Woodbine Entertainment will partner with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA) and the Jockey's Benevolent Association of Canada (JBAC) to test out a new urging rule that allows only for underhand use of the riding crop. The test period will begin Oct. 18 and run through the conclusion of the Woodbine meeting in December.
The new AGCO rule allows for no contact with the horse with the crop in the cocked position and also prohibits striking the horse to the belly or surrounding area.
According to a release, officials from the AGCO have met with executives from Woodbine, the JBAC and the HBPA to discuss and attempt to build a consensus on how best to amend the rules.
“Woodbine Entertainment is committed to safety and being a leader of change for the betterment of the horse racing industry in Ontario and throughout North America,” said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, and who also was recently appointed to The Jockey Club Safety Committee (United States). “We are proud to partner with the AGCO, HBPA and JBAC on this important initiative that will surely have a positive impact on our sport and industry.”
Retired Hall of Fame jockey Sandy Hawley voiced his support of the rule change and using the 'test period' as a first step.
“I will always be very supportive of any improvement to horse racing that's for the betterment of the sport and the safety of the horses and the riders,” said Hawley. “The test period is also a good idea that will provide everyone involved an opportunity to learn from the experience and help create a smooth and safe implementation of the new rule.”
Following the end of the current Woodbine meet Dec. 15, the AGCO will make an evaluation to see if any further changes might be required before the formal introduction of the new rule at Woodbine and Fort Erie for the beginning of their 2020 meets.
Training materials and orientation sessions will be provided to both riders and race officials. Special paddock meetings will be held for jockeys as their adjust their style to be in line with the new requirements.
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