Dr. Paul Hogan, director of racing for the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission, has informed Trot Insider of revisions to MPHRC rules in relation to use of the whip

.

Dr. Hogan has said that the new rule becomes effective immediately.

Among many other aspects of the new rules, the changes state that whipping must be restricted to wrist action only.

The new rules are listed below.

Rule 315. Use of a whip shall be allowed provided that:

• (1) During a race the driver shall hold one line in each hand by the handholds until the finish line is reached and the race is complete. Handholds must be tight, ensuring adequate control of the horse, with the driver’s elbows in front of the chest. Whipping must be restricted to wrist action only. The placing of both lines in one hand to permit the necessary adjustment of the horse’s equipment such as ear plugs removal is allowed. The driver shall not raise the elbow of the arm carrying the whip above the level of his/her shoulder.
• (2) There shall be no blatant or exaggerated movements of the whipping arm.
• (3) The driver shall ensure that any contact of the whip to the horse is above the shafts of the sulky and is not used between the horse’s legs.
• (4) Whipping is permitted provided the horse appears to be advancing through the field. There shall be no whipping after the finish of the race.

(With files from MPHRC)