Kentucky racing commission approves new crop rule

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a new rule for crop use in the state.

The rule will limit jockeys to six overhand strikes during a race and no more than two strikes in succession without giving the horse an opportunity to respond.

Terry Meyocks, president and CEO of the Jockeys’ Guild, expressed his support of the rule during the meeting.

“This rule was indeed a compromise from both parties,” Meyocks said at the meeting. “But we feel that this rule is a fair compromise and is in the best interest of our industry. We committed in April that we would endorse the Kentucky rule for the riding crop and that hopefully would be the uniform rule for the riding crop in North America.”

In addition to the limitation on overhand strikes, jockeys will not be allowed to raise the crop over their helmet for a strike at any time.

Jockeys will be allowed to tap horse on the shoulder while both hands are on the reins, and use of the crop in an underhanded position is unlimited from the three-eighths pole to the finish.

Stewards will be able to issue a minimum $500 fine or a minimum three-day suspension on first offense.

The new rule previously had passed the rules committee by another unanimous vote. It next will be taken up by Kentucky's Legislative Research Commission and could take effect later in 2021.

The KHRC also voted to approve race dates and officials for Churchill Downs and Kentucky Downs, and it approved more historical horse racing machines for several venues.