Monmouth Park jockeys allowed to use crops at upcoming meet
New Jersey, which last year banned the use of the riding crop except for matters of safety, will loosen its rules beginning with the upcoming Monmouth Park meet.
A request was filed by Monmouth Park to the New Jersey Racing Commission to amend the state's stringent crop rule to put it in line with that outlined by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which goes into effect July 1. The request was approved by the commission Friday.
Under HISA guidelines, jockeys are allowed six overhand strikes with the crop and unlimited underhand strikes. Additionally, after two successive strikes, a horse must be given time to respond.
“Happy with the decision. A good day for racing,” Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby Development LLC, which operates Monmouth Park, told the Asbury Park Press. “It just makes sense for racing. The commission did the right thing.”
According to the Asbury Park Press, a three-person panel of track officials will monitor for violations and provide recommendations to racing secretary John Heims, who will be the final arbiter on penalties.
A first offense will result in a $500 fine and three-day suspension. A second offense will bring a $2,500 fine and a seven-day suspension and a third offense will result in a $5,000 fine plus dismissal for the remainder of the meet.
The Monmouth Park meet opens May 7 and runs through Sept. 18.