American Whip Use – Any restrictions ?

[Coggy]

If ever there was an argument to back up the need for a limit on whip use it is highlighted by the ride on Awesome Encore in the 7.15 at Delaware Park tonight.
I’m not sure what (if anything) the restrictions are, in American racing, but the rider on this poor horse was hitting it repeatedly every stride without giving it a chance to respond.
Shocking.

[Miss Woodford]

Here’s the relevant section of the AARC "Model Rules" that all accredited racetracks must follow:

(a) Although the use of a riding crop is not required, any jockey who uses a riding crop during a race shall do so only in a manner consistent with exerting his/her best efforts to win.
(b) In all races where a jockey will ride without a riding crop, an announcement of such fact shall be made over the public address system.
(c) 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 of the association during the meeting, whether in a race or otherwise.
(d) Riding crops shall not be used on two-year-old horses before April 1 of each year.
(e) The riding crop shall only be used for safety, correction and encouragement.
(f) All riders should comply with the following when using a riding crop:
(A) Showing the horse the riding crop and giving it time to respond before hitting it;
(B) Having used the riding crop, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again;
(C) Using the riding crop in rhythm with the horse‟s stride.
(g) Prohibited use of the riding crop includes but are not limited to striking a horse:
(A) on the head, flanks or on any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters except when necessary to control a horse;
(B) during the post parade or after the finish of the race except when necessary to control the horse;
(C) excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;
(D) when the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing;
(E) persistently even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop; or
(F) striking another rider or horse.
(h) After the race, horses will be subject to inspection by a racing or official veterinarian looking for cuts, welts or bruises in the skin. Any adverse findings shall be reported to the stewards.
(i) The giving of instructions by any licensee that if obeyed would lead to a violation of this rule may result in disciplinary action also being taken against the licensee who gave such instructions

Unfortunately, enforcement of these rules varies quite a bit.

[Coggy]

Thank you Miss Woodford.
The "giving it time to respond to it" is a case in point.
Literally a hit every stride, in this case.

[Author]

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