France-Galop, the governing body of French horse racing, announced amendments to its whip regulations on Wednesday.
“Beginning on Sept. 1, 2023, any horse that is struck more than nine times with the whip will be disqualified prior to wagers being paid out,” the announcement reads.
“This new adjustment is part of the amendments to the racing code that were adopted by the Comité de France Galop in June and subsequently approved by the Minister of Agriculture.”
The use of the whip in French horse racing has been declining since 2017. The maximum number of strikes allowed has decreased in the following pattern:
- March 2017: reduction from 8 to 6 strikes
- March 2019: reduction from 6 to 5 strikes
- May 2023: reduction from 5 to 4 strikes
The only whip approved for use in horse racing in France measures 68 cm (2'2.77″) and ends in a foam rectangle intended to produce stimulation with noise.
The post France Amends Whip Rules: Horses Struck More Than Nine Times To Be Disqualified Prior To Wagering Payout appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
