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[PurplePower]

The Rules of Racing in each jurisdiction is different (ARCI is working toward a "model rules" plan in which all states have the same rules) but they all require a minimum number of workouts prior to a first start AND a maximum amount of time that can elapse between a horse's most recent race (or timed workout) and a subsequent race. These rules require:
1. Trainer must report the (correct) name of a horse to be worked, distance to be worked and pole from which work will start upon the horse entering the track.
(As some pointed out, some trainers (and owners) think it is their "right" to "hide" their horse's workouts, especially first time starters, but to do so is a violation of the rules already in place.)

2. In order for a workout to be an "official work", it must be observed by a licensed Clocker AND a licensed Identifier. (In most places one clocker is also licensed as an identifier.)
(One of best I ever saw work was Thad Briley at Sam Houston Once he had seen a horse he remembered its markings. From his press box perch, Thad could tell the difference between two bay horses with no white markings. A "gap attendant" with a two-way radio would take horses' names and radio them to the clockers. Occasionally the clockers would call back to the GA and ask him to check the tattoo on a horse when it exited the track - as startngate noted.)

3. A horse "running off" with its rider will be put on the work tab if it goes at least 3/8 of a mile in less than 40 seconds. The Clocker will call down for the horse's name even if the work was "unintended".

4. Minimum official workout distances are 2 furlongs for 2-year olds and 3 furlongs for 3 year olds and up. State veterinarians and/or stewards can require a workout of any distance and specify a maximum time to get a horse removed from vet or stewards list.

5. Maximum number of days a horse can be "off" without an 'official' work varies from 30 days (California, Kentucky, Pennsylvania) to 45 days (Texas, Minnesota) to 60 days (Oklahoma, Ohio) for examples. Texas only requires one workout if horse has been off over 45 days (even if over a year off) whereas others require multiple workouts (2 if off 60 days for Minnesota) (3 if off 90 days for California) for longer time off.

We have rules in place that address workout requirements. But, just like with income taxes, insider trading on Wall Street and peeking at an opponents poker hand, trainers, owners and horseplayers will always be looking for a way to 'beat the system".

I just realized I spent entirely too much time on this answer.