The Jockey Club has published an updated version of the Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book, it was announced today.

The new printed rule book, dated November 2003, incorporates those rules that have been changed or amended since the book was last printed in May 2000.

All such revisions are posted in the online rule book as soon as they are approved by the Stewards of The Jockey Club and The Jockey Club recommends that owners and breeders consult the online rule book at www.registry.jockeyclub.com to find the most current rules.

The new printed rule book contains, among other things, an expanded glossary of terms and current information pertaining to DNA typing requirements. One such requirement -- covered in Section V, Rule 5 (a) 3 -- requires foals of 2001 and after to be re-DNA typed when entering the stud as stallions for the first time.

“Although not a new rule, this one is noteworthy since it is applicable for the first time to a handful of stallions standing their first season at stud in 2004,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s vice president of registration services. “These horses were DNA-typed previously as part of their registration but re-typing provides an additional layer of security and integrity to The American Stud Book.”

While announcing the new rule book, The Jockey Club is also encouraging owners and breeders to register their foals during the next several weeks in order to avoid the deluge of applications traditionally received by The Jockey Club beginning in late December.

“Historically, we receive a crush of applications from late-December through the first few months of the year as the one-year deadline for registration approaches,” said Iuliano. “Owners and breeders can obtain their foal registration certificates sooner by registering their foals before this rush. That way, their certificates will be one less thing to worry about when foaling season arrives.”

Applications and other requirements for foal registration can be completed and submitted over the Internet through Interactive RegistrationTM, a complimentary service of the Registry available at www.registry.jockeyclub.com.

Copies of the new printed version of the Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book can be obtained by contacting The Jockey Club at (859) 224-2800 or (800) 444-8521.