A change in rules governing the use of the whip in harness races at the Meadowlands Racetrack will take effect this weekend
.
In an effort to safeguard the welfare of horses, New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC (NMRLLC) requested the assistance of the New Jersey Racing Commission by implementing a new and expansive policy concerning the use of the whip by drivers in harness races conducted at the Meadowlands. The new policy clarifies provisions contained in the current NJRC rule which prohibits the brutal and indiscriminate use of the whip upon any horse.
“At the Meadowlands, we recognize the importance of this issue and are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our horses,” said NMRLLC Chairman Jeff Gural. “Hopefully the changes being recommended will help solve the problem. We are also looking into the possibility of developing a different type of whip and a larger saddle pad to further address the perception that the public has on this issue.
“We appreciate the help of our Presiding Judge, John Tomasello, and Executive Director, Frank Zanzuccki, who helped draft these changes.
“I look forward to the cooperation of all of the drivers and hopefully we will be able to implement similar changes at Tioga and Vernon.”
Live racing at the Meadowlands resumes May 4-5 with live turf racing at 3:30 p.m. and harness racing at 7:00 p.m.
(Meadowlands)