Jockeys at Del Mar, with Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's active participation, will begin using equine-friendly riding crops in all races beginning Wednesday, August 12, when their use becomes a house rule at the track
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DMTC purchased 40 crops from four different suppliers so that an adequate number will be available.
"Both the jockeys and Del Mar are pleased to achieve this milestone" said Darrell Haire, regional manager for the Jockeys’ Guild. "Thanks to the cooperation of Del Mar management, especially Joe Harper (Del Mar president and general manager) and Craig Fravel (Del Mar executive vice president), as well as Bo Derek and the California Horse Racing Board, we were able to attain this goal that will be beneficial to the welfare of the horses competing at the meet."
Eclipse Award winner Garrett Gomez said, "This is a great step for racing.
"All the jocks discussed it and wanted to make this move. One of our biggest problems was getting enough riding crops for everybody. With Del Mar's help, we were able to get a big enough supply, including for riders who couldn’t necessarily afford them. With the new riding crop, horses seem to react to the sound of the popper rather than from a physical reaction to the whip. It’s good for racing and we wanted to be at the forefront."
"Del Mar management has been exemplary in their cooperation and communication with the jockeys," said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys' Guild. "If all segments of the racing industry worked together the way that Del Mar has worked with the riders, many of the challenges that the industry faces could be overcome."
(Del Mar)