New Crop Rules in Kentucky

[ubercapper]

New crop rules were agreed to in Kentucky at today's KHRC Rules Committee meeting. It was clear the Jockey's Guild and the regulators had a long meeting and came to something everyone could live with.



Specifically, it was stated they made a decision to pass this and "not let perfect get in the way of really good." Neither side is completely happy, which is a sign of compromise.



Both sides are hopeful this can serve as a model for the rest of the country. The replay will be available here



https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC5...0YAr6csnMSux7g



The details of the rule will be public shortly. I could be wrong so don't take me completely until you see the details posted. I don't have all the details but I believe the rule will allow for six overhand taps any time but with only two in succession without giving a horse a chance to respond.



Also, from the three-eighths pole to the finish underhanded strikes are permitted. It is always permitted to tap a horse on the shoulder and to show or wave the crop in front of the horse's eyes.



The stewards will have discretion in penalties. There can be a $500 fine or a three day suspension for violating the rule. Both penalties may be assessed if the stewards deem use of the crop to be egregious.

[ubercapper]

Full story and partial excerpt:


Full story here https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-rac...rule-amendment



Excerpt:

As explained by the KHRC's general counsel Jennifer Wolsing, the amendment would allow the crop to be used in backhanded or underhanded fashion from the three-eighths pole to the finish line, allow a jockey to tap their horse on the shoulder in the down position as long as both hands are on the reins and on the shoulders of the horse, and would allow for the showing and waving of the crop in front of the horse. Wolsing added the amendment would also limit jockeys to six instances of overhanded use of the crop at anytime, the overhand use of the crop cannot go above the rider's helmet, and the rider would not be able to use the crop in the overhand fashion more than two successive instances without giving the horse a chance to respond.