N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 4035.9

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 50, December 11, 2024

Section 4035.9 - Use of riding crops

(a) All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards and the clerk of scales.

(1) Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in flat racing including training only as follows:

(i) maximum weight of eight ounces;

(ii) maximum length including flap of 30 inches;

(iii) minimum diameter of the shaft of three-eighths inch; and

(iv) shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one-millimeter throughout its circumference.

(2) The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications:

(i) length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of one inch;

(ii) width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;

(iii) no reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft;

(iv) no binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and

(v) shock absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of the shaft.

(b) In all races where a jockey will not ride with a whip, an announcement shall be made over the public address system of such fact.

(c) Although the use of a whip is not required, any jockey who uses a whip during a race is prohibited from whipping a horse:

(1) on the head, flanks or on any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters;

(2) during the post parade or after the race except when necessary to control the horse;

(3) excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;

(4) when the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing; or

(5) persistently even though the horse is showing no response under the whip.

(d) Correct uses of the whip are:

(1) showing horses the whip before hitting them;

(2) using the whip in rhythm with the horse's stride; and

(3) using the whip as an aid to maintain a horse running straight.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 4035.9