Article - Waiver Claiming Races

So what is a "Waiver Claiming" race? It is the new designation for a claiming race (maiden claiming included) for those
that meet the requirements of California's new Claiming Option rule for those coming off of an extended layoff. The rule
went into effect quietly in September 2008 and has only had a couple who qualify and a number where the owner chose
not to use the option. The requirements to use this claiming option are twofold, the horse must be coming off of a layoff
of 180 days or more and it must be entered in claiming race at the same or greater price than their last claiming race.

Here is the actual rule, article 1634 of the Business and Professions Code for the State of California:

1634. Claiming Option Entry.

(a) At the time of entry into a claiming race, the owner may opt to declare a horse ineligible to be claimed provided:

(1) The horse has been laid off and has not started for a minimum of 180 days since its last race, and

(2) The horse is entered for a claiming price equal to or greater than the price at which it last started.

(b) Failure to declare the horse ineligible at the time of entry may not be remedied.

(c) Ineligibility shall apply only to the first start following each such layoff.

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 19420 and 19440, Business and Professions Code. Reference:
Sections 19408.2 and 19562, Business and Professions Code.

HISTORY:

1. New rule filed 8-21-08; effective 9-20-08.

How Can You Tell Which Runner is Taking a "Claiming Option"?

Right now the spot next to the runner's name which normally has the claiming price is blank: