The new whip rules in California and New Jersey have drawn criticism from jockeys across the country, including retired Hall of Fame rider Eddie Delahoussaye. This week, he told The Orange County Register that the stricter regulations will cause gamblers to step away from horse racing altogether.
“Those gamblers, if they see you're not trying, they'll just quit the game. They won't bet,” Delahoussaye said. “Those gamblers are going to leave, and we won't have racing.”
Like other jockeys, Delahoussaye said the whip restrictions are causing legitimate safety concerns. He wishes commissions would have gotten more input from active jockeys before enacting the new rules.
“They should have got the top riders, experienced riders like Mike Smith and John Velazquez, and have a meeting and let them dictate how it should be done,” said Delahoussaye. “You don't let people who never rode a horse dictate how it's done. That's like telling a vet how to do his job. Or tell a doctor how to do his job. Or tell a policeman, and you've never done it. I just don't get it.”
Read more at the Orange County Register.
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