New whip rules start in California Oct. 1

Jockeys in California will ride under new rules that will greatly restrict the use of whips, beginning on Oct. 1.

Earlier this year, the California Horse Racing Board adopted rules allowing riders to use a whip only in an under-handed motion. Jockeys can use the whip no more than six times in a race and no more than twice in succession before giving the horse a chance to respond.

Under the new rule, jockeys in violation will face a minimum suspension of three days and a maximum fine of $1,000, “absent mitigating circumstances,” according to the language of the rule. Jockeys will 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.”

The rule was approved by the racing board in June and underwent legal review from the state’s Office of Administrative Law.