Panel: raise riding age

The newly formed rules committee of the Ohio Racing Commission has passed a proposal to raise the minimum age for jockeys in the state from 16 to 18 years old.

The proposal follows the death of 16-year-old apprentice rider Josh Radosevich in a racing accident at Beulah Park on Nov. 16.

The racing commission's executive director, Sam Zonak, said he proposed the rule change to give potential riders "the chance to mature both physically and mentally as well as graduate from high school" before being licensed to ride.

The proposed change will be open for public comment at the commission's next meeting on Jan. 19.