From the most recent Los Alamitos Stewards Minutes:
“JOCKEY G. JAIRO RANGEL IS FINED $300 FOR VIOLATION OF CHRB RULE #1688(b)(6) (USE OF RIDING CROP – MORE THAN THREE TIMES IN SUCCESSION WITHOUT GIVING THE HORSE A CHANCE TO RESPOND – SECOND OFFENSE), DURING THE SEVENTH RACE AT LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE ON OCTOBER 25, 2015. Jockey Rangel acknowledged his violation, stating that he forgot about the whipping rule.”
Second offense – but “he forgot about the whipping rule.”
“JOCKEY CRUZ MENDEZ IS FINED $300 FOR VIOLATION OF CHRB RULE #1688(b)(6) (SECOND OFFENSE), DURING THE SEVENTH RACE AT LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE ON OCTOBER 30, 2015. Jockey Mendez stated that he was unaware that striking his mount on the shoulder would be included in the three-strike count.”
Second offense – but was still unclear on the rule.
“JOCKEY OSCAR PEINADO IS SUSPENDED TWO RACING DAYS FOR VIOLATION OF CHRB RULE #1688(b)(6) (FOURTH OFFENSE), DURING THE NINTH RACE AT LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE ON OCTOBER 31, 2015. Jockey Peinado was remorseful and explained he was a last minute replacement in the Derby and, per the trainer’s instructions, got caught up in riding to win.”
“Got caught up in riding to win.” But he’s “remorseful.” By the way, a fourth offense brings but a two-day suspension (a suspension that does not preclude “participation in designated races in California”)?
Meanwhile, yesterday was another whip-for-the-win day at Finger Lakes (Equibase):
In the 2nd, “PRINCESS REYANA…opened up daylight…then [was] asked repeatedly…”
In the 7th, “ALCANUDANCE…opened up…then was whipped to the wire for the win.”
In the 9th, “HEPPLEWHITE…widened…then was under pressure for the win.”
This is horseracing.
Could someone explain how these rules interact with State animal cruelty laws? What level do these infractions rise to? I’m wondering why animal control enforcement does not enter the picture. Repetitive beating of any animal – after a warning – is criminal. Don’t tell me they lie out of it.
The physical evidence of whipping is visible, it is not a intention game. The rule says NO. Where is the law. These so-called jockeys MUST be accountable and their license removed.
I will listen.
In the USA the whip rules vary from State to State. The picture that Patrick has put up of American Pharoah being mercilessly beaten with a whip in the 2015 Kentucky Derby some 32 times was not in breach of the whip rules according to a spokesperson for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission when there was a public outcry. Below is an excerpt from the home page of the KHRC.
“The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) is an independent agency of state government charged with the responsibility of regulating the conduct of horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and related activities within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The KHRC is a leader in both the safety and integrity of the sport as well as the welfare of the horse. The KHRC’s passion and commitment is evident in the adoption of steroid bans, riding crop rule, standardbred whip rule, higher standards for animal welfare, and amended regulations for licensing and racing associations.”
In Australia the whip rules are national. I have just witnessed a horse being beaten with a whip some thirty-nine (39) times during the race (1350m). A rule here is that in the last 100m a jockey can beat a horse at his discretion and it is often the case that the horse is hit 12-13 times consecutively being the approximate number of strides in that final 100m. In this instance the jockey was fined $300 under the whip rule for “excessive” whipping. These fines are a joke.
Agreed Janwindsong, I will never be able to fathom why the horseracing industry has dispensation from animal cruelty laws. Here we have a law which states –
4. Definitions
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a reference to an act of cruelty committed upon an animal includes a reference to any act or omission as a consequence of which the animal is unreasonably, unnecessarily or unjustifiably:
(a) beaten, kicked, killed, wounded, pinioned, mutilated, maimed, abused, tormented, tortured, terrified or infuriated,
(b) over-loaded, over-worked, over-driven, over-ridden or over-used,
(c) exposed to excessive heat or excessive cold, or
(d) inflicted with pain
Thank you, Carolyn. The animal cruelty laws are repeated in each state with little variation. The laws were enacted to conserve the decency of our society in prohiiting the more brutish or unevolved from attacking the innocent and to protect the humans from the horror of witnessing it.
The laws have changed somewhat after Oregon Supreme Court ruled that animals do feel terror at the hands of the discompassionate.
KY is hardly the bastion of horse welfare. Most of the kill buyers lace their business through KY, cruelty law enforcement is practically nonexistent. Let’s just say KY has perfected the personna of gentility but don’t look behind the curtain.
I empathize so deeply with the equine that I fear going to the races anymore. I didn’t realize the whipping was so egregious. No more finesse, no more teasing and encouraging by riders who cared? Brute force with undereducated jockeys shamelessly beating (as if it were a gas pedal) is an arrogant slap in a decent scety’s face.
I just read of the illegal racing underground supported by law enforcement here in California. This criminal culture is out of control.