California Horse Racing Board votes to restrict whip use by jockeys
When last year’s spate of equine fatalities at Santa Anita Park put horse racing under the microscope, several of the sport’s controversial tactics were considered subjects for possible reform. One of those was the use of whips by jockeys.
That reform became one step closer to reality on Thursday when the California Horse Racing Board voted to approve restricting the type and use of whips.
In what was described as a contentious six-hour meeting, the board mandated that jockeys will be allowed to use a whip “only in an under-handed motion no more than six times in a race while holding the reins or touching the neck of the horse,” according to the Daily Racing Form.
Riders will only be allowed to strike the horse twice in succession before giving the horse a chance to respond. Under current California rules, horses can be struck three times before the jockey must pause.
Violators will face a minimum suspension of three days and a maximum fine of $1,000, according to the board.
Jockeys had asked that the vote be postponed until late summer so that other states might come together to pass a national policy. That request was rejected by the board.
“I don’t believe you’re going to see a national rule,” said CHRB chairman Gregory Ferraro. “I would like a national rule, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
If the new rule is approved by the board’s legal authority, it could go into effect in October.
Also approved Thursday was a new rule changing what type of whips may be used. Instead of a padded material, jockeys will be required to use a “whip with a foam cylinder in the portion that makes contact with the horse.”
The new whip, the 360 GT, was designed by retired jockey Ramon Dominguez. According to the Paulick Report, the foam whip is “designed to absorb the shock and essentially bounce back from the horse, eliminating sting. Independent testing conducted by Chesapeake Testing in May did show a measurable impact force reduction as compared to standard whips of the same length and weight.”
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission lists regulations with regard to use of the “whip” or “crop” that are used by state tracks. On its “house rules” website, Churchill Downs lists its rules for type and usage of riding crops.
Among the printed rules: “A rider who uses a riding crop shall; Show the horse the riding crop, give the horse a chance to respond before striking the horse; Having used the riding crop, give the horse a chance to respond before using it again. Use the riding crop in rhythm with the horse’s stride.”
Keeneland states that, “Only cushioned riding crops that meet the certain specifications regarding weight, length and shock-absorbing characteristics may be used in Thoroughbred racing and training. Among them: A crop cannot weigh more than eight ounces; cannot exceed 30 inches in length; and cannot have a shaft measuring more than three-eighths of an inch in diameter. Crops also cannot include stingers, projections or metal parts. Any riding crop may be subject to inspection and approval by the stewards or the clerk of scales to ensure conformity with these specifications.”
This story was originally published June 12, 2020 at 10:53 AM.
