Section 1411.100  Riding Crops and Other Equipment

a)         Riding Crops

All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the Stewards and the Clerk of Scales.

1)         Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in flat racing, including training, only as follows:

A)        Maximum weight of eight ounces;

B)        Maximum length, including flap, of 30 inches;

C)        Minimum diameter of the shaft of one-half inch; and

D)        Smooth shaft contact area, with no protrusions or raised surface, covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one millimeter throughout its circumference.

2)         The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet the following specifications:

A)        Length beyond the end of the shaft − maximum of one inch;

B)        Width − a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;

C)        No reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft;

D)        No binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and

E)        Shock absorbing characteristics similar to those required by subsection (a)(1)(D).

3)         Although the use of a riding crop is not required, any jockey who uses a riding crop during a race shall do so only in a manner consistent with exerting his or her best efforts to win.

4)         In all races in which a jockey will ride without a riding crop, an announcement of that fact shall be made over the public address system.

5)         Riding crops shall not be used on two year old horses before April 1 of each year.

6)         The riding crop shall only be used for safety, correction and encouragement.

7)         All riders shall comply with the following when using a riding crop:

A)        Showing the horse the riding crop and giving it time to respond before striking the horse;

B)        After using the riding crop, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again; and

C)        Using the riding crop in rhythm with the horse's stride.

8)         Prohibited use of the riding crop includes, but is not limited to, striking a horse:

A)        on the head, flanks or any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hindquarters, except when necessary to control a horse;

B)        during the post parade or after the finish of the race, except when necessary to control the horse;

C)        excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;

D)        when the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing;

E)        persistently, even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop; or

F)         striking another rider or horse.

9)         After the race, horses will be subject to inspection by a racing official or veterinarian looking for cuts, welts or bruises in the skin. Any adverse findings shall be reported to the Stewards.

b)         Other Equipment

1)         No bridle shall exceed two pounds.

2)         A horse's tongue may be tied down with clean bandages, gauze or a tongue strap.

3)         No licensee may add blinkers to a horse's equipment or discontinue their use without the prior approval of the Starter.

4)         No electrical or mechanical device or other expedient designed to increase or retard the speed of a horse, other than the riding crop approved by the Stewards, shall be possessed by anyone, or applied by anyone, to the horse at any time on the grounds of the association during the meeting, whether in a race or otherwise.

c)         The giving of instructions by any licensee that, if obeyed, would lead to a violation of this Section may result in disciplinary action being taken against the licensee who gave the instructions, as well as the person who took, or failed to take, the action.

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 2816, effective February 12, 2010)