(a) In all races where a jockey will not ride with a riding crop, an announcement shall be made over the public address system of such fact, and such fact shall be noted in the official program.
(b) Although the use of a riding crop is not required, any jockey or exercise rider who uses a riding crop during a race or training is prohibited from using a riding crop on a horse:
(1) during training, except when necessary for the safety of horse or rider;
(2) on the head, flanks, or on any parts of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters;
(3) during the post parade or after the finish, except when necessary to control the horse;
(4) excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;
(5) when the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing;
(6) persistently even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop;
(7) more than two times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond before using the riding crop again; or
(8) more than six times during a race, excluding showing or waiving the crop or tapping the horse on the shoulder as defined in subsection (c).
(c) Correct uses of the riding crop are:
(1) showing or waiving the crop without touching the horse, or
(2) in an underhanded position with the crop always at or below the shoulder level of the jockey;
(3) tapping the horse on the shoulder with the crop in the down position while having both hands:
(A) holding onto the reins, and
(B) touching the neck of the horse.
(d) During a race, if a jockey rides in a manner contrary to this rule, the stewards shall impose a minimum fine of $500. A greater fine or a minimum of three suspension days, or both, can be imposed, if, in the opinion of the stewards, the violation is egregious or intentional. Factors in determining whether a violation is egregious or intentional, include but are not limited to:
(1) recent history of similar violations;
(2) number of uses over the total and consecutive limits described in subsections (b)(7) and (8); and
(3) using the crop in the overhanded position.
(e) The jockey or exercise rider shall not be penalized if, in the opinion of the stewards, the use of the crop was necessary for the safety of the horse or rider.
(f) In trial heats, any suspension shall include the subsequent related stakes race regardless of whether the related stakes race is designated pursuant to Rule 1766.
Credits
Note: Authority cited: Sections 19420, 19440 and 19562, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 19440, 19481 and 19562, Business and Professions Code.
History
1. Amendment and new Note filed 6-4-93; operative 7-5-93 (Register 93, No. 23).
2. Change without regulatory effect amending Note filed 12-23-96 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 96, No. 52).
3. Amendment of section heading and section filed 3-2-2015; operative 7-1-2015 (Register 2015, No. 10).
4. Amendment of subsection (b), new subsection (c) and subsection relettering filed 1-25-2018; operative 4-1-2018 (Register 2018, No. 4).
6. Amendment of subsections (a), (b)(8) and (d) and new subsections (d)(1)-(3) and (f) filed 8-30-2021; operative 8-30-2021 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2021, No. 36).
This database is current through 4/12/24 Register 2024, No. 15.
