// this returns if anyone has bet on a rat
// if so, the race can begin
int StartingConditional()
{
    // handle to module
    object oMod = GetModule();
    // see if someone has bet on a rat
    return GetIsObjectValid(GetLocalObject(oMod, "IC_RAT_PLAYER_1"))
           || GetIsObjectValid(GetLocalObject(oMod, "IC_RAT_PLAYER_2"))
           || GetIsObjectValid(GetLocalObject(oMod, "IC_RAT_PLAYER_3"))
           || GetIsObjectValid(GetLocalObject(oMod, "IC_RAT_PLAYER_4"));
}