Rules & Regulations

Heading

The Rules That Keep Racing Fair

Our Rules of Racing outline how every event is run, keeping competition honest and ensuring safety for horses and people alike.

Rule Books
library_books
Recent Updates
overview

The Louisiana Racing Commission sets and enforces the official Rules of Racing for the State of Louisiana. These rules protect the integrity of the sport, the safety of horses and riders, and the trust of racing fans statewide.

All rules are published through the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 35, and the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 4: Amusements and Sports.

ARCI Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule for Horses (PDF)

Download the Rules of Racing

Get the complete Rules of Racing and yearly updates here. Each document includes recent amendments and approved regulations.

emergency_home

To view the laws related to horse racing, please reference the Louisiana Revised Statutes — Follow the link below and select Title 4: Amusements and Sports to learn more.

LA Revised Statutes

Official Rule Book

LA Rules of Racing Book (PDF)

Annual Summary

LSRC 2024 Annual Report on Rules (PDF)

Past Summaries

emergency_home

Additional meeting notices and minutes from previous years are available in the Annual Rule Summaries Archive linked below.

Past Summaries Archive

Recent Rule Updates

Recent rules adopted or amended by the Commission and published in the Louisiana Register will appear here along with their respective effective dates.

Effective May 20, 2024

LAC 35:I.Ch.3 – General Rules: §322 Disability Accommodations (New)
LAC 35:III.Ch.57 – Associations’ Duties and Obligations: §5773 Annual Plan of Operation Report (Amend)
LAC 35:XI.Ch.99 – Claiming Rule: §9905 Timing of Entering Next Claiming Race (Amend)

Effective July 20, 2023

LAC 35:V.Ch.63 – Entries: §6335 Owner’s Entry of More Than One Horse (Amend)
LAC 35:V.Ch.79 – Post to Finish: §7907 Horses Disqualified for a Foul (Amend)
LAC 35:XI.Ch.99 – Claiming Rule: §9905 Timing of Entering Next Claiming Race (Amend)

Effective September 20, 2022

**LAC 35:VII.8902 – Use of Riding Crop in Thoroughbred Racing (New)
**LAC 35:XI.Ch.99 – Claiming Procedures and Purse Rules (Amend)

Proposed Regulations

Recently voted on and pending rules recently proposed for adoption by the Commission will appear here along with their respective statuses. Formally adopted rules will be put into effect in the near future, and a summary report can be found here for further information.

Recently Proposed

Voted on and approved at the April 29, 2024 Commission Meeting

LAC 35:III.Ch.57 Associations’ Duties and Obligations

§5728 House Rules (New)
§5734 Purses and Sports Wagering (New)

Formal Adoption

Adopted on April 30, 2024

LAC 35:III.Ch.57 Associations’ Duties and Obligations

§5728 House Rules (New)
§5734 Purses and Sports Wagering (New)

Legislative Summary Report

No items found.

News & Updates

Heading

Related News

Previous
Next
Coming soon!
stadium

Explore Louisiana’s Race Tracks

From Shreveport to New Orleans, Louisiana is home to some of the South’s most exciting racing venues. Each facility operates under the Commission’s watch to make sure events meet our standards.

Find a Race Track Near You
Find a Race Track Near You
contract_edit

Get Licensed to Be Part of Louisiana Racing

We help jockeys, owners, trainers, and other racing professionals get approved to take part in races across the state. Learn how to apply and renew your license before the season begins.

View Licenses & Forms
View Licenses & Forms