California Horse Racing Board Tentatively Passes Whipping Rule

LOS ALAMITOS, CA -- California's horse-racing regulators approved new rules on jockeys whipping horses during races at their monthly meeting on Thursday, but delayed the results of their investigation into the 37 horse deaths at Santa Anita last season.

Under the tentative rule, a riding crop cannot be used more than two times in succession and six times during the entirety of a race. Use of the crop would also be limited to an underhanded position no higher than a rider's shoulder.

The whip rules aren't final, and will undergo a 45-day review period for public comment before possible adoption.

``We just passed the most restrictive whip rule in North America and maybe in the world,'' said Greg Ferraro, chairman of the California Horse Racing Board.

Currently, the state allows a jockey three strikes with a crop before giving the horse time to respond, but there is no limit on the total number of strokes allowed during a race.

Jockeys who violate the rule will be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and a three-day suspension.

Also at Thursday's meeting, CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker said the results of the board's investigation into the rash of racehorse deaths at Santa Anita won't be ready until the next CHRB meeting, scheduled for mid-January at Santa Anita.

Santa Anita -- and the sport in general -- has been under heavy scrutiny since the deaths at the Arcadia track started garnering more media attention in 2019 than in seasons past. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is also conducting a criminal investigation into the deaths.

City News Service contributed to this report.