The review formed part of the ongoing dialogue and meetings between the BHA, Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and a group of senior jockeys which has been in place since prior to the introduction of the new rules and which has resulted in a number of previous alterations.

Regulations concerning whip use underwent significant changes earlier this year, with the numbers of strikes allowed in Flat and jumps races reduced to six and seven respectively, with a tougher penalty structure for those in breach, including doubled suspensions for major races and disqualification in the most serious of cases.

Among the most recent changes, a single strike over the permitted level by a Flat rider may see the minimum penalty of four days reduced to three days if they have had 100 or more British rides since a previous offence, or two days if they have had 200 or more rides.

Races which incur a double penalty have also been revised and will now apply to all class one races and any class two contest with total prize money of £150,000 or more, or any class two race restricted to apprentices, conditionals or amateur jockeys only.

Additionally, four offences of use above the permitted level in a six-month period will now result in a referral under the 'totting up' procedure, while the top end of the penalty range had been reduced from six months to four. It will remain the case that a rider will be referred to the BHA's judicial panel if they commit five offences of any type in a six-month period.

Sam Angell, chair of the Whip Review Committee, said, “These changes reflect an ongoing process to improve the new whip rules and penalties, while retaining the original objectives, which are to ensure more judicious use of the whip for encouragement, improve the perceptions of whip use and ensure that the outcomes of races are fair.”

Data released by the BHA shows that in the last six months in a total of 37,428 rides, 425 cases were referred to the WRC with 360 breaches–equating to less than one per cent of rides.

For a complete outline of the most recent changes to whip rules, click here.

The post Whip Rules Amended Again by BHA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

With the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) having gone into effect on July 1, the TDN will also post a roundup of the relevant HISA-related rulings from the same week.

California

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 02/03/2023

Licensee: Eoin Harty

Penalty: $3,000 fine

Violation: Out-of-competition joint injection violation

Explainer: Trainer Eoin Harty, who trains the horse El Joy, is fined $3,000.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1866.3(c)(e) (Intra-articular Injections Restricted – treatment within 10 days of workout).

Harty told the TDN he will be appealing the ruling for various reasons, including for a career training record absent any prior medication violations (this is confirmed in the Thoroughbred Rulings website).

New York

Track: Aqueduct

Date: 02/02/2023

Licensee: Suzanne Zelman, racing official/official veterinarian

Penalty: $1,000 fine

Violation: Lasix administration violation

Explainer: You are hereby fined the sum of one thousand ($1,000) dollars for failing to tend to business in a proper manner necessitating the scratch of horse “Bustinupishardtodo” (# 8) from the eighth race at Aqueduct Racetrack on January 27th 2023.

According to New York Racing Association (NYRA) spokesperson Pat McKenna, the fine was for a failure to administer Lasix to the horse in question resulting in a mandatory scratch.

Kentucky

Track: Turfway Park

Date: 02/01/2023

Licensee: Eric Reed, trainer

Penalty: Five-day suspension, $1,000 fine

Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: Upon receipt of notification from The University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, the official testing laboratory for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, sample number R005087 taken from Golden Text, who finished first in the fourth race at Turfway Park on January 19, 2023 contained phenylbutazone at a level of 0.62 mcg/ml in blood (Class C) (2nd offense in 365 days). After waiving his right to a formal hearing before the Board of Stewards, Eric Reed is hereby suspended 5 days, February 10, 2023 through February 14, 2023 (inclusive) and fined $1,000.

Read more about the story here.

NEW HISA STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal, except for the voided claim rulings which were sent to the TDN directly. Some of these rulings are from prior weeks as they were not reported contemporaneously.

