Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: July 28, 2020
The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission July 28 approved several policies and best practices endorsed by Mid-Atlantic regulators, horsemen and racetracks, including a six-strike riding crop rule that will take effect Aug. 1 in Delaware and Maryland.
The PHRC, through Thoroughbred Bureau Director Tom Chuckas and some commission members, participates in the development of policies and regulations geared toward uniformity in the Mid-Atlantic region. Chuckas said that because the PHRC can no longer adopt temporary regulations, the changes or updates to existing rules would be adopted as “statements of policies or procedures” to allow them to take effect in 30 to 60 days.
The riding crop policy endorsed by the Mid-Atlantic group calls for a maximum of six strikes—no more than two in a row—from the quarter pole to the finish, and use of the whip underhand from the start to the quarter pole. The policy will pertain to Parx Racing, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course and Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
Two other statements of policies and procedures were adopted by the PHRC. One expands on best practices regarding the vet’s list, and the other implements the 150-day layoff report currently in use at other tracks in the region.
The PHRC also passed a motion calling for the commission, racetracks and horsemen’s groups to develop a continuing education program for trainers. The commission said it would provide its best effort to draft a regulation within 60 days and then move it through the approval process.
(Photo courtesy of Jim McCue)