‘Whipping rule’ coming for Caymanas Park
Published:Friday | November 3, 2023 | 12:09 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
There is no current rule in place at Caymanas Park that speaks specifically to the number of times that a jockey can use the whip during a race, but changes are on the horizon that could be implemented by governing body Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) in the next three months.
Denzil Miller, racing secretary at Jamaica’s only horse racing track, said yesterday that based on Caymanas Park’s growing overseas audience, especially on the United States market, the move to put a specific ‘whipping rule’ in place is the correct one as the island’s Jamaica’s horse racing product is on full display for all to see.
“We’re in a global market, and our team at Caymanas Park has been working constantly with building relationships in the overseas racing market. Most people are aware that our signals are beamed right across the world through some of the major hubs, especially in the United States, therefore, the visibility of our exciting product is there for all to see,” he stated.
The experienced racing administrator stated that this current move is in line with other rules that are already in place at Caymanas Park that govern the way riders can approach a race. He also added that as a country, Jamaica is falling in line with other racing jurisdictions that have already established stringent whipping rules at their tracks.
“A lot of other racing jurisdictions have stringent whip rules as to how many times a jockey may strike an animal at various times in a race, and it is wise for us now as an industry to actually move forward in that direction. Riders have to use a specific whip that is designed a specific way for specific lengths, so this is the next phase for us moving forward, and we really embrace it,” Miller shared.
As to the feedback that he has been getting since talks have started about the upcoming implementation of the rule, Miller explained that he has only been getting positive feedback.
“I think the feedback has been positive so far as I’m yet to hear anything negative from where I sit,” he remarked.
Local trainer Dennis Thwaites said that the move is one that he i sin agreement with as from his experience, some horses are known to “shut down” from being excessively whipped.
“I think the whip should be used only when it’s necessary, in cases where a jockey is coming under pressure (to get more out of his mount). I agree with the JRC because I don’t like seeing the jockeys beating and killing the horse. Some horses don’t even like the whip. They prefer a little tap and hand ride. If you apply the whip too much, they’re going to shut off on you,” Thwaites said.
At present, the number of times a jockey can use the whip during a race is not covered by the racing rules although Rule 138 (5) deals with excessive use. A new rule would seek to restrict the use of the whip during a race, especially in the closing stages.