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Violations of Crop Rule

Aqueduct

∙              Gokhan Kocakaya – violation date January 29; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 8 strikes

Gulfstream Park

∙              Edgar Perez – violation date January 29; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Mahoning Valley Racecourse

∙              Juan Gabriel Lagunes – violation date January 31; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 9 strikes

Oaklawn Park

• Kelsi Harr – violation date January 29; $250 fine, striking mount on the flank during the fifth race on January 29, 2023.
• Calvin Borel – violation date January 29; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes
• Ramsey Zimmerman – violation date January 29; $250 fine, three strikes in succession
• Gabriel Saez – violation date February 3; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes, on appeal and stay granted
• Kelsi Harr – violation date February 4; $250 fine, striking mount on the flank during the second race on February 4, 2023.
• Eduardo Gallardo – violation date February 4; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 9 strikes
• Florent Geroux – violation date February 4; $250 fine, raising wrist above helmet when using crop

Penn National

• Yomar Ortiz – violation date February 1; $500 fine and three-day suspension, misuse of the crop

Santa Anita

• Mario Gutierrez – violation date January 28; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Tampa Bay Downs

• Jose Luis Alonso – violation date February 1; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 8 strikes
• Carlos Eduardo Rojas – violation date February 3; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes, on appeal and stay granted
• Carlos Eduardo Rojas – violation date February 4; 15-day suspension, “Jockey Carlos E. Rojas (P 000-026-197) has accumulated a total of 26 points for violation of HISA Rule 2280 (bl, (1). Nine of the points are under appeal and a stay has been granted, so the total points are reduced to 17 points.”

The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Jan. 31-Feb. 6 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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There will be an educational and transitional period from Mar. 1 to Apr. 30 to allow jockeys to acclimate to the new regulations. The sanctions currently in place regarding overuse of the whip will be applied through Apr. 30. The aim is to gradually reduce the use of the whip, and the system will be reviewed at the end of 2023.

The following are specifications that apply to the manner and the number of times a whip can be used:

• Using the whip on the shoulder or neck of the horse when the jockey does not have both hands on the reins counts towards the permitted number of strikes.
• It is at the discretion of the stewards to decide if a jockey has used his/her whip clearly and unequivocally for safety reasons (correcting the horse's trajectory) rather than misused it.
• The stewards will consider it a misuse offence (according to article 171 of the Racing Code) when a jockey uses his/her whip one or more times even though his/her mount was no longer able to improve or was out of contention (it is a misuse even if the jockey has used his/her whip below the authorised number).
• Using the whip above shoulder height is considered a misuse offence.

Increased penalties will come into effect on May 1, as well, with specific penalties applying to group races. For the full details regarding penalties for whip offences after the new rules come into effect, and for more information on the new rules, please go to the France Galop website.

The post French Whip Use Reduced By One Strike Beginning On May 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

With the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) having gone into effect on July 1, the TDN will also post a roundup of the relevant HISA-related rulings from the same week.

New York

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 01/18/2023
Licensee: Manuel Franco
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Mid-race interference
Explainer: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Manuel Franco is hereby suspended for 3 NYRA racing days January 20th 2023, January 21st 2023, January 22nd 2023 inclusive. This for interference during the running of the seventh race at Aqueduct Racetrack on January 12th 2023 causing his horse ” Spiked” to be disqualified from first and placed third.

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 01/19/2023
Licensee: Michelle Giangiulio, trainer
Penalty: Ten-day suspension, $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Having received a report from the NYS Gaming Commission Drug Testing Laboratory of the finding of Phenylbutazone in the post-race sample taken from horse ” Eight and Sand ” (#10) which raced at Aqueduct racetrack in the 9th race and finished 1st on December 11th 2022. Trainer of record Ms. Michelle Giangiulio having been notified of the post-race findings and having waived her right to an appeal, is hereby fined the sum of one thousand ($1,000) dollars and suspended 10 Calendar days effective January 20th 2023, through January 29th 2023, inclusive. Furthermore, the Stewards order horse “Eight and Sand” disqualified from any part of the purse and the purse redistributed as follows:

1. (#12) Itsalittlebitfunny
2. (#3) Reunion Tour
3. (#6) Our Son Jake
4. (#7) Tiza Brown
5. (#11) Escape Mission
6. (#9) Patrick the Great
7. (#4) Dancing with Rico
8. (#1) Uncle Bruce
9. (#2) Hereby
10.(#8) Red Jet
11.(#5) Chief Engineer

