JRC relaxes whip rule
Increase in strike limit aims to balance horses’ welfare and jockey safety
In a move aimed at finding a balance between horse welfare and jockey safety, the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) has relaxed its rule regardng the number of times a jockey can whip a horse during a race.
The new rule, which took effect on June 22, 204, allows jockeys to use their whips up to 10 times during a race and eight times in the straight, an increase from the previous limit of six strikes in the straight. The previous rule was implemented on April 1, 2024.
The decision comes after a series of fines was issued to jockeys for excessive whip use, prompting a review of the rule. Since the implementation of the rule back in April, well over 20 jockeys had been fined multiple times for excessive use of the whip, and one rider, Prince Holder, was suspended.
According to commission chairman Clovis Metcalfe, the JRC’s goal is to promote humane racing practices while also acknowledging the need for jockeys to maintain control and safety during races.
With this change, Metcalfe said the JRC aims to strike a balance and ensure a more enjoyable and sustainable sport for all involved.
“The decision to relax the whip rule was made after careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders,” Metcalfe told the Jamaica Observer.
Metcalfe emphasised that the issue wasn’t about jockeys being unable to adapt to the rules but rather a reluctance to change their methods. He cited examples of Jamaican jockeys who have successfully adopted more humane techniques abroad, such as Javaniel Patterson, Dane Nelson, and Anthony Thomas.
“They [jockeys] weren’t abiding by the rules, and so that’s why so many of them were fined for excessive use of the whip. The matter was reviewed, and we made it more relaxed. It’s not that they can’t adapt to the rules; it is that they wish not to adapt to change because they feel like if they brutalised the horse, they would get better results.
“If you look at when they go abroad, look at Javaniel Patterson, Dane Nelson, and Anthony Thomas, for example; they use mostly hands and knees; they can’t do what they do out here,” Metcalfe said.
Despite fines being issued, Metcalfe acknowledged that there has been significant improvement in the riding styles of jockeys, with many now using their hands and knees more often than the whip. He also stressed that the whip should be used as a reminder, not a means of brutalising horses.
“To be honest, despite the many riders that have been fined for excessive use of the whip, since the rule was implemented, the riding of the jockeys has significantly improved. I think most of the riders are on their hands and knees more than relying on the whip,” Metcalfe stated.
“There is no reason for the excessive use of the whip. The Hall of Fame riders will tell you that the whip is to be used as a reminder. Look at the international jockeys when they are riding; they don’t brutalise the horses.
“If you whip a horse two times and that horse is not moving any faster, why whip him more? The horse just can’t give you any more. It doesn’t make any sense. If you are five to 10 lengths in front, why are you whipping the horse? This is a culture we need to correct. The best way we are doing it is to fine them because when they are hurting in the pockets, then they will start to take more caution in what they are doing,” he further explained.
In addition to the 10 strikes allowable per race and the eight strikes allowable for the final two furlongs, all records will be monitored and kept for the 12-month racing calendar, and the stewards may fine habitual offenders up to a maximum of $20,000 and suspend them for up to 25 race days.
Metcalfe explained that first-time offenders will get a warning from stewards; second offences will be fined $5,000; third offences will be fined $7,500; and fourth offences can lead to a fine and suspension.
“We can’t disqualify the horse if the rider is found guilty of excessive use of the whip. It is unfair to the connections, but we come up with something that speaks clearly to what will happen.
“We will suspend the jockey, but we won’t disqualify the horse because the riders are the ones abusing the horse. The trainers and owners are not doing anything, so they can’t be punished. The riders will get warnings and fines, and that can lead to their suspension,” Metcalfe said.
Phillip Parchment, president of the Jamaica Jockeys’ Guild, welcomed the rule change, stating, “Regarding the excessive use of the whip, we along with other stakeholders went back to the JRC to review the rule. We have come up with what I think is a more suitable solution which we could work with going forward.”