On Wednesday, March 11, the Board of Directors of the Standardbred Horse Owners Panel met
and reviewed the discussion paper on the Use of the Whip, which was published by the Ontario Racing Commission on March 10, 2009.
The SHOP Board unanimously approved a motion in continued support of the proposal.
“The most compelling reason to adopt this change is that it is being requested by racing fans at Ontario tracks," Lou Liebenau, president of SHOP, said via statement. "Our customers do not like the perception of one-handed whipping of horses. It is time for us to change in line with fan expectations.”
Lou also said, “We commend Dr. John Hayes, a SHOP director, who worked with a cross section of industry representatives on the ORC Standardbred Working Group on the Use of the Whip Initiative. SHOP also thanks OHHA president, Bill O’Donnell for his support in moving Dr. Ted Clarke’s whipping proposal forward.”
(SHOP)
I totally disagree. These
I totally disagree. These changes to the whipping rule are being brought about because a certain group of people seem to think that the use of the whip is something fans do not care for.
This is an untruth. There are rules that govern whipping and judges need to use those rules.
Do you honestly believe that having a no whipping rule will put more people in the seats? I have some swamp land to sell you in Florida if you do.
This is a farce in my humble opinion. According to management it was their fans that called for a change to the claiming races. What did that accomplish? Stables that used to claim every week of the year have disappeared never to be seen again. Great move wasn't it?
Brian Hancox