The Standardbred Working Group under the Use of the Whip Initiative is considering a number of proposals
to change the rules that would lead to restrictions to the use of the whip. The Group is interested in receiving your comments and opinions on one of the proposed solutions.
This proposal describes a practice of a hand on each line that has been put into place in some US locations and that has been the subject of some discussion over its relative merits.
Submissions must be received by the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) no later than March 17th.
To be considered by the Working Group, the submissions must speak to the relative merits, either positive or negative, of this alternative for restricting the use of the whip.
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (416) 213-7827
A proposal for revision of rules for urging with the whip
Urging with a whip shall be allowed provided that:
(a) During a race the driver shall hold one line in each hand by the handholds until the finish line is reached and the event is complete. The movement of both lines to one hand to enable the necessary adjustment of the horse’s equipment such as ear plugs, Swedish blinds, and trotting hopples is allowed. The driver shall not raise the elbow of the arm carrying the whip above the level of his shoulder.
(b) During a race, a driver shall at all times position and control the lines to ensure an immediate and safe response to the actions of their horse, and to the actions of their competitors.
(c) The driver shall insure that any contact of the whip to the horse is above the shafts of the sulky and is not used between the horse’s legs.
(d) The horse is advancing through the field, or challenging for a meaningful competitive position in the race.
It should be noted that while the Working Group is currently considering increased penalties for use of the whip violations in their discussions, those proposals are not provided in this communication. Proposals on penalties will be circulated at a later date with any draft rule change proposals being submitted to the ORC.
The Working Group recognizes the importance of the issues related to the use of the whip in standardbred racing. It understands and has knowledge of the many varying opinions on its use, from an industry participant perspective and the public interest perspective. Many suggestions have been received and are being discussed, including changes in technology, presentation of product, safety of participants and communications.
Brought together by the Executive Director of the ORC to discuss industry changes required, the Standardbred Working Group represents many facets of the industry, including participants (trainers, drivers and owners), associations, veterinarians, and racetracks, as follows:
Bill O’Donnell, Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA)
Dr. John Hayes, Standardbred Horse Owners Panel (SHOP)
Randy Bennett
Larry Todd
Jack Darling
Scott McEneny
Paul Taylor
Bob McIntosh
Jody Jamieson
Luc Ouellette
Bruce Murray, Woodbine Entertainment Group
Dr. Ted Clarke, Grand River Raceway
Dr. Alison Moore
Mindy Hall
Penny Lawlis
John Blakney
Wendy Hoogeveen
Bill Fines
Mike Wilson
Rick Rier - Judge
Tom Miller – Judge