A disqualification (DQ) in thoroughbred horse racing is an official change to the order of finish after stewards determine that a horse or rider violated the rules in a way that affected the race outcome. When issued, the offending horse is moved behind the horse(s) it impeded or placed last, depending on the severity of the infraction.
The Disqualification Process
The disqualification process follows a structured sequence:
- Inquiry or Objection: Stewards initiate an inquiry, or a jockey/trainer files an objection
- Video and Testimony Review: Multiple camera angles, patrol-judge reports, and jockey statements are evaluated
- Ruling Announced: Stewards issue “no change” or specify new placings, with the tote board switching from “INQUIRY” to “OFFICIAL”
- Payout Adjustment: Pari-mutuel systems recalculate payouts based on the revised order, with winning tickets on disqualified horses becoming void
Common Reasons for Disqualification
Interference is the most frequent cause, involving drifting, bumping, or cutting off another horse and altering that rival’s chance to finish better. Other common violations include:
- Improper whip use or dangerous riding that compromises safety or creates unfair advantage
- Weight infractions, such as a jockey weighing in light after the race
- Medication or equipment violations, including positive drug tests or unauthorized equipment
- Lane violations, particularly leaving the racing lane without clearance
- Riderless finishes, where a horse doesn’t carry its jockey across the finish line
Types of Disqualifications
Race-day DQs occur minutes after the finish and immediately impact bettors. Post-race DQs are imposed days or weeks later due to lab results – pari-mutuel payouts are not reversed, but purse money and official records change. Automatic DQs apply to certain violations like riderless finishes.