kmcgee@utah.gov