Ordered that during your period of suspension, you shall not directly or indirectly participate in New York State Pari-mutuel horse racing. You are denied the privileges and use of the grounds of all racetracks, you are forbidden to participate in any share of purses or other payment. Every horse is denied the privileges of the grounds and shall not participate in pari-mutuel racing in New York State, that (a) is owned or trained by you, or by individuals who serves as your agent or employee during your suspension: or (b) for which you during your suspension are directly or indirectly with training, including any arrangements to care for, train, enter, race, invoice, collect fees or other payments, manage funds, employ or insure workers, provide advice or other information or otherwise assist with any aspect of the training of such horses.

NEW HISA STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal, except for the voided claim rulings which were sent to the TDN directly. Some of these rulings are from prior weeks as they were not reported contemporaneously.

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Violations of Crop Rule

Aqueduct

Gherson (Jason) Huayas – violation date January 14; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 8 strikes

Abner Perez Adorno – violation date January 20; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Golden Gate Fields

Silvio Amador – violation date January 16; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Julien H Couton – violation date January 21; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Gulfstream Park

Jorge Espitia – violation date January 14; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Santa Anita

Frankie Dettori – violation date January 15; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Victor Espinoza – violation date January 15; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 8 strikes

The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, January 17-23 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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According to the new rules, the whip may not be used for driving purposes. The new rules mean that the rider may only use the whip to prevent accidents, and are largely in line with the Norwegian rules. The only difference is that in Sweden, riders can carry a whip in all races.

The whip regulations were discussed at the autumn meeting last year and the decision on the new rules was made by Svensk Galopp's board on Monday. The rule change is made in connection with a new version of SRG (Scandinavian Regulations for Galloping) being published in March.

Previously, jockeys in Sweden had been allowed to hit their horses three times in a race. The whip, however, had not been allowed in jumps racing or for 2-year-old racing.

“The use of the whip in Sweden has been discussed for years,” said Helena Gartner, project manager of the Scandinavian Racing Regulations Committee. “The regulations have changed gradually and the foam-padded sticks were introduced some years ago, but now it is time to ban the use of the whip completely. Whip use in horse racing simply does not belong in 2022.”

The new whip regulations in Sweden:

Whip may be used to ward off a dangerous situation. The whip must not be angled up to the horse's eyes and ears. With whip blows, blows are equated with the horse's rein, the rider's arm and hand. During the run, the rider must ride with both hands on the horse's mane and neck. From 200 meters before the finish line, in the obstacle course after the last obstacle before the finish line has been passed, the rider may not change the whip from one hand to the other unless such a situation as stated in the first sentence exists. Riders may only use a whip determined by Skandinavisk Galopp, so-called cushion stick (padded whip).

The first paragraph also applies when training a horse. By training a horse is meant the physical and mental preparation of a horse that is to compete and where the purpose of the training is to prepare the horse for competition. The horse is exerted, physically or mentally, in a way that is not only devoted to maintaining or achieving basic physical condition and mobility or basic mental training.

The post Swedish Racing Regulator Bans Whip Use appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Luis Rivera, aboard Golden Hughes, began urging his mount with left-handed encouragement, and she appeared to put her head in front briefly.

After losing his whip, Mayta gave his filly a hand ride, but then approaching the sixteenth pole ripped the goggles off of his head with his right hand and immediately began slapping the filly on the shoulder and showing her the goggles between strikes. She poked her head in front and edged away gradually to win by a neck.

It was the first victory in six starts for Baytown Valleygirl, trained by Paul McEntee for Wagner Racing and McEntee Racing. Mayta was winning for the 17th time in 99 starts at Mountaineeer this year, putting him sixth in the rider standings.

This wouldn't be the first time that a resourceful jockey used goggles to encourage a mount. In 2015, Jose Lezcano was cleared by the New York State Gaming Commission for using his goggles on a mount after dropping his whip. A steward who said Lezcano violated two rules was overruled by a 5-0 commission vote, according to a report in Bloodhorse.com.

