Section 183.61. Power of judges

Collectively, presiding judge and associate judges shall have the authority to:

(1) In cases in which the judges determine that a serious offense may have been committed, the judges may immediately place offending persons on suspension. In any case an oral report followed by a written report shall be made to the executive secretary of the Commission. In cases in which the judges determine that minor violations have occurred, the judges may impose a sentence not to exceed 10 days or a fine, or both.

(2) Determine all questions of fact relating to the race.

(3) Decide any difference between parties to the race or any contingent matter which shall arise which is not otherwise provided for in the provisions of this part.

(4) Declare pools and bets ‘‘Off’’ in case of fraud, or to declare any horse a nonstarter and to direct the refund of all wagers made thereon. All pools and bets shall follow the decisions of the Judges. Such decisions in respect to pools and bets shall be made before or after the conclusion of the race upon the observations of the judges and upon such facts as an immediate investigation will develop. A reversal or change of decision after the official placing at the conclusion of a heat or dash shall not affect the distribution of the betting pools made upon such official placing.

(5) Declare a dash or heat of a race no contest in the event that a track is thrown into darkness during the progress of a race by failure of electricity.

(6) Control the horses, drivers, trainers, grooms and assistants and punish any person who shall fail to comply with the orders of the judges.

(7) Examine under oath all parties connected with a race as to any wrong or complaint. Any person required to appear before the judges for a hearing or examination who shall fail to appear after due notice in writing may be penalized.

(8) Consider complaints of foul from the patrols or drivers in the race and no others.