The Jockeys' Guild and its Board of Directors has taken the position that the United States should remain under Category 2 approach to adjudicating potential interference during Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing.
While considering this decision, the Guild considered the safety of both the human and equine athletes, as well as fairness for all parties involved. The Category 2 method provides Stewards with the authority to disqualify a horse if, in their opinion, it interfered with other horses, regardless of whether the interference was accidental, willful, or the result of careless riding. Based on experience, the Guild believes that Category 2 provides for some additional safety protections for the riders. By giving the Stewards the ability to disqualify the horse which has caused the interference, regardless of where the horse finished, it will serve as a deterrent to unsafe riding. We, as an industry, have a responsibility to assure safety for both the horses and the jockeys. It is unreasonable to create a racing environment that is potentially going to lead to more hazardous riding styles.
Additionally, with regards to the fairness of such rules, while Category 1 often protects “the best horse,” Category 2 rules enable strong advocacy on behalf of all horses and jockeys who suffered interference. This is achieved by ensuring that the interferer is placed behind all of the horses who suffered the interference, both directly and indirectly. Using this method provides a safeguard against horses having their finishing position compromised as a result of the interference, and in turn, provides a fairer playing field to all participants, as opposed to just the “best horse.”
With regards to Quarter Horses races, Category 2 is the best method for several reasons including the fact that races are shorter and any interference at all can have an impact on the outcome of the race. To only apply Category 1 could have serious impact on Quarter Horse racing as it pertains to trails. As such, the Guild believes the Oklahoma Racing Commission is in the process of reverting back to Category 2 for Quarter Horse racing.
It should be noted, with the exception of Oklahoma, no other racing jurisdiction in the United States has adopted Category 1 method. Although, this item has been discussed on multiple occasions during the Association of Racing Commissioners International (“ARCI”) Model Rule's Committee meeting, there has not been movement to have the current rules changes in the United States. On Thursday, December 7, 2023 during the ARCI Model Rules Meeting, there are proposed modifications being presented with regards to “interference and placing to conform with IFHA rule.” Representatives of the Guild will appear virtually to voice opposition and to express its concerns on behalf of the jockeys.
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