Use of riding crops
Compiled text through Jul 15, 2022
Register checked through Jul 29, 2026
No later Register activity identified in this check.
Dates and status
- Compiling agency
- Executive Department
- Text status
- Source receipt
- Compiled text through
- Jul 15, 2022
- Register checked through
- July 29, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 30 (2026-07-29)
- Activity status
- No later Register activity identified in this check.
- Source snapshot
- Jun 6, 2026
(a)All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards and the clerk of scales.
(1)Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in flat racing including training only as follows:
(i)maximum weight of eight ounces;
(ii)maximum length including flap of 30 inches;
(iii)minimum diameter of the shaft of three-eighths inch; and
(iv)shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one-millimeter throughout its circumference.
(2)The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications:
(i)length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of one inch;
(ii)width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;
(iii)no reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft;
(iv)no binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and
(v)shock absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of the shaft.
(b)In all races where a jockey will not ride with a whip, an announcement shall be made over the public address system of such fact.
(c)Although the use of a whip is not required, any jockey who uses a whip during a race is prohibited from whipping a horse:
(1)on the head, flanks or on any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters;
(2)during the post parade or after the race except when necessary to control the horse;
(3)excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;
(4)when the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing; or
(5)persistently even though the horse is showing no response under the whip.
(d)Correct uses of the whip are:
(1)showing horses the whip before hitting them;
(2)using the whip in rhythm with the horse's stride; and
(3)using the whip as an aid to maintain a horse running straight.