OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Jockeys who ride at New York Racing Association tracks will be limited to whipping their horses three times in succession under a new rule that will go into effect Jan. 1.Currently, riders may hit a horse up to five times in succession with the whip before waiting a stride or two then going back to the whip.The stewards met with riders before the races Wednesday to inform them of the new regulation, which is a house rule and not a state rule. The new rule is similar to what was implemented at Southern California tracks in July.“We feel it’s in the best interests of the horses and the public,” said Steve Lewandowski, the steward representing the New York Gaming Commission. “It’s the wave of the future, and it’s in the best interests of the horse.”Jim Edwards, a former jockey who will take over as the Jockey Club steward on this circuit Jan. 1, doesn’t believe the new rule will be a hindrance to riders.“Just watching the races, I don’t think it’s a problem now,” said Edwards. “You hand ride them for a stride or so, you can go back and hit them again, so I wouldn’t anticipate there being any problems.”Mike Luzzi, among the senior members of this riding colony, believes riders often overuse the whip.“I was taught [hit] once or twice, go back to hand ride, then once or twice,” said Luzzi. “Honestly, I don’t know if hitting more than three times in succession is helpful anyway. It’s just supposed to be a reminder. It’s a science. If you watch it, there’s a lot of overuse of the whip anyway. I know fans and owners want to see you whipping away, but in all honesty, pushing on a horse does more.”Irad Ortiz Jr., the winningest rider on this circuit, doesn’t believe riders will have a difficult time adjusting to the new rule.“Three is a good number,” he said. “I think it’s going to be easy for the jockeys here because you don’t see too many guys abuse the whip.”Lewandowski said warnings will be issued at first, then fines could be handed out if persistent overuse of the whip occurs.◗ Fans who come to Aqueduct on Saturday or Sunday are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy as part of the Toys for Tots program, which NYRA runs in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps.The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program collects and distributes toys to local children in need each holiday season. Donation boxes will be located at Aqueduct’s main clubhouse entrance, as well as at the turf and field entrance.