The Ontario Harness Horse Association has received and forwarded to the Ontario Racing Commission a petition with 258 signatures of individuals that oppose any new rule which would restrict drivers to keeping a line in each hand the entire mile.
The petition reads:
"We the undersigned do not support any change to the whipping rules which contemplates drivers keeping a line in each hand for the entire mile. This would lead to a serious safety issue for both the horse and the driver as it would inherently lead to less control of the horse during encouragement."
The petition was circulated around the paddocks at Grand River Raceway, Mohawk Racetrack, Flamboro Downs, Hiawatha Horse Park and Dresden Raceway during racing between September 1, 2008 and September 10, 2008.
The vast majority of the drivers that compete at these tracks added their signatures to the petition along with trainers, owners and grooms. The Ontario Racing Commission is currently reviewing the use of the whip in racing and these individuals wanted to have their opinions considered if there are any changes contemplated.
(With files from OHHA)