On Sunday, March 29, Christine C. White, Racing Commissioner for the state of Michigan, gave notice to Michigan’s harness horse racing industry that, effective May 1, 2009, strict penalties and suspensions will be

awarded to harness drivers that excessively use a whip on a horse during a race.

“The health, safety and welfare of the horses remain a top priority,” said White. “This recent policy builds on our existing rule which prohibits the excessive use of a whip during a race.”

Michigan’s updated policy states that the stewards shall define excessive or indiscriminate use by:

• a) more than three (3) consecutive strikes without a change in action;
• b) causing visible injury to a horse; and/or
• c) whipping a horse after a race

All penalties, including suspensions and fines, shall be progressive with repeated violations, the record of which shall be maintained over a driver’s lifetime. Any days assessed as a suspension will be defined as actual days that live racing is scheduled in the state of Michigan for the breed in which the offense occurred.

Click here for further information.

(With files from the State of Michigan -- Office of the Racing Commissioner)