Jockeys criticize new crop rules in California, New Jersey

After the California Horse Racing Board announced a more stringent set of regulations on use of the riding crop Monday, jockeys offered a strong reaction against the changes, which they claim will make their jobs much more difficult.

"We have been opposed the past two years,” said Terry Mayocks, president and CEO of the Jockeys’ Guild. “This raises safety concerns for riders and horses. Again this will affect owners, trainers and betting public."

[RELATED: California finalizes crop restrictions]

The California rule change announcement came several days after New Jersey announced that use of the crop to encourage the horse will be banned altogether. Riders will still be able to use the crop if necessary to prevent injury.

Effective Oct. 1, rider in California will be prohibited from using the crop more than six times in a race, and from using it more than twice in succession without letting the horse respond. The crop must be used underhanded and cannot be used in training unless needed for the safety of the horse or rider.

John Velazquez, co-chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild, shared Mayocks’ concern over the new rules.

"My reaction to California is that they are making it much too difficult for jockeys to ride a race for our bettors and the integrity of the sport,” Valazquez said. “New Jersey is making it very unsafe for horses and jockeys."

Besides Valazquez, several other jockeys offered criticisms of the regulations on social media.

Rajiv Maragh, who has been racing in California since 2017, reacted negatively.

“These jurisdictions banning riding crops [it’s] getting ridiculous,” Maragh said in a Twitter post on Monday. “What 'issue' are they solving? You are not protecting the integrity of the competition of a race. Watering down the product. To save face as if you are doing something.”

As could be expected, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals responded positively to the news of the New Jersey changes.

“We’re urging every other racing jurisdiction that hasn’t already instituted such a ban to follow suit,” the organization said in a press release, “because beating horses to make them run faster should never be allowed.”

PETA has supported an outright ban on horse racing for years.

Another jockey, Chris DeCarlo, responded to the new rules and the organization in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

“Why should we appease PETA? They do nothing for Horse Racing,’ DeCarlo said. “Other than trying to put us out of business. It’s certainly not like they are going to purchase racehorses or wager on our sport. A sport that does create a lot of jobs nationally. They can go kick rocks.”

The New Jersey rules go into effect when Monmouth Park begins its 2021 meet.