Laurel Park making the switch to 'cushioned' whips

Edited Press Release
Photo: Eclipse Sportswire

Starting with Thursday’s card, Laurel Park’s jockey colony will begin using cushioned riding crops in all races.

The 360GT (gentle touch) crop, designed by Hall of Fame jockey Ramon Dominguez, has a larger, cushioned padding at the end designed to have less impact on horses. Laurel’s riders got a chance to get acquainted with the new crops during the special Easter Monday program.

“It looks almost like a big cat-tail. It’s got a big cushion on the end of it. It’s almost like a very spongy material,” said meet-leading rider Trevor McCarthy, Maryland’s winningest rider in 2014 and 2016.

“To me, it’s different. It’s something new. I like it. I think it’s very good for the horses,” he added. “This is something very important for our game, for the protection of our horses and the jockeys, so I’m pretty excited to start using it.”

McCarthy leads Laurel’s spring meet with 15 wins and $535,748 in purse earnings with 54 mounts. The spring meet runs through Sunday, May 5.

Read More

Kentucky Derby 2026 Sweet 16: Ted Noffey on top
With the Breeders’ Cup now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take an initial look at the...
Report: Grade 1 winner Kopion retired
Kopion has been retired from racing after a fifth-place finish against males in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. The...
Wolfie's Dynaghost leads all the way in River City
Wolfie's Dynaghost , a 7-year-old homebred gelding for Woodslane Farm, led all the way under Luis Saez to...
Speed Figures: Dwyer winner Disco Time leads top 10
Delivering as the favorite, 3-year-old Disco Time not only won the Dwyer at Aqueduct. His triumph also made him...
Saturday works: Ragtime leads graded winners on tab
Ragtime, the Grade 3 Dogwood winner who most recently placed third in the Raven Run (G2), breezed four...