The Board of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) is circulating rules received from the industry consultation group, formed to review the use of the whip in Ontario horseracing. Industry participants and associations are encouraged to provide any new and material comments by end of day – June 8th
.
At its meeting of May 28th the Board reviewed and considered the proposed rules, and are satisfied. Due to the far reaching implications for the changes, the Board determined that a final circulation of the rules should take place prior to implementation, to ensure an opportunity is provided for anything new or material to be brought to their attention.
The rules were submitted by the Standardbred Working Group on the Use of the Whip Initiative, and are a result of a major effort and time commitment to develop a new approach for the appropriate urging of the horse. This new approach takes into consideration the safety of the participants, the welfare of the horse and the perception of the product.
Click on the following links to view the rule changes and the policy document. In an effort to ensure clear rules while encouraging understanding for enforcement and application, the rules were simplified and a policy document was created to provide clarity.
To be considered, submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2009 as follows:
By Website:
Use the “Opportunity for Input” form on the ORC website.
By Email:
[email protected]
By Fax:
416-213-7827
To view the Notice in its entirety, click here.
ORC Announces Pilot For New Riding Requirements
For a four week period starting Wednesday, June 3rd, all jockeys at Woodbine Racetrack will be using the Lite Touch whip in the first two races of every card. Interim rules were also created for the pilot to require jockeys to break up the use of the whip to allow the horse a chance to respond. This new pilot is an outcome of the work of the Thoroughbred Use of the Whip Working Group, which has been meeting over the spring to develop recommended changes to how the whip is used in Ontario horseracing.
The purpose of the pilot is to allow the jockeys an opportunity to provide input on how a new rule will be developed. Work will continue through the Pilot between the Jockeys, the Stewards and the working group on rule development.
To view a copy of the Notice and the Ruling TB Admin 08-2009, click here.
To view the Notice in its entirety, click here.
(ORC)