(a) In addition to the other duties described in these Rules, the stewards have the general authority and supervision over the conduct of each race and all licensees at a racetrack during a race meeting. If a question arises during a race meeting regarding the operations of a racetrack or the conduct of racing that is not covered by the Act or the Rules, the stewards shall resolve the question in conformity with custom, precedent, justice, and the best interest of racing.

(b) The stewards are authorized to:

(1) interpret and enforce the Act and the Rules and to determine all questions, disputes, complaints, or objections relating to racing matters in accordance with the applicable laws, taking into consideration such factors as, but not limited to, custom, precedent, justice, and the best interest of racing;

(2) issue rulings, which supersede any orders of the association, on racing matters that may change the conduct of a race or race meeting;

(3) review applications for individual licenses submitted at the racetrack, hold hearings on applications for individual licenses, and deny temporary or permanent licenses for grounds authorized by the Act or the Rules;

(4) approve a substitute jockey, assistant trainer, or other substitute licensees requested by a trainer;

(5) appoint a substitute official;

(6) require a jockey, trainer, or other licensee to review a video replay of a race in which the person participated;

(7) examine or order the examination of a horse or the ownership papers, certificates, or other documents pertaining to a horse's identification;

(8) determine whether a disqualification is warranted if a foul or a riding infraction occurs; and

(9) perform any other duty necessary on behalf of the Commission to ensure a race meeting is conducted in accordance with the Act and the Rules.

(c) The stewards may, at any time, order an endoscopic examination of a horse to determine the presence of foreign material in the nasal passages that obstructs or could obstruct the flow of air into the horse's lungs. An examination ordered under this subsection must be:

(1) performed by a veterinarian licensed by the Commission at the horse owner's expense; and

(2) witnessed by a commission veterinarian.

Source Note: The provisions of this §313.22 adopted to be effective August 30, 1989, 14 TexReg 4120; amended to be effective May 13, 1993, 18 TexReg 2849; amended to be effective February 10, 1998, 23 TexReg 751; amended to be effective October 30, 2000, 25 TexReg 10732; amended to be effective April 4, 2005, 30 TexReg 1625