The most stringent rule regarding the use of a whip in thoroughbred horse racing will be the controversial focal point when Monmouth Park opens its meet on Friday. The rule adopted by the New Jersey Racing Commission allows a horse to be struck with a riding crop only for safety reasons. It applies to jockeys and exercise riders, and violations can result in suspensions that will increase with additional offenses. The new rule has been hailed by animal rights groups. The Jockeys’ Guild, the organization representing jockeys, called it dangerous for both riders and horses.