West Virginia Racing Rules state that “no electrical or mechanical device or other expedient designed to increase or retard the speed of a horse, other than the riding crop approved by the stewards, shall be possessed by anyone, or applied by anyone to the horse at any time on the grounds…whether during a race or otherwise.”

Are goggles an “expedient”? We'll leave that one up to the stewards.

The post Mountaineer Jockey Puts Goggles To Good Use In Winning Race appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The whip rule has been up for discussion for some time in Kentucky. In June 2020, a joint meeting of the rules committee and the safety and welfare committee brought forth proposed changes from the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an industry group that includes Churchill Downs and Keeneland. Those rules would have limited overhanded strikes to five in the stretch but permitted underhanded strikes at the start of a race. The guidance also allowed a rider to use the whip as necessary to course correct in an emergency, but suggested riders may be required to pull a horse up if they exhausted their strike limit during a corrective incident.

The Jockeys' Guild had pushed back on that proposal, requesting the maximum number of over-handed strikes increase to six. A subsequent committee meeting in September resulted in a move to focus sanctions on suspensions rather than fines for violations of the new rules.

On Monday, all parties expressed their support for the following:

• A limit on overhanded strikes to a total of six prior to the 3/8 pole, while giving the horse a chance to respond after two strikes. Overhanded uses may not include the rider raising the whip above the helmet
• Underhanded or backhanded use only in the final 3/8 of a mile
• Showing the horse the whip or tapping the horse on the shoulder will remain acceptable if both hands are on the reins
• Removal of the word “strike” to refer to the use of the whip in order to improve pubic perception
• Stewards can impose either a $500 minimum fine or a three-day minimum suspension. If the violation is egregious and intentional, they could impose both. Mitigating factors could include the rider's history with whip violations, and the number and types of use beyond the above restrictions

Jockeys' Guild president and CEO Terry Meyocks said he is hopeful the same language will be taken to other members of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, which includes The Stronach Group, NYRA, and Del Mar, for use at those facilities.

“Having different rules in so many various states is not good for anybody,” said Meyocks. “Ideally, if the KHRC were to adopt this rule then we could work on a uniform rule throughout North America.”

“We're not going to let 'perfect' get in the way of 'really good,'” said Mike Ziegler, senior vice president and general manager of Churchill Downs and Coalition representative of the new draft of the rules.

There will be ample notice given to riders 30 to 60 days of the new rules being implemented to give them time to change their riding style before they could become subject to penalties.

KHRC executive director Marc Guilfoil noted the parties had received input from legislators, who had advised them that previous versions of the whip reform rules were not likely to pass. Meyocks said that he was advised the Guild would need to be willing to compromise to find a rule that would be approved.

The post Kentucky Committee, Jockeys Come Together On New Whip Rules appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Since Oct. 1, California jockeys have been limited to six underhanded strikes of the whip, and are allowed two strikes before pausing to allow for a response. Stewards have fined jockeys a total of $28,300 since the new rules were implemented, primarily for using the whip more than six times.

In a unanimous vote, the CHRB approved a rule establishing a minimum fine of $500 and possible three-day suspension for excessive whip use. The current rule calls for a maximum fine of $1,000, along with the possible three-day suspension.

The CHRB's new penalty rule will have a 45-day public comment period before coming back for final approval.

“I think this protects the domestic rider,” said CHRB Chairman Gregory Ferraro. “Our concern had been that riders, particularly from foreign countries, could violate the rule and a $500 fine and three-day suspension would be meaningless to them. This allows for considerably more punishment for egregious violations and makes it more fair to our domestic riding colony.”

“This addresses the concern that I had right along, that has been any excessive whipping and putting in-state riders at a disadvantage,” echoed commissioner Oscar Gonzalez. “I believe this measure addresses any concerns I had. I'm hoping this is something we can adopt and have in place by Breeders' Cup.”

Read more at the Daily Racing Form.

