New York Gaming Commission modifies jockey agent license rules

The New York Gaming Commission on Monday eliminated language in its rules that required jockeys’ agents to have a license for at least one year in a number of other racing occupations.

The previous rule required applicants to have already been licensed for one year as either an exercise rider, a jockey, an apprentice jockey, a trainer, or an assistant trainer. Under the new rule, the previous licensing requirement will be eliminated and the racing commission will allow stewards or commission employees to “determine whether an applicant is qualified by reason of experience, background, and knowledge.”

The rule change passed unanimously.

Also at the meeting, the commission adopted a rule that will eliminate a requirement that riders weigh in and out with a horse’s muzzle, martingale, and/or breastplate. Robert Williams, executive director of the commission, said at the meeting that the amendment “promotes consistency with other prominent racing jurisdictions.”

The rule change also passed unanimously.

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