FAQs — Regulatory Process
How Long Will It Take IRR to Get Sanctioned as a recognized racing descipline?
The primary challenge for Quarter Horses, Standardbred Horses and Arabian Horses was not proving that their horses were racing; it was convincing regulators that the discipline could be conducted safely, uniformly, honestly, and within the state's existing pari-mutuel framework.
IRR resembles Quarter Horse racing more closely than Standardbred racing because it is seeking regulatory recognition as a distinct pari-mutuel product. However, IRR has several advantages the early Quarter Horse industry did not have.
Advantages IRR Has That Early Quarter Horse Racing Did Not
- An established governing organization.
- Existing teams, horses, rules, championship events, and an audience.
- Modern wagering, timing, video, veterinary, and integrity systems.
- Existing licensed tracks and ADW distribution networks.
- Decades of racing-commission experience regulating multiple breeds and formats.
The Outlook for IRR
Historically, emerging racing disciplines often faced years — and in some jurisdictions decades — of legislative, regulatory, and commercial resistance before achieving broad pari-mutuel acceptance. Because IRR can rely on established rules, modern integrity systems, licensed racetrack partners, and existing wagering infrastructure, authorization in a receptive state may be achievable considerably faster.