The post CHRB Approves Stricter Penalties For Whip Use, Hopes To Have New Rule In Place For Breeders’ Cup appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Jockeys' Guild sought the stay of enforcement pending a decision on its appeal, which has not yet been decided. Beginning in 2021, jockeys at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, NJ will not be allowed to use the whip “except for reasons of safety.”

“Under these conditions, no, I don't think I can ride at Monmouth Park,” Joe Bravo, 13-time leading rider at Monmouth, told the Thoroughbred Daily News. “They didn't even speak to any of the New Jersey jockeys and ask what are your thoughts?” Bravo said. “In today's era, yes, there should be riding crop restrictions. I understand that. They have them at Delaware, at Tampa and in California. We have no problem with that. But to take the whip away completely away…That's crazy. Show me another county in the world with major racing that has these conditions.”

Other jockeys added their opinions on Twitter.

I have to say something important:
I left Presque Island a few years ago and went to Monmouth, I did very well. It's my second home after Tampa and it's so sad to change my plans just because they put a stupid rule into practice so I can't go back

— Antonio Gallardo (@jockeygallardo) April 21, 2021

I was so excited to go back to Monmouth but with that rule they put I can't SO!!! I have to change my plans!!!

— Daniel Centeno (@Jockeydc) April 20, 2021

NJRC really trying to kill Horse Racing. Jockeys can't fight and do this alone. Everyone that has a vested interest in racing in NJ should step up to the plate and voice their concern to get this overturned.

— Chris DeCarlo (@Equinepilot1) April 20, 2021

The Monmouth Park meet is scheduled to begin on May 28, 2021.

Read more at the Thoroughbred Daily News.

The post ‘Crazy,’ ‘Stupid Rule’ On Whip Use Has Jockeys Veering Away From Monmouth Park appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Reading this letter, one is entitled to ask: 'Who are you, to pass comment on such a contentious issue, when you have never ridden in a race?'

This is a fair comment. But as many sportsmen, whether they are golfers, tennis players, or gymnasts know, it's a bit of a not seeing the wood for the trees conundrum: because a jockey, like a boxer in a frantic fight, is often consumed in the moment of a tight finish, driven on by adrenalin, not rational thought. And invariably, when confronted with video evidence, they are most contrite.

Twenty-five years ago, I won an Eclipse Award for a radio broadcast on this very subject. And, listening to the words of Frankie Dettori, Sandy Hawley and Ted Walsh, at that time, it is evident that little has changed in the debate, even though animal rights' activists are far louder in their criticism, these days.

They say that great jockeys have great hands. Hands that immediately convey calm and confidence to any horse that they alight upon. These same hands send messages. Relax. Time to get going. And a whip, for them, is much like a balancing bar for a tight-rope walker: they wave it rhythmically in time with pumping the reins, driving their mounts to the wire.

The whip can get attention. It can steer. Now and again, it can convey urgency. And anyone who has stood at the three-eighths pole, as a field of horses leaves the backstretch and the race gets serious, will hear all manner of chirping, whistling, shouting, and the smacking of whips as riders urge their mounts on. This is natural. This is competition. But what is not acceptable is flogging horses that are well beaten, and/or striking them in the ribs (behind the girth) or even worse, around the sheath or teats.

Having worked as a traveling head lad in a top stable in France many years ago I would see horses returning after races with shocking welts that would put them off their feed and often not disappear for days. And today, at every racetrack, I strongly believe that commission veterinarians should inspect every horse after each race for signs of abuse, taking photos as evidence, and then hand out suspensions and fines based upon what they see, rather than what videos actually show.

As the great Willie Shoemaker once said, 'More horses are beaten out of the winner's circle than into it.'

Every jockey should be reminded of this. And perhaps, remembering what a great jockey he was, they will think twice before beating up an animal that is responsible for their bread and butter.

–Robin Dawson

If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please write to info at paulickreport.com and include contact information where you may be reached if editorial staff have any questions.

The post Letter To The Editor: The Place Of The Whip In Horse Racing appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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