New California Whip Rule

[BitPlayer]

I am surprised there has not been more discussion of the new whip rule.

From DRF:

\"TSG and TOC also adopted new guidelines concerning whip use. Under the directive, the whip can only be used as a corrective safety measure. This has already gone into effect during training hours.\"

It sounds like jockeys may no longer use the whip to ask for more speed.  I know nothing about training horses, but if horses have been trained to expect the whip as a signal for additional exertion, I would think this could significantly affect outcomes.

I also wonder what impact the new bute rule (none after 48 hours from race, up from 24 hours) will have.

[Dana666]

The SA management has been listening to PETA!

[jma11473]

BitPlayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am surprised there has not been more discussion
> of the new whip rule.
>
> From DRF:
>
> \"TSG and TOC also adopted new guidelines
> concerning whip use. Under the directive, the whip
> can only be used as a corrective safety measure.
> This has already gone into effect during training
> hours.\"
>
> It sounds like jockeys may no longer use the whip
> to ask for more speed.  I know nothing about
> training horses, but if horses have been trained
> to expect the whip as a signal for additional
> exertion, I would think this could significantly
> affect outcomes.
>
> I also wonder what impact the new bute rule (none
> after 48 hours from race, up from 24 hours) will
> have.


The fact they can\'t even get the track open because of all the breakdowns is likely overshadowing the whip rule. People will pay more attention to the whip rule when (if) they actually, you know, race again.

[Rich Curtis]

Santa Anita comes out against flailing. The irony is hard